  | Many assassinations of Samir, the seller of dreams Author: Nayeri, Daniel | |
| Price: $25.88 | ||
Summary:
This is the tale of an exciting journey along the Silk Road with a Monk and his newfound guardian, Samir, a larger than life character and the so-called "Seller of Dreams". The man is a scammer; his biggest skill being the ability to talk his way into getting what he wants. While that talking did save Monkey's life, it has left a lot of people furious with Samir--furious enough to hire assassins. Monkey decides to try and save Samir from the attempts on his life--as a way to pay off his debt!
| Illustrator: | Miyares, Daniel |
Awards:
Newbery Honor, 2024
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (01/01/23)
School Library Journal (+) (04/01/23)
Booklist (+) (12/01/23)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (+) (00/03/23)
The Hornbook (00/03/23)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/15/2023 *Starred Review* This tight little tome shares the testament of one orphan boy, dubbed Little Monkey following his rescue (and purchase) by the titular Samir, an incorrigibly jovial and conniving snake-oil merchant, whom—as the boy states up front—he has killed. As Monkey settles in with Samir's caravan, he comes to detest the endless bloviating, scheming, and swindling of the Seller of Dreams, for whom trickery is not just a constant impulse but the paradigm through which he views the world. As such, there are many who want him dead, and on the journey east along the legendary Silk Road, Monkey elaborates on seven attempts on his master's life. Miyares' rich paintings, only a few here seen, precede each chapter, giving vivid shape to the figures but also endowing the story with a classic quality through a style hearkening to certain renditions of the Arabian Nights. Nayeri grounds the proceedings in Monkey's narration, and the boy proves to be a thoughtful and engaging guide through this simple yet sophisticated story. As Monkey works to save Samir from assassination, hoping to win his freedom in exchange, he takes an inner journey, exploring the expansive nature of love and ultimately finding something more than he expected. Readers, too, will find more than expected, including tender philosophies, complex characterizations, heaps of humor, a masterful twist, and most importantly, just a great story, beautifully told. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 04/01/2023 Gr 4–8—This delightful adventure along the 11th-century Silk Road opens with its 12-year-old narrator, Omar (soon called Monkey), fleeing for his life from the monks who had once sheltered him. Monkey is saved by Samir, a merchant traveling in a caravan, who buys him from the monks for six bolts of silk. Monkey joins Samir in his journey to Samarkand and begins to learn Samir's tricks of the trade. What initially seems like simple bartering tactics and weaving of wild tales turns out to be a recipe for disaster. Samir has earned grudges from many of his former customers, and now several assassins are after him. The thrills never let up in this fast-paced adventure tale that is packed with intrigue, vivid description, and plenty of heartwarming moments. The narrative voice is at times naive, at others snarky, but ultimately readers will find delight in Monkey's own ability to weave a wild tale that keeps them guessing till the very end. Miyares's beautiful full-color illustrations animate life along the Silk Road, and an extended author's note provides excellent historical context for Monkey's tale. VERDICT An epic adventure with an enduring message about love and family, this is a first purchase for upper elementary and middle school libraries.—Dana West - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
