The Boy at the Back of the Class

When a new boy named Ahmet joins Mrs. Khan's classroom, he takes the seat at the back and remains quiet and distant. Curious and compassionate, the narrator and their friends learn that Ahmet is a refugee from Syria, separated from his family. Determined to help, the children embark on a mission to reunite Ahmet with his loved ones, confronting prejudice and bureaucratic challenges along the way. Their journey highlights the power of kindness, friendship, and standing up for what is right.

Recommendation: This heartfelt novel is recommended for readers aged 8–12 who are interested in stories that promote empathy, cultural understanding, and social justice. Onjali Q. Raúf delivers a poignant narrative that resonates with contemporary global issues, making it a valuable read for both children and adults.​ The novel that has received critical acclaim, including the Blue Peter Book Award and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize. Amazon Teachers' Pick. 

Ideal for:

• Middle-grade readers seeking diverse and socially relevant stories​
• Educators and parents aiming to discuss themes of immigration and inclusion​
• Readers who appreciate narratives about friendship and activism​

Similar Reads:

• Refugee by Alan Gratz
• A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
• Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai​

Stylistic Features:

• First-person narrative from a child's perspective, offering an authentic and relatable voice​
• Blends humor and warmth while addressing serious topics​
• Incorporates cultural references and current events to enhance realism​

Content Warnings: The novel addresses themes of war, displacement, and racism, which are handled sensitively but may require discussion for younger readers.​