Author: Onjali Q Rauf
Genre: realistic fiction
Similar books: Joseph's Big Ride by Terry Farrish
Drita, My Homegirl by Jenny Lombard
Rating:
 |
| well intentioned, less well executed |
Summary (provided by publisher): There used to be an empty chair at the back of Mrs. Khan's classroom, but on the third Tuesday of the school year a new kid fills it: nine-year-old Ahmet, a Syrian refugee.
The whole class is curious about this new boy--he doesn't seem to smile, and he doesn't talk much. But after learning that Ahmet fled a Very Real War and was separated from his family along the way, a determined group of his classmates bands together to concoct the Greatest Idea in the World--a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his loved ones.
Balancing humor and heart, this relatable story about the refugee crisis from the perspective of kids highlights the community-changing potential of standing as an ally and reminds readers that everyone deserves a place to call home.
My opinion: I'm entirely on board with Rauf's aim with this book. Personally, though, I found the approach to be a misstep. There's a little too much "it's precious when kids misunderstand". The innocence of youth lighting the way for self-interested adults. That kind of thing. Adults may find that sweet but it doesn't always land with young readers. Even though I find the line by line reading less than ideal, though, I sill recommend this book. Because not enough authors are writing about refugees and the impact of war for a young audience. We need to see the stresses of refugees, the difficulty of fighting in to a new culture, especially when the media is full of voices condemning your very existence. Rauf even manages to add in messages about the complexity of dealing with bullies for kids and adults. This is a book that will speak to the right kid at the right moment.
More information: The Boy at the Back of the Class releases August 6
Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.
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