The Boy at the Back of the Class Review - Onjali Q. Raúf

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf is a very emotional and meaningful story about friendship, kindness, and standing up for what is right. It is told from the point of view of a young girl in a primary school, which makes the story feel really real and easy to understand. The way it is written also makes it sound like a child is telling the story, which makes it even more relatable.

The story begins when a new boy named Ahmet joins the class. He sits quietly at the back and doesn’t talk much. The other children notice that he is different, and they soon learn that he is a refugee who had to leave his home because of war. This makes the main character and her friends very curious about him, but also concerned.

At first, Ahmet seems very sad and lonely. He doesn’t smile much and doesn’t join in with the other children. However, the main character and her friends decide they want to be kind to him and try to make him feel welcome. As they slowly get to know him, they realise that he has been through something really difficult. They find out that Ahmet has been separated from his family and doesn’t know where they are, which is very heartbreaking.

The group of friends decide that they want to help Ahmet find his family again. Even though they are just children, they come up with a plan and work together to try and make it happen. This part of the story is really interesting because it shows how determined and brave they are. It also has some funny moments, especially when their plans don’t go perfectly, but it is also very emotional at the same time.

One of the most important things about this book is the message it teaches. It shows how important it is to be kind to people, especially those who are different or going through a hard time. It also teaches readers not to judge others based on where they come from. The story helps explain what refugees go through in a simple way, so younger readers can understand it better.

The characters in the book are really likeable and feel realistic. The main character and her friends are caring, loyal, and determined to do the right thing. Their friendship is very strong, and it is nice to see how they support each other. Ahmet is also a very strong character. Even though he has been through something very sad, he still shows bravery and hope.

This book made me feel lots of emotions while reading it. Some parts were really sad and made me feel sorry for Ahmet and what he had to go through. Other parts were happy and heartwarming, especially when the children worked together and showed kindness. It also made me think about how lucky I am and how important it is to help others.

Another thing I liked about the book is how it shows that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. The children don’t have a lot of power, but they still try their best to help, which is really inspiring. It shows that you don’t have to be an adult to make a difference in someone’s life.

Overall, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a powerful and touching story with an important message about friendship, courage, and kindness. It is both emotional and inspiring, and it makes you think about how you treat other people.

I would definitely recommend this book to other readers, especially people my age, because it teaches such an important lesson in a way that is easy to understand. I would give it 5 out of 5 stars because it is emotional, meaningful, and unforgettable.