The Boy at the Back of the Class introduces readers to a 9-year-old determined to befriend the new kid and who teaches us all the beauty in seeking to understand and care for our friends no matter the obstacles.
A group of elementary-aged kids befriend Ahmet, a Syrian refugee. As they learn more about him, they try to help reconnect Ahmet with his family and together stand up against the school bully.
Recommended age range: 8-12
Strengths:
- Raúf explores friendship and the path it takes us down.
- Explains the refugee crisis in age-appropriate ways.
- With a charming lead character, readers adventure together to learn about the hardships others must overcome.
- The author has crafted a book that exudes life from a 9-year-old's perspective and it's refreshing.
- Raúf guides readers in the difference between welcoming others from different cultures with curiosity and joy versus letting fear win.
- Quality writing that brings the reader along for each twist and turn.
- Writing packs an emotional punch as I was choked up by the rewarding conclusion—a rarity for me when reading children's fiction.
- Toward the end, the author's political view sneaks into the narrative at a crucial juncture but it doesn't harm the overall plot.
- This book helps explain the difference between an immigrant and a refugee.
- One of my favorite international kid lit books yet!
Overall rating: 9 (out of 10)