The Boy At the Back of the Class
Onjali Q. Raúf, Pippa Curnick
Subjects
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
- Friends & Family - tears and laughter, and happy ever after
Average rating
OVER HALF A MILLION COPIES SOLD IN THE UK ALONE!
TRANSLATED INTO 20+ LANGUAGES
WINNER OF THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD (UK) 2019
WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE (UK) 2019
WINNER OF THE SAKURA MEDAL (JAPAN) 2020
WINNER OF THE CHILDREN’S COWBELL AWARD (SWITZERLAND) 2021
WINNER OF THE PRIX JANUSZ KORCZAK PRIZE (FRANCE) 2022
THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS STAGE PLAY NOMINATED FOR AN OLIVIER (UK) 2026
On a perfectly ordinary school day, something extraordinary happens: a boy with pale skin, lion eyes and a tattered red rucksack walks in. Unable to speak English and seated at the back of the class, Ahmet ‘the refugee kid’ becomes the perfect target for bullies and rumours alike.
But Ahmet has also captured the attention and empathy of a fellow classmate, who will do anything to help him find his family. Even if that involves a plan – or five, and the Queen herself!
Told with heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense.
With beautiful illustrations by Pippa Curnick
BEAUTIFUL GOLD FOIL ANNIVERSARY EDITION NOW AVAILABLE – FIND IT UNDER ‘ALL FORMATS AND EDITIONS’
Reviews
Funny, touching, and teaches empathy through the eyes of a child.
Marshal Petronella Turkey 13.06.2026
I read this book with my mum and little brother and we really enjoyed it. We loved the characters and the story was just brilliant. We read a chapter each night and each time I wanted to read more. Highly recommend to other children and adults!
Superintendent Neptune Biscuits 12.05.2026
I love this book so much It gets you hooked on and it is amazing I really enjoyed reading this I really recommend it to everyone
General Gloriana Teacup 23.03.2026
This book is about a refugee bou called ahmet who came from syria without out his family, the narrator (Alexa ) along with her friends found his parents .
Princess Angora Dangerous 02.01.2026
This book consists of a empty chair at the back of the class and one day a boy joins the school called Ahmet everybody thins he is wierd but when the main character finds out about his past life and the truth is that Ahmet is a refugee and has fled war before and the more he finds out the more he wants to help
Coach Diamond Foxtail 31.12.2025
A heartwarming story about a young boy trying to help a refugee friend. So inspiring to read!
Viscount Rapper Menace 22.12.2025
This book is about a girl named Alexa who goes on a mission to find refugee boy Ahmet's parents. Ahmet comes to the school early in the year and Alexa immediately wants to make friends with him, so she and her other friends Tom, Michael and Josie give sweets and fruit to him after school every day. Alexa plucks up the courage to ask her mum what foods people from Syria like and they go to the supermarket to buy Ahmet a pomegranate. They try many different shops before finding one and Alexa gives it to Ahmet the next day. However bullies take the pomegranate from Ahmet and smash it onto the ground. Alexa is angry and decides to go to the library with Josie and co. to write a letter to a judge asking to find Ahmet's parents. The judge doesn't write back so Alexa and Michael go on a risky journey to "Buck-Ing-Ham" Palace to attempt to have tea with the Queen. Although they do their best police officers stop them and they are sent home. A few weeks later the Queen writes a letter to Alexa and Ahmet and Ahmet's parents are finally located on Alexa's birthday. 10 out of 10 and would recommend.
Officer Diamond Partridge 28.11.2025
This book is about a boy who was a refugee from Syria. 4 students welcome him, and they become friends.
Doctor Kiki Astronomical 26.09.2025
Star Reviewer
Good
Sergeant Pongo Windchime 23.08.2025
It was quite interesting. I felt bad for the boy
Professor Orchid Porridge-Oats 16.08.2025
I liked it 'cause it involved educational stuff and they're 65,000.000 refugees so far:)
Judge Blossom Possum 15.08.2025
I liked reading about how they were saving the boy in the story
Master Trigger Dalmatian 10.08.2025
Alexa was really brave about helping ameet
Officer Flopsy Bluebird 09.08.2025
Star Reviewer
it was very mixed feelings sad happy lonlyness
Sergeant Portobello Sofa 09.08.2025
I loved this book because it is based on true events.
Countess Babs Jumpsuit 04.08.2025
i liked the part were he tawks about him being a refuge becase not verr many people in books open about there past.
Director Fifi Jamboree 03.08.2025
My favourite character: Ahmet! So who is Ahmet? Ahmet is immigrant refugee and from Syria. (This book about trying finding Ahmet's family... this plan will work?) I know how to be a refugee too so I really liked it book! I recommend this book for children wants to know about friends!
Senorita Daffodil Bungalow 01.08.2025
I though it was a really good book to read and can inspire young children that they can change the world in many different ways that they like so it doesn’t matter if you’re a refugee or just a normal person you can change the world the way you want to.
Nurse Mildred Ridiculous 01.08.2025
I gave it a total of 4 stars out of 5 because i love the way the doesn't understand things like a lemon sherbert and other foods
General Tulip Piano-key 29.07.2025
Star Reviewer
I like this book because it talks about how important refuge kids (and adults) are.
Dona Jet Casserole 27.07.2025
