The Boy at the Back of the Class (pre-owned)

The boy’s name is Ahmet, and he’s a refugee boy from Syria, The gang get to know him and they play together and work together, but not everyone is as friendly. Bullies in the class and even one amongst the teachers don’t like Ahmet, even after they hear his sad story. The gang, however, come up with a plan to help Ahmet, though they have no idea how much trouble and excitement it’s going to cause.

Onjali Q Raúf presents the issues around refugees – their plight, attitudes towards them, ways of helping them – through a warm, charming story about a good-hearted nine-year-old who just wants to help a friend. It’s intelligent and interesting, and the story itself is lively and funny as the kids follow their own logic with admirable determination. It doesn’t shy away from the ugliness, either, from the horrors and losses faced by the refugees, to the bigotry and racism and ignorance they face, albeit presented in a way that doesn’t overwhelm a positive story about friendship and love.