The Boy at the Back of the Class

When Ahmet joins their 4th-grade classroom, many kids are inquisitive about the new boy who speaks little English and spends recess and lunch in another room. The rumors fly, which makes the children more curious about their new classmate. London and his three close friends take it upon themselves to make friends with Ahmet, yet they have few opportunities to interact with him initially.Over time, London learns that Ahmet is a refugee but doesn't understand the significance of the word. London's mother helps him to realize in simplistic terms how refugees leave their homes because of their violent and dangerous situations in their native countries.Eventually, the kids learn that Ahmet's life has been turned upside down. His parents may or may not be alive back in Syria, his younger sister has died, and he's come to live in a new country with a foster parent (the UK), where he knows little of the language.London plans to visit the Queen of England to help Ahmet reunite with his parents. It's naive but also demonstrates his kind heart. Though I still gave the book five stars, my only complaint is that nearly every character is stereotypical regarding being good or bad. It would have been more beneficial to have multi-dimensional characters,I did appreciate that author Onjati Rauf is courageous enough to take on essential themes like acceptance, perseverance, tenacity, bullying, and prejudice.

A beautiful book about friendship and more.

I read this story following a recommendation from one of my fifth grade students and I was so moved. The way the author tells the story from the language and perspective of a nine year old gives even more authenticity to this powerful story. Its important for children to have a happy ending in this story, however I appreciate the authors note at the end to remind us that not all stories have a happy ending.I don't know if it was intentional nut throughout the story its impossible to know if the main character and narrator is a girl or a boy. Even the reporters say child when covering the palace event. On the last page it seems to be revealed but I would love to hear from the author about this.I strongly recommend this book to all, adults and children especially given the current refugee crisis in Ukraine. What we learn and read can help us be empathetic and helpful.

I did not know this was a young adult book - and I enjoyed every minute of it f it! The 9 year old perspective was innocent and often profound in clarity. There were many gems of phrases from the good writing of the author. It makes you wish children could help us solve more of the world’s challenges.

My middle schooler enjoyed this book

The media could not be loaded.  My 10 year old daughter loves this book!

This is an extremely well written and touching book. The author paints personalities that are cute, comical, and insightful. Very appropriate to read as a family and we read it to our 9 years old and 3 year old. Some solid lessons delivered in avery cute way. Highly recommend this book.

Great story of kids doing extra special things for their friend who has been through hell and back just to travel to safety in the UK

O papel não é da mais alta qualidade. Parece muita papel de jornal.

Good read for kids.

Jolie histoire sur un sujet d’actualité difficile, mais traité avec optimisme et humour, et surtout bien écrit, dans un anglais agréable et facile à comprendre (encore plus sur liseuse avec un dictionnaire intégré). L’auteure va jusqu’à impliquer la Reine, avec tout le respect qui lui est dû, of course !Évidemment, le tout est rempli de bons sentiments, « (presque) tout le monde il est beau et il est gentil » comme dirait un célèbre humoriste. Mais quand on écrit pour les enfants, comment pourrait-il en être autrement ?Ce livre est une manne pour les lectures scolaires, d’autant plus qu’au second plan, il aborde également la question du harcèlement à l’école. Sujet d’actualité également.

My 11 year old son enjoyed reading this book

A very poignant and emotional story. A surprising friendship materialises with the addition of a new boy to the class who sits at the back. Ahmet is a Syrian refugee who finds himself in the UK.A novel that makes you ask many questions of yourself and society and gives a good insight into the trials and perils faced by refugees but especially children. I didn't want to put this book down and thoroughly enjoyed it and have recommended it to all my students.