A SONG OF HER OWN

In Bulhan’s chapter-book debut, a 7-year-old Somali nomadic girl longs for new responsibilities, hoping to prove herself as capable as her older siblings.

As the middle child, Kiin finds herself caught between stages of life. She’s too old to be carefree, but not old enough for more meaningful tasks, such as goat and sheep herding, which would give her exciting stories to share around her family’s nightly bonfire. She listens to their tales and yearns for adventures of her own—something worthy of capturing everyone’s attention. As Kiin wrestles with her growing frustration to find a good enough story, she gradually discovers her inner strength with support from her parents and siblings. Only when Kiin stops trying to impress others does she finally shine, opting to just be herself. A simple tune she sings while doing her chores (“This time, it was fun, too!”) unexpectedly charms her entire clan, allowing her to relax by the bonfire at last, fully present and at peace. The narrative offers a steady and satisfying amount of introspection from Kiin, naturally drawing readers into her world. The story includes Somali words and expressions throughout, and a thoughtfully compiled glossary provides helpful guidance without interrupting the flow. Although Kiin’s nomadic life may be unfamiliar to some young readers, her navigation of sibling dynamics, interpretation of confusing words from grown-ups, and longing to prove herself will resonate widely. The novel maintains a lighthearted tone, even as it nods to real-world circumstances, referencing war, famine, and family separation with a careful, age-appropriate touch. At the heart of the story lies an invitation to mindfulness, as Kiin learns to quiet her racing thoughts and return to her udubdhexaad, or core, whenever she feels untethered. Bulhan, drawing on her own childhood, succeeds in crafting a story that encourages youngsters to discover their own inner home. Celess’ expressive, grayscale illustrations throughout also help to bring Kiin’s world vividly to life, capturing moments of thrilling danger and quiet intimacy.

This culturally rich and excitingly original tale is sure to broaden some young readers’ horizons.