The Boy At the Back of the Class: Onjali Rauf

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Ahmet, oh he was just such a wonderful character though I had some tears due to what he has experienced. Although that sounds routine or commonplace, right from the start, a group of friends can tell that there is something different about him. It was really good and it was a very interesting book because it showed how our world really is like because some people can be mean and looking for fame while others are kind and helpful towards other people especially refugees who have escaped from war or any damage happening in their country!

But in overall, this was a gorgeous book about refugees, finding a home to belong, feeling safe, friendship, and more. This is the story about how one ordinary nine-year-old child and three classmates are full of empathy for Ahmet, a boy that comes to their school as a refugee from Syria (he is the boy at the back of the class). It is honest about characters being fearful about people they do not know and situations they do not understand. He never talks and never smiles and doesn't like sweets - not even lemon sherbets, which are my favorite!Above all though we enjoyed a really uplifting, positive story about a brave little boy and his fabulous friends. The resulting madcap scenario is steeped in serious business, and it's an overall enjoyable, informative read. To make sure everyone else knows, too, she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime–one that involves breaking into the Royal Observatory of London, and meeting the biggest star in Hollywood. The best part is that the story is told with that beautiful uncompromised child's view of the world. Centres on the importance of friendship and encourages children not to fear those who are different.

In Chapter 10 the reader learns about Ahmet’s journey from Syria and it becomes clear why his rucksack is so important to him. The diversity, curiosity, bullying in school, built-in rules of schools, different families, friendship, generosity, kindness and so many things. There’s a lovely lack of stereotyping on gender and backstory for the narrator, which adds to the message of not judging people before you know them.

This UKS2 task looks at the different viewpoints of the characters: the children and Mr Irons in chapter 7.

I read this book in one day because it grabbed me and I was really attached to Ahmet and it’s like a cliffhanger every chapter.

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. Raúf is the founder of Making Herstory, an organisation mobilising men, women and children from all walks of life to tackle the abuse and trafficking of women and girls in the UK and beyond. I have to say that I was surprised when I read "your daughter" on page 226, saw her name on page 293 (Alexa) and when I saw the girl joining Ahmet at the last page.