The Boy at the Back of the Class

Raf Onjali Q

ISBN 10: 1984850784 / ISBN 13: 9781984850782

Published by Random House USA Inc, 2019

About this Item

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 PrizeWinner 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 Ra f 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).

Seller Inventory # CIN1984850784G

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Boy at the Back of the Class
• Publisher: Random House USA Inc
• Publication Date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1984850784
• ISBN 13: 9781984850782
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

Told with humor and heart, The Boy at the Back of the Class offers a child's perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn't always make sense.

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 bands together to concoct the Greatest Idea in the World--a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his loved ones.

This accessible, kid-friendly story about the refugee crisis highlights the community-changing potential of standing as an ally and reminds readers that everyone deserves a place to call home.

"This moving and timely debut novel tells an enlightening, empowering, and ultimately hopeful story about how compassion and a willingness to speak out can change the world." --School Library Journal, Starred Review

Overall Winner of the 2019 UK Waterstones Children's Book Prize
Winner of the 2019 UK Blue Peter Book Award
A CLIP Carnegie Medal Children's Book Award Nominee

About the Author

Onjali Q. Raúf is the founder and CEO of Making HerStory, a UK nonprofit that works to fight human trafficking and gender-based abuses and crimes. She lives in the UK, and you can find her on Twitter at @OnjaliRauf. The Boy at the Back of the Class is her debut novel.