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
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 'There used to be an empty chair at the back of my class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He's a refugee who's run away from a War. A real one. With bombs and fires and bullies that hurt people. And the more I find out about him, the more I want to help ... That's where my best friends Josie, Michael and Tom come in. Because you see, together we've come up with a plan...' 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
My favourite novel and book
Inspector Cabbage Squirrel 03.01.2025
It was about a boy from Syria and it was amazing but his sister died in the medditeanian sea
Professor Pluto Mildew 02.12.2024
It was a nice story as the refugee had 3 friend helping him settle in to his new school and country.
Coach Hercules Pipistrel 04.09.2024
I really enjoyed it and it put a realism in it because some people do get unfortunately bullied in school , but some people try to stop the bullying in the story and I’m really happy that it happened because Ahmet seemed really affected by the bullies .
Baroness Daffodil Vesuvius 04.09.2024
Unexpectedly different to what you would think. A great book that talks all about the amazing journey the boy at the back of the class went through and what the little girl had done for him.
Doctor Sunny Archway 02.09.2024
very good love it
Doctor Fifi Jumpsuit 02.09.2024
i would definately recommend it as it talks about the troubles of wars , conflicts and the trouble it causes to people and it also educates small children on what is happenening in the adult world , also letting them understand that the world also has these things going on in them .
Judge Bijou Manatee 02.09.2024
A very interesting story!
Chief Aardvark Flattery 02.09.2024
This book is amazing it is about a boy who is a refugee and he escapes a war and comes to a school where he is new and the bully bullies him but his friends protect him! Iwould definitely recommend this to a9 year old or more
Fairy Fenella Foxtail 01.09.2024
I quite liked this book because it showed kindness and respect in lots of different ways. This book is really nice and is written with great care. I think that even if your are not a great fan of books, then you will still be interested in this book. So, it really is just a book for everyone.
General Amazonia Washington 01.09.2024
Absolutely brilliant! I really like the characters and it has really made me think about the real life situations that refugees can find themselves in.
Senor Chesney Endeavour 26.08.2024
This was an amazing book. It made me happy at some points and tense at others. I love the idea of Jossie.
Judge Heroica Snivel 23.08.2024
This book was heart warming
Director Candyfloss Birdbath 13.08.2024
interesting and educational i think it is great
Countess Peaches Squirrel 10.08.2024
I can’t explain why but I really liked this book. I liked the characters, the story. It made me feel good because of the morals.
Commander Chip Waltzer 10.08.2024
It was interesting to learn about refugees and to learn how they went through many struggles
Fairy Agnetha Waxwork 03.08.2024
I enjoyed this book. It was about a boy who had to run away from his home country because there were bombs there. He had to leave his family behind. A group of friends helped Ahmet find his family. I learnt about refugees from this book.
Dona Wanda Remmington 01.08.2024
It’s a good book but a bit sad
Senorita Beryl Hedgehog 31.07.2024
I like this book because the main character is lovely to Ahmet a refugee in a new place.
Queen Venus Pineapple 30.07.2024
I love the book it was so good it was about a refugee boy he and his new friends are on a mission.
Princess Cynthia Vegas 29.07.2024
