The Boy At the Back of the Class: Onjali Rauf

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I presumed this book wouldn't be suitable for young children but actually it would be an excellent way of tackling discussion around the refugee crisis. It was just the sweetest thing, especially since mom worked so much due to dad dying years and years ago. It would be a great way to teach children about the refugee crisis as they are learning along side the main character. This leads them to question what exactly a refugee is, how he came to be at their school and how they can become friends with him when he seemingly won’t talk to them. Nevertheless, this engaging book can serve as a resource for readers who want to learn more about the global refugee crisis without being flattened by the weight of the world.

I liked how the parents and the teachers took their time to explain what was happening to the kids, especially the MC's mom was perfect with this. Her books are especially noteworthy for helping the children of today understand and deal with a range of issues in a narrative that they can relate to in an engaging way. It was heartwarming listening to their discussions about refugees, they were very empathetic and sympathetic towards the refugee boy in the book. An important story of the struggles faced by refugees of all ages whilst addressing issues including prejudice and bullying. It also teaches a great lesson to adults about humanity and how children do not judge and just take people for who they are with kindness, not through bigoted views.When they hear that the gates to refugees are to be closed, they hatch a plan ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ with the aim of ensuring that Ahmet can be reunited with his family. Your Year 5 / Year 6 class will complete activities that recount events linked to the journey of Ahmet’s rucksack. 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. petit et grand coup de cœur pour ce livre si nécessaire et si beau, malgré cette réalité que trop d’enfants vivent encore de nos jours 🤍 c’est l’amitié, ce sont les réfugiés et leur réalité et tout ce qu’ils traversent, mais c’est surtout du beau et ça réconforte de savoir qu’il existe d’aussi belles personnes (bien que ce soit ici des personnages).

Alexa, who is narrating, has some funny observations, and is curious about Ahmet, and wants to help him, to the point of trying to find a treat that he used to have in his homeland. The book is told in the first person and I was intrigued that you're kept guessing about the identity of the narrator until quite late on in the book - their gender and name. These school kids have no idea what a refugee even is, and when they learn more about Ahmet’s story they are determined to help him. Sometimes I think everyone likes to believe a lie even when they know it’s a lie because it’s more exciting than the truth. As they learn more about him – that he is a Kurdish refugee from Syria and that he was separated from his family en route to Britain – their concern for him grows.A great book to share with young children to discuss issues facing others, encourage acceptance and kindness and develop empathy. Fortunately, there is a set of instant friends waiting in his new classroom all ready and eager to make a big difference to his life. But in overall, this was a gorgeous book about refugees, finding a home to belong, feeling safe, friendship, and more.

It's charming and sweet, and honest and nuanced in how it portrays the refugee crisis and everything surrounding it. This highlights how much simplicity and humanity is missing in dealing with, in this case, refugee children, and also serves as an unpleasant reminder of how much humanity is lost through bureaucracy, politics, and growing up.One of the successes of this book is that, while it doesn’t shy away from the trauma of the crisis, it makes it accessible to the young reader. More Hamburger icon An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon.