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For National Curriculum Key Stage 2, Interest age: from c 9 years, Refugees & political asylum, School stories (Children's / Teenage), Personal & social issues: racism & multiculturalis
WINNER OF THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD 2019
WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE 2019
SHORTLISTED FOR THE JHALAK PRIZE 2019
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.
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 nine years old (just like me), but he's very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn't like sweets - not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!
But then I learned the truth: Ahmet really isn't very strange at all. 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. . .
With beautiful illustrations by Pippa Curnick
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Onjali Q. Rauf
Onjali Q RaA f's first book, The Boy at the Back of the Class, was Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize in 2019, the Blue Peter Book Prize 2019 and other accolades.
RaA f's second book, The Star Outside My Window, went on to win the Diversity Book Award for Children's Fiction (UK) 2020.
Further titles include The Night Bus Hero, The Great Food Bank Heist, The Lion Above the Door, Where Magic Grows and Hope on the Horizon.
In 2022, RaA f was recognised for her services to Literature and Women's Rights in the New Year Honours.
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