49 pages • 1 hour read
The Boy at the Back of the Class
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Book Brief
312
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2010s
•
Childhood & Youth•
Friendship2018
Middle grade
8-12 years
Super Short Summary
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf tells the story of a group of children who befriend a new student from Syria named Ahmet. Ahmet is a refugee, and the children embark on a meaningful journey to help him reunite with his family, learning about empathy, friendship, and kindness along the way.
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Emotional
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf is lauded for its heartfelt narrative and timely themes of friendship and empathy towards refugees. Readers appreciate its engaging storytelling for young audiences, although some critics find its characters occasionally lack depth. Overall, it effectively fosters understanding and compassion.
Who Should Read The Boy at the Back of the Class?
A reader who enjoys The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf likely appreciates heartfelt stories about friendship, empathy, and social issues, similar to fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio. This reader often seeks books addressing real-world topics through child-friendly narratives and endearing characters.
Ahmet
Ahmet
A newly arrived classmate with a mysterious past, whose experiences as a Syrian refugee unfold as the novel progresses, highlighting his journey towards openness and connection.
Tom, Josie, and Michael
Tom, Josie, and Michael
Alexa's diverse and loyal friends who share unique quirks, support each other, and join Alexa in befriending and supporting Ahmet.
Mrs. Khan
Mrs. Khan
The caring and empathetic teacher who fosters an inclusive classroom environment and helps her students understand and support Ahmet.
Alexa’s Mom (Mum)
Alexa’s Mom (Mum)
A supportive single parent who guides Alexa through social complexities while balancing multiple jobs, providing cultural insights and understanding.
Brendan the Bully
Brendan the Bully
The antagonist known for his mean behavior and mischief, particularly towards Ahmet, who creates conflict within the classroom dynamics.
312
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 2010s
•
Childhood & Youth•
Friendship2018
Middle grade
8-12 years
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