The Boy at the Back of the Class

The Boy at the Back of the Class

By Onjali Q. Raúf

3 ratings 4 reviews 3 followers
In the vein of timely titles such as Katherine Applegate's Wishtree and Alan Gratz's Refugee comes a touching, accessible middle-grade debut about the ongoing Syrian refugee crisis, as well as the life-changing power of friendship and standing as an ally.

There used to be an empty chair at the back of Mrs. Khan's classroom, but on the third Tuesday of the school year a new kid fills it: nine-year-old Ahmet, a Syrian refugee. The whole class is curious about this new boy--he doesn't seem to smile, and he doesn't talk much. But after learning that Ahmet fled a Very Real War" and was separated from his family along the way, a determined group of his classmates band together to concoct the Greatest Idea in the World--a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his loved ones.

Balancing humor and heart, this relatable story about the refugee crisis from the perspective of kids highlights the community-changing potential of standing as an ally and reminds readers that everyone deserves a place to call home.

Overall Winner of the 2019 Waterstones Children's Book Prize
Winner of the 2019 Blue Peter Book Award

"Tearjerking and chuckle-inducing. . . . Above all it celebrates the power of kindness." -- The Sunday Post (Scotland)

"Inspiring and sweet. . . . This is a beautiful, open-hearted debut from Onjali Q Raúf that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness." --BookTrust (UK)

"An engaging exploration of the refugee crisis through the eyes of a child." --Readings (Australia)
Publisher: Yearling
ISBN-13: 9781984850812
ISBN-10: 1984850814
Published on 7/28/2020
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 304

Book Reviews (4)

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The book The Boy At The Back Of The Class is a book about a Refugee Kid who is named Ahmet. He is new to everything because he is from a place called Syrian and does not speak English. While a group of other kids try to make friends with him he can't really understand them . I think the theme of this book is never give up, I think that because in the book the group of people who want to be friends with him kept on giving him gifts even though he never spoke to them. This book made me realize that other people who maybe have never told you that they are a Reffugee Kid, but maybe they are so you should always treat someone the way that you would want to be treated, because you never no what they have been through in their life. I also noticed that something that keeps appearing is the yellow lemon candy. I like this book because it is very interesting and is about a boy who is different. So if you like books about people who go through a life struggle then this is the book for you. I am only half wat through the book.

This book was amazing and I felt like everything in it was real

i loved this book it was very emotionl and was touching and a sad story and hope you enjoy it

EggMayo.9 EggMayo.9

A inspiring book about a refuge boy his friends help him find his family (while also getting famous). At the end of term a envelope comes in to Ahmet the refugee his Mum and Dad are found but his sister is dead it is a good story with a great ending. I recomend this to anyone who is looking for a good book!