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شاگرد ته کلاس
داستان «شاگرد ته کلاس» درباره پسری بهاسم احمد از پناهندگان سوری است که در انگلستان زندگی میکند. نویسنده در اینکتاب نگاهی دلسوزانه و همدلانه به پناهجویان جنگی دارد و از طریق قصهای درباره یکی از آنها، اهمیت دوستی و مهربانی را بین آدمها نشان داده است. آنجالی قطره رئوف پس از نوشتن اینکتاب، در سال ۲۰۱۹ نامزد دریافت مدال کارنگی شد. اینکتاب همچنین توانست جوایز واترستون و بلوپیتر را برای نویسندهاش به ارمغان بیاورد.
278 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2018
1063 people are currently reading
9559 people want to read
About the author
Onjali Q. Raúf
27 books288 followersOnjali Q. Rauf is the founder of Making Herstory, an organisation mobilising men, women and children from all walks of life to tackle the abuse and trafficking of women and girls in the UK and beyond. In her spare time she delivers emergency aid convoys for refugee families surviving in Calais and Dunkirk, and supports interfaith projects.
Her first novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, has sold over 100,000 copies and won multiple awards. Her second book, The Star Outside My Window, publishes in October 2019.
Her first novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, has sold over 100,000 copies and won multiple awards. Her second book, The Star Outside My Window, publishes in October 2019.
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October 15, 2020Unfortunately I have had to remove my rating for this book as I cannot continue to support a transphobic and ableist author: https://twitter.com/TheGavGav7/status...
I also acknowledge this in my recent unhaul video on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/eh63xq8nPIA
I also acknowledge this in my recent unhaul video on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/eh63xq8nPIA
February 28, 2023
So eine wichtige und liebevoll erzählte Geschichte! Und so gut, dass es ein Kinderbuch mit dieser Thematik gibt! Es ist dabei kindgerecht geschrieben, aber auch so berührend und fesselnd, dass es auch ein wertvolles Buch für erwachsene Leser ist!
Das Ende ist so schön und geht ans Herz 🌺
Ich werde bestimmt noch lange an dieses Buch denken!
Das Ende ist so schön und geht ans Herz 🌺
Ich werde bestimmt noch lange an dieses Buch denken!
September 6, 2018
My 8 year-old son enjoyed this book so much that he wanted to write a review. To be honest, I was surprised when he picked it up at the bookstore and started reading - he usually prefers graphic novels or sillier books like Captain Underpants or HiLo. But he didn’t want to put this book down and pleaded with me to buy it. When I read the description, I couldn’t say no. Here is his review:
"I really liked this book because I never read a book about refugees before so that was new to me. I really liked the characters. They are super funny! I was really worried because there is this kid from Syria named Ahmet in third grade, just like me, but he doesn’t know English, lost his dad, lost his mom, his cat is dead AND no one knows what happened to his sister!
But then he made some really good friends and they protected him from Brenden the bully.
One day two of his best friends, the main character (“me”) and Tom went to see the Queen to give her a letter saying that they shouldn’t close the border so that Ahmet could find his family. So the main character (“I”) stuck his hand out to give one of the guards their letter when they were changing guards -- which was really brave. I was really excited when “I” went to give the letter to the guard - because guards always carry big heavy spiky things that could’ve cut his hand really badly!
One cool thing was that the author never tells you the main character’s name. I read this book in one day because it grabbed me and I was really attached to Ahmet and it’s like a cliffhanger every chapter."
"I really liked this book because I never read a book about refugees before so that was new to me. I really liked the characters. They are super funny! I was really worried because there is this kid from Syria named Ahmet in third grade, just like me, but he doesn’t know English, lost his dad, lost his mom, his cat is dead AND no one knows what happened to his sister!
But then he made some really good friends and they protected him from Brenden the bully.
One day two of his best friends, the main character (“me”) and Tom went to see the Queen to give her a letter saying that they shouldn’t close the border so that Ahmet could find his family. So the main character (“I”) stuck his hand out to give one of the guards their letter when they were changing guards -- which was really brave. I was really excited when “I” went to give the letter to the guard - because guards always carry big heavy spiky things that could’ve cut his hand really badly!
One cool thing was that the author never tells you the main character’s name. I read this book in one day because it grabbed me and I was really attached to Ahmet and it’s like a cliffhanger every chapter."
June 22, 2018
This is a very topical novel, which addresses some difficult issues in a way which will help children understand them. With the refugee crisis a virtually nightly news story and many adults, and world leaders, showing low levels of tolerance; this shows the resilience of children to make up their own minds about things.
It begins, as the first chapter says, with an empty chair. It is the beginning of a new term and there is one spare place in the class – which is soon to be taken by a new boy; Ahmet. Ahmet has just moved to London, the lady who picks him up after school doesn’t look like his mum, he won’t speak to anyone and the school bully has his eye on him… However, in a troubled, and unsettled world, this lonely and scared child has a group of friends, in his new class, who are determined to make him their friend too…
This is a heart warming and touching novel. It is honest about characters being fearful about people they do not know and situations they do not understand. It also shows the pure openness and honesty of children, who are non-judgemental and caring. There is a little touch of the ‘BFG,’ about this, which felt a little like a nod to Dahl. This would be a wonderful book to read to a class in school, or to open up discussions about refugees. It also has a great sense of what individuals can achieve and of how a little warmth and kindness gives back so much more happiness than hate.
It begins, as the first chapter says, with an empty chair. It is the beginning of a new term and there is one spare place in the class – which is soon to be taken by a new boy; Ahmet. Ahmet has just moved to London, the lady who picks him up after school doesn’t look like his mum, he won’t speak to anyone and the school bully has his eye on him… However, in a troubled, and unsettled world, this lonely and scared child has a group of friends, in his new class, who are determined to make him their friend too…
This is a heart warming and touching novel. It is honest about characters being fearful about people they do not know and situations they do not understand. It also shows the pure openness and honesty of children, who are non-judgemental and caring. There is a little touch of the ‘BFG,’ about this, which felt a little like a nod to Dahl. This would be a wonderful book to read to a class in school, or to open up discussions about refugees. It also has a great sense of what individuals can achieve and of how a little warmth and kindness gives back so much more happiness than hate.
March 20, 2019
A warm, eloquent and thought-provoking story, beautifully told through the eyes of a child. Not since RJ Palacio’s Wonder has there been a book filled with as much hope. I was taken on such an emotional journey with this story, but then Rauf’s characters are so compelling, I was left with little choice. The last few chapters left me completely choked with my heart clenched and blinking away tears. If you’re looking for a book to restore your faith in humanity, call off the search, and find refuge in these here pages.
June 27, 2021
Sometimes when you read middle grade as an adult you have to take it with a pinch of salt as it can feel a bit childish, the scenes jump quite quickly, the pace is quicker than adult fiction,
obviously the writing is catered for kids so you can expect that. But with this one honestly I didn't really feel that.
Also Included in my May Wrap Up video: youtube.com/watch?v=4xNv-3x6pEs
The story had a full arc there was that initial intrigue and as that sort of dies down and you grasp the context of all the characters then there’s a build up of an adventure and the story has a second wind.
This story is about immigration, I like how the main character isn’t the refugee boy himself but one of his class mates so you’re able to take on the view that other children in the class take towards this boy.
5 stars!
obviously the writing is catered for kids so you can expect that. But with this one honestly I didn't really feel that.
Also Included in my May Wrap Up video: youtube.com/watch?v=4xNv-3x6pEs
The story had a full arc there was that initial intrigue and as that sort of dies down and you grasp the context of all the characters then there’s a build up of an adventure and the story has a second wind.
This story is about immigration, I like how the main character isn’t the refugee boy himself but one of his class mates so you’re able to take on the view that other children in the class take towards this boy.
5 stars!
May 30, 2019
Beautiful book. Like ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ this should be compulsory reading - for all ages. Stripping everything back to seeing events through the eyes of children is the perfect tool here. This highlights how much simplicity and humanity is missing in dealing with, in this case, refugee children, and also serves as an unpleasant reminder of how much humanity is lost through bureaucracy, politics, and growing up. But it’s also full of positivity and warmth, a fantastic achievement. Don’t miss this one, but do bring tissues.
My rating strategy:
5 stars = An all time favourite, I could tell you about this 10 years later.
4 stars = Loved this, really gripping/fun/exciting, will remember long term.
3 stars = Definitely enjoyed, might forget quickly though, but happy to read more by the author.
2 stars = Likely to have some good points, but it didn't properly captivate me.
1 star = Not my cup of tea at all, wouldn't return to the author.
My rating strategy:
5 stars = An all time favourite, I could tell you about this 10 years later.
4 stars = Loved this, really gripping/fun/exciting, will remember long term.
3 stars = Definitely enjoyed, might forget quickly though, but happy to read more by the author.
2 stars = Likely to have some good points, but it didn't properly captivate me.
1 star = Not my cup of tea at all, wouldn't return to the author.
October 8, 2020
سوال بزرگ من این است؟ به وجود آورنده داعش چه کسانی بودند؟ نابود کننده داعش چه کسانی بودند؟ خوب و بد این ماجرا کجاست؟ و قهرمان چه کسی است؟
«شاگرد ته کلاس» ماجرای پسری اهل سوریه به نام «احمد» است که حالا به لندن پناهنده شده. در درجهی اول اگر بخواهیم ساختار کتاب را بررسی کنیم باید بگوییم که شاید از هر نظر نمرهی ضعیفی بگیرد. شخصیت اصلی کتاب که سعی میکند به احمد کمک کند بینهایت کلیشهای و سطحی است. از طرفی پردازش این شخصیت تا اندازهای ضعیف است که من تا یک سوم پایانی کتاب تصور میکردم پسر است. (گرچه الان هم که مشغول نوشتن این یادداشت هستم مطمئن نیستم دختر بود.) احمد به مدرسه جدید میآید و دخترک داستان میخواهد با او دوست شود و قلدر مدرسه با او بدرفتاری میکند و ماجراهای کلیشهای که صد و چند صفحه از کتاب را در برمیگیرد. بعد از مدتی دوستهای جدید احمد متوجه میشوند که قرار است ورود پناهندهها به انگلستان ممنوع شود و تصمیم میگیرند برای کمک به احمد کاری بکنند تا بتوانند پدر و مادرش را پیدا کند. (ایدهی کلیشهای قهرمانی و ماجراجویی کودکان) پس تصمیم میگیرند به رییس جمهور یا قاضی دیوان عالی کشور نامه بنویسند. وقتی به نتیجه نمیرسند تصمیم میگیرند برای «ملکه» نامه بنویسند و اینجاست که من به سوال ابتدای این متن میرسم.
ایدهی خوبی است که در یک کشور ثالث جنگی نیابتی راه بیندازیم که موجب آوارگی کشته شدن هزاران نفر بشود. بعد کتابهایی از مهربانی خودمان با پناهندههای آن جنگ بنویسیم و قهرمان بشویم. در سرتاسر کتاب بیان میشود که «زورگوها» موجب آوارگی احمد و پدر و مادرش شدهاند. گویی این زورگوها از فضا آمدهاند و نام و نشانی ندارند. و انگلستان و ملکهاش به عنوان سردمدار زورگوهای عالم در سرتاسر تاریخ معاصر، با آن سابقه درخشان در بردهداری و استعمار حالا قهرمان داستان هستند.
بعد از اینکه دخترک و دوستانش جوابی از ملکه دریافت نمیکنند تصمیم میگیرند به «کاخ باکینگهام» بروند و شخصاً مساله را با ملکه مطرح کنند. گارد سلطنتی جلویشان را میگیرد وتصویرشان در رسانهها منتشر میشود و جریان مفصلی راه میافتد. ملکه هم به بچههای مدرسه نامه مینویسد و از آنها میخواهد برای صرف چای به کاخ باکینگهام بیایند و قول میدهد که پدر و مادر احمد را پیدا کند. پدر و مادر احمد هم پیدا میشوند و همه چیز به خوبی و خوشی به پایان میرسد.
موضوع کتاب یعنی مساله «پناهندگی» به قدری برایم جذاب بود که بعد از اولین چاپ کتاب بلافاصله خریدمش. میخواستم به نوجوانهای اطراف توصیه کنم که بخوانند و باهم در مورد پناهندگی صحبت کنیم. (از سوریه تا افغانستان و هر آنچه جنگ بر سر آدمها میآورد.) اما بعد از خواندن کتاب فقط به یک چیز فکر میکردم. اینکه بچههای نسل بعد جنگ سوریه را چطور تصور میکنند؟ دوباره جای جلاد و شهید عوض میشود؟ و تکلیف قهرمانهای واقعی این مسیر چه خواهد بود؟
جدای از نگاه جانبدارانه نویسنده، «شاگرد ته کلاس» حتی کتاب جذابی هم نیست. سیر داستان بینهایت کند و خسته کننده است. همان طور که گفتم شخصیتها پردازش نشده و سطحی هستند و پایان ماجرا به قدری تکراری است که هیچ کس را غافلگیر نمیکند و با همهی این تعاریف مشخص است که ارزش خواندن ندارد، و شاید روزی مردی از خویش برون آید و برای روایت حقیقتِ ماجرا کاری بکند....
«شاگرد ته کلاس» ماجرای پسری اهل سوریه به نام «احمد» است که حالا به لندن پناهنده شده. در درجهی اول اگر بخواهیم ساختار کتاب را بررسی کنیم باید بگوییم که شاید از هر نظر نمرهی ضعیفی بگیرد. شخصیت اصلی کتاب که سعی میکند به احمد کمک کند بینهایت کلیشهای و سطحی است. از طرفی پردازش این شخصیت تا اندازهای ضعیف است که من تا یک سوم پایانی کتاب تصور میکردم پسر است. (گرچه الان هم که مشغول نوشتن این یادداشت هستم مطمئن نیستم دختر بود.) احمد به مدرسه جدید میآید و دخترک داستان میخواهد با او دوست شود و قلدر مدرسه با او بدرفتاری میکند و ماجراهای کلیشهای که صد و چند صفحه از کتاب را در برمیگیرد. بعد از مدتی دوستهای جدید احمد متوجه میشوند که قرار است ورود پناهندهها به انگلستان ممنوع شود و تصمیم میگیرند برای کمک به احمد کاری بکنند تا بتوانند پدر و مادرش را پیدا کند. (ایدهی کلیشهای قهرمانی و ماجراجویی کودکان) پس تصمیم میگیرند به رییس جمهور یا قاضی دیوان عالی کشور نامه بنویسند. وقتی به نتیجه نمیرسند تصمیم میگیرند برای «ملکه» نامه بنویسند و اینجاست که من به سوال ابتدای این متن میرسم.
ایدهی خوبی است که در یک کشور ثالث جنگی نیابتی راه بیندازیم که موجب آوارگی کشته شدن هزاران نفر بشود. بعد کتابهایی از مهربانی خودمان با پناهندههای آن جنگ بنویسیم و قهرمان بشویم. در سرتاسر کتاب بیان میشود که «زورگوها» موجب آوارگی احمد و پدر و مادرش شدهاند. گویی این زورگوها از فضا آمدهاند و نام و نشانی ندارند. و انگلستان و ملکهاش به عنوان سردمدار زورگوهای عالم در سرتاسر تاریخ معاصر، با آن سابقه درخشان در بردهداری و استعمار حالا قهرمان داستان هستند.
بعد از اینکه دخترک و دوستانش جوابی از ملکه دریافت نمیکنند تصمیم میگیرند به «کاخ باکینگهام» بروند و شخصاً مساله را با ملکه مطرح کنند. گارد سلطنتی جلویشان را میگیرد وتصویرشان در رسانهها منتشر میشود و جریان مفصلی راه میافتد. ملکه هم به بچههای مدرسه نامه مینویسد و از آنها میخواهد برای صرف چای به کاخ باکینگهام بیایند و قول میدهد که پدر و مادر احمد را پیدا کند. پدر و مادر احمد هم پیدا میشوند و همه چیز به خوبی و خوشی به پایان میرسد.
موضوع کتاب یعنی مساله «پناهندگی» به قدری برایم جذاب بود که بعد از اولین چاپ کتاب بلافاصله خریدمش. میخواستم به نوجوانهای اطراف توصیه کنم که بخوانند و باهم در مورد پناهندگی صحبت کنیم. (از سوریه تا افغانستان و هر آنچه جنگ بر سر آدمها میآورد.) اما بعد از خواندن کتاب فقط به یک چیز فکر میکردم. اینکه بچههای نسل بعد جنگ سوریه را چطور تصور میکنند؟ دوباره جای جلاد و شهید عوض میشود؟ و تکلیف قهرمانهای واقعی این مسیر چه خواهد بود؟
جدای از نگاه جانبدارانه نویسنده، «شاگرد ته کلاس» حتی کتاب جذابی هم نیست. سیر داستان بینهایت کند و خسته کننده است. همان طور که گفتم شخصیتها پردازش نشده و سطحی هستند و پایان ماجرا به قدری تکراری است که هیچ کس را غافلگیر نمیکند و با همهی این تعاریف مشخص است که ارزش خواندن ندارد، و شاید روزی مردی از خویش برون آید و برای روایت حقیقتِ ماجرا کاری بکند....
April 18, 2019
I am so in love with this story. After I finished, it left huge smile on my face and my heart little bit bigger.
Everything changes for a group of nine year olds, when new boy comes to their class. As they find out later, Ahmet is Syrian refugee with heart-breaking experiences. They try to befriend him and help him as much as they can. And whoa, their adventures will become legendary.
It is such a nice and heartwarming story told from a perspective of 9 and 3/4 year old girl talking about very important issues of today. The best part is that the story is told with that beautiful uncompromised child's view of the world. They love, they cherish and they don't judge.
I wish this book gets translated and children everywhere can read it with their parents. I wish I had some children to read it to, but to be honest, I would probably cry a lot while reading it to them :D Happy tears, of course :)
This book really was incredible.
Everything changes for a group of nine year olds, when new boy comes to their class. As they find out later, Ahmet is Syrian refugee with heart-breaking experiences. They try to befriend him and help him as much as they can. And whoa, their adventures will become legendary.
It is such a nice and heartwarming story told from a perspective of 9 and 3/4 year old girl talking about very important issues of today. The best part is that the story is told with that beautiful uncompromised child's view of the world. They love, they cherish and they don't judge.
I wish this book gets translated and children everywhere can read it with their parents. I wish I had some children to read it to, but to be honest, I would probably cry a lot while reading it to them :D Happy tears, of course :)
This book really was incredible.
March 24, 2022
So so good 🥰
May 31, 2023
Que livro delicioso!
Uma história contada através do olhar inocente de uma criança de 9 anos.
Aconselho vivamente a miúdos e graúdos. Não como não gostar desta história.
Uma história contada através do olhar inocente de uma criança de 9 anos.
Aconselho vivamente a miúdos e graúdos. Não como não gostar desta história.
October 6, 2021
I only picked up this book as it was part of the English curriculum at school.
I have enjoyed both reading the book and listening to the children's conversations about it.
It was heartwarming listening to their discussions about refugees, they were very empathetic and sympathetic towards the refugee boy in the book.
Reading this book with the children and discussing it with them have made the whole book 10 times better.
I have enjoyed both reading the book and listening to the children's conversations about it.
It was heartwarming listening to their discussions about refugees, they were very empathetic and sympathetic towards the refugee boy in the book.
Reading this book with the children and discussing it with them have made the whole book 10 times better.
February 26, 2020
One day the chair in the back of the class is filled by a boy, Ahmet, and our MC decides to become friends.
I had this book in Dutch a few months, maybe longer, but couldn't get into it. Thankfully, one of the libraries finally added it in English to their collection. Of course I had to bring it home to see if this time I could read it. And well, I loved it. It was a beautiful written book with a very likeable character.
I just adored how our MC immediately decided to become friends with Ahmet and that she brought him fruits and sweets to make him happy. That was just so adorable and sweet. I loved how her friends also wanted to become friends and did the same thing. I loved how easily they embraced Ahmet in their group and how they were there for him to help him out.
The plans of the kids were dangerous but also very sweet. It is very brave of them to do those things for Ahmet. They could have let the adults handle it but instead they decided it was time to do it themselves before it was too late. Sure, I wouldn't encourage any kids their age to do the same thing, but this is fiction. I had a laugh that they also had presents with them for the Queen, they really take no chances.
The author wrote the kids really well. Sometimes with children's books the kids don't come across as the age that is mentioned, but these kids were their age.
I liked how the parents and the teachers took their time to explain what was happening to the kids, especially the MC's mom was perfect with this. She showed some newspapers, she explained, and also talked with her daughter on what she thought about this. And after the event with the big plan I loved how the adults protected the kids and patiently told them what to do (No comment!) and what not to do.
Ahmet, oh he was just such a wonderful character though I had some tears due to what he has experienced. His story was just so sad (though I had a laugh because of the innocence of the MC and her reactions to the story). I loved seeing him get more and more comfortable with his new environments, and how hard he was trying to learn English. I was happy to see him open up more and find his place in this new home.
I loved that the mom and MC had (Extra) Special Adventures. Meaning they had a whole day to do all sorts of things, whatever the MC would like to do. From finding a special fruit to getting stationery and other stuff for school. It was just the sweetest thing, especially since mom worked so much due to dad dying years and years ago.
The ending had me in tears that was just so beautiful and it just made me smile.
The book also had a few illustrations here and there. I do think something went wrong on the formatting of a few of them. I had a few pages that just cut off halfway and on the next page would have the illustration.
I have to say that I was surprised when I read "your daughter" on page 226, saw her name on page 293 (Alexa) and when I saw the girl joining Ahmet at the last page. I thought that our MC was a boy! I am sorry. Given everything I just thought this was a little boy who was talking. I am sorry if this is terrible, but it is how it is.
Again, as I have said in other books with teachers in them, if you hate kids or if you don't want to be a teacher, then find another job. Mr. Irons was a horrible horrible person who shouldn't be allowed anywhere near children. The things he did, and the things he didn't. Holy crap. He should have been fired a long time ago. I am sure someone has seen this behaviour for years. I cannot imagine it magically popped up.
The bullying also put me off from things and along with the teacher caused me to give this book 0.5 stars less. I am sorry, I am a big no no against bullying, and then especially when bullies seem to get away quite often with the crap they pull. I am happy with the ending, HOWEVER, I would have liked some more repercussions for the boys. Because bullies will be bullies.
But in overall, this was a gorgeous book about refugees, finding a home to belong, feeling safe, friendship, and more. I would recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I had this book in Dutch a few months, maybe longer, but couldn't get into it. Thankfully, one of the libraries finally added it in English to their collection. Of course I had to bring it home to see if this time I could read it. And well, I loved it. It was a beautiful written book with a very likeable character.
I just adored how our MC immediately decided to become friends with Ahmet and that she brought him fruits and sweets to make him happy. That was just so adorable and sweet. I loved how her friends also wanted to become friends and did the same thing. I loved how easily they embraced Ahmet in their group and how they were there for him to help him out.
The plans of the kids were dangerous but also very sweet. It is very brave of them to do those things for Ahmet. They could have let the adults handle it but instead they decided it was time to do it themselves before it was too late. Sure, I wouldn't encourage any kids their age to do the same thing, but this is fiction. I had a laugh that they also had presents with them for the Queen, they really take no chances.
The author wrote the kids really well. Sometimes with children's books the kids don't come across as the age that is mentioned, but these kids were their age.
I liked how the parents and the teachers took their time to explain what was happening to the kids, especially the MC's mom was perfect with this. She showed some newspapers, she explained, and also talked with her daughter on what she thought about this. And after the event with the big plan I loved how the adults protected the kids and patiently told them what to do (No comment!) and what not to do.
Ahmet, oh he was just such a wonderful character though I had some tears due to what he has experienced. His story was just so sad (though I had a laugh because of the innocence of the MC and her reactions to the story). I loved seeing him get more and more comfortable with his new environments, and how hard he was trying to learn English. I was happy to see him open up more and find his place in this new home.
I loved that the mom and MC had (Extra) Special Adventures. Meaning they had a whole day to do all sorts of things, whatever the MC would like to do. From finding a special fruit to getting stationery and other stuff for school. It was just the sweetest thing, especially since mom worked so much due to dad dying years and years ago.
The ending had me in tears that was just so beautiful and it just made me smile.
The book also had a few illustrations here and there. I do think something went wrong on the formatting of a few of them. I had a few pages that just cut off halfway and on the next page would have the illustration.
I have to say that I was surprised when I read "your daughter" on page 226, saw her name on page 293 (Alexa) and when I saw the girl joining Ahmet at the last page. I thought that our MC was a boy! I am sorry. Given everything I just thought this was a little boy who was talking. I am sorry if this is terrible, but it is how it is.
Again, as I have said in other books with teachers in them, if you hate kids or if you don't want to be a teacher, then find another job. Mr. Irons was a horrible horrible person who shouldn't be allowed anywhere near children. The things he did, and the things he didn't. Holy crap. He should have been fired a long time ago. I am sure someone has seen this behaviour for years. I cannot imagine it magically popped up.
The bullying also put me off from things and along with the teacher caused me to give this book 0.5 stars less. I am sorry, I am a big no no against bullying, and then especially when bullies seem to get away quite often with the crap they pull. I am happy with the ending, HOWEVER, I would have liked some more repercussions for the boys. Because bullies will be bullies.
But in overall, this was a gorgeous book about refugees, finding a home to belong, feeling safe, friendship, and more. I would recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 24, 2020
My 9yo twins kindly got given copies of this book from school, to read during lockdown. I thought I’d read it alongside them, so I could ask them questions about it.
It’s the story of a group of school kids who are intrigued when they meet Ahmet, a new boy, who is also a refugee. These school kids have no idea what a refugee even is, and when they learn more about Ahmet’s story they are determined to help him.
Now, my 9yo daughter is a strong reader so I knew she could handle this book. I wasn’t so sure with my son as he’s never read anything close to the size of this book, but I thought he could give it a try. Astonishingly after a few days of 30 minute bursts he got into bed, and read the remainder of the book - (over 150 pages!!) in one sitting! He stayed up well past his bedtime, and then rushed in to see me and exclaim just how brilliant the book was, what happened to the characters, and how much he enjoyed it. I was absolutely gobsmacked, and also delighted. As an avid reader I’ve tried for so long to explain to him the feeling of joy when you can’t put a book down. And through this book he finally got that. Hurray!
And despite him trying to ruin the plot for me I finished it tonight, and have to agree. What a fantastic book; incredibly topical and thought provoking, really interesting characters, written in the first person which definitely made those characters seem so genuine and realistic and an absolutely brilliant ending, where I was grinning away but also breaking my heart a little at the knowledge that not everyone has a happy ending.
So, this is the best book my son has ever read. If that’s not acclaim I don’t know what is.
It’s the story of a group of school kids who are intrigued when they meet Ahmet, a new boy, who is also a refugee. These school kids have no idea what a refugee even is, and when they learn more about Ahmet’s story they are determined to help him.
Now, my 9yo daughter is a strong reader so I knew she could handle this book. I wasn’t so sure with my son as he’s never read anything close to the size of this book, but I thought he could give it a try. Astonishingly after a few days of 30 minute bursts he got into bed, and read the remainder of the book - (over 150 pages!!) in one sitting! He stayed up well past his bedtime, and then rushed in to see me and exclaim just how brilliant the book was, what happened to the characters, and how much he enjoyed it. I was absolutely gobsmacked, and also delighted. As an avid reader I’ve tried for so long to explain to him the feeling of joy when you can’t put a book down. And through this book he finally got that. Hurray!
And despite him trying to ruin the plot for me I finished it tonight, and have to agree. What a fantastic book; incredibly topical and thought provoking, really interesting characters, written in the first person which definitely made those characters seem so genuine and realistic and an absolutely brilliant ending, where I was grinning away but also breaking my heart a little at the knowledge that not everyone has a happy ending.
So, this is the best book my son has ever read. If that’s not acclaim I don’t know what is.
August 25, 2019
I sobbed through the last 20 pages of this #mglit book about four elementary kids opening their hearts to a new student in their class. I love how kids are so good at cutting through politics to get to the heart of an issue. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this beautiful story by #onjaliqrauf ; this would make a wonderful read aloud!
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Ahmet is a refugee from Syria who has been separated from his family. He speaks Kurdish, but not English and some kids (and one teacher) in school are making him feel unwelcome. Four friends decide to welcome Ahmet into their circle and when they find out his parents are missing, they go to drastic measures to help their new friend. .
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This is a wonderful readalike to Wonder. I love the messages of having the courage to stand up to bullies and the importance of being an ally for people in need. ❤️❤️
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“...the entire world is full of hearts searching for a place to call home. But refugees are different, because they don’t just look for a home. They look for peace, too.”
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Book 67 for #30booksummer #mgbooks #bookstagram #bookreview #booksbooksbooks #librariansofinstagram #librariesofinstagram #middleschoollibrarian #theboyatthebackoftheclass #refugeeswelcome #refugeecrisis #syria
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Ahmet is a refugee from Syria who has been separated from his family. He speaks Kurdish, but not English and some kids (and one teacher) in school are making him feel unwelcome. Four friends decide to welcome Ahmet into their circle and when they find out his parents are missing, they go to drastic measures to help their new friend. .
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This is a wonderful readalike to Wonder. I love the messages of having the courage to stand up to bullies and the importance of being an ally for people in need. ❤️❤️
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“...the entire world is full of hearts searching for a place to call home. But refugees are different, because they don’t just look for a home. They look for peace, too.”
.
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Book 67 for #30booksummer #mgbooks #bookstagram #bookreview #booksbooksbooks #librariansofinstagram #librariesofinstagram #middleschoollibrarian #theboyatthebackoftheclass #refugeeswelcome #refugeecrisis #syria
December 25, 2023
Tai knyga ne tik apie draugystę, vaikų narsą, bet ir berniuką pabėgėlį, pritapimą naujoje vietoje, patyčias... Taip žavėjausi vaiku (nepasisakė kas jis yra, nors buvo kūrinio pasakotojas) ir jo draugais, kurie iškart naujoką priėmė į savo tarpą, nesvarbu, kad Achmetas nemokėjo kalbėti angliškai, buvo nedrąsus, o vėliau vaikai dar taip norėjo pagelbėti surasti jo tėvus. Taip paprastai ir suprantamai parašytas kūrinys, kurį rekomenduočiau perskaityti ne tik pradinukams ar truputį vyresniems vaikams, bet ir jų tėveliams.
Vertinu: 4,5⭐️/iš 5⭐️
Vertinu: 4,5⭐️/iš 5⭐️
July 22, 2021
3.5/5
বর্তমান বিশ্বের বহুল আলোচিত রিফিউজি ইস্যু নিয়ে লেখা কিশোর উপন্যাসটিতে অনেক জটিল বিষয় ছোটদের জন্য সহজবোধ্য করে আলোচনা করা হয়েছে।লেখিকার ভাষা সরল ও আকর্ষণীয়।শিশুদের চোখ দিয়ে পৃথিবীকে দেখার দুর্লভ ক্ষমতা আছে তার। উপন্যাসের শেষদিকে অনেক অতিনাটকীয় ঘটনা তেমন পছন্দ না হলেও মানবিকতা ও মানুষের শুভবোধের জয়গান গেয়ে যাওয়া এ বইটি বেশ সাহসী ও জরুরি একটি কাজ,সে কথা মানতেই হবে।
বর্তমান বিশ্বের বহুল আলোচিত রিফিউজি ইস্যু নিয়ে লেখা কিশোর উপন্যাসটিতে অনেক জটিল বিষয় ছোটদের জন্য সহজবোধ্য করে আলোচনা করা হয়েছে।লেখিকার ভাষা সরল ও আকর্ষণীয়।শিশুদের চোখ দিয়ে পৃথিবীকে দেখার দুর্লভ ক্ষমতা আছে তার। উপন্যাসের শেষদিকে অনেক অতিনাটকীয় ঘটনা তেমন পছন্দ না হলেও মানবিকতা ও মানুষের শুভবোধের জয়গান গেয়ে যাওয়া এ বইটি বেশ সাহসী ও জরুরি একটি কাজ,সে কথা মানতেই হবে।
December 17, 2019
While I understand the need for books about the refugee crisis and to encourage kids to be emphatic, I don't feel this was the book. The main character was so overreaching with her voice, trying to hard to be like a kid. There was no time to create characters- this are just what an adult thinks kids are like. There are so great quotes about refugees and their plight , with some good language for kids to understand. But I hope this will be a jumping off point for a better book to be written.
May 10, 2023
Read it with my younger siblings as a bedtime read awhile ago. Such a cute story… my sister cried when the she read the part about their cat dying!
Heartwarming story ❤️
Heartwarming story ❤️
July 8, 2020
My 9 year old enjoyed this immensely and it inspired some great discussions
September 25, 2020
Actual Rating 4.5
“Sometimes words hang around longer than people, even when you don’t want them to.”
This book warmed my heart and reminded me of Wonder in different ways. It talks about refugees, their struggles and their lives, in such a way which can be easily understood by kids. The author has done a really good job, in world-building. He told an important story which shows the real face of many societies without overburdening kids.
This story is told from a child narrative, who wants to befriend with this new kid, Ahmet. Ahmet is from Syria and doesn’t speak English. There are theories and rumours and school bullies. They want to save their friend after knowing his heart-shattering story.
I know it is middle grade but I’ll recommend it to all the grown-ups. It is never late to read a thing or two about Humanity from a child perspective. Humanity isn’t that complicated if you’ll try to make things simple. This book is filled with all those small acts of kindness which seem small but can make a huge impact.
I loved the way this book tackles many issues in a light and easy way. The diversity, curiosity, bullying in school, built-in rules of schools, different families, friendship, generosity, kindness and so many things.
“Sometimes I think everyone likes to believe a lie even when they know it’s a lie because it’s more exciting than the truth.”
I’ll recommend this book to everyone.
“Sometimes words hang around longer than people, even when you don’t want them to.”
This book warmed my heart and reminded me of Wonder in different ways. It talks about refugees, their struggles and their lives, in such a way which can be easily understood by kids. The author has done a really good job, in world-building. He told an important story which shows the real face of many societies without overburdening kids.
This story is told from a child narrative, who wants to befriend with this new kid, Ahmet. Ahmet is from Syria and doesn’t speak English. There are theories and rumours and school bullies. They want to save their friend after knowing his heart-shattering story.
I know it is middle grade but I’ll recommend it to all the grown-ups. It is never late to read a thing or two about Humanity from a child perspective. Humanity isn’t that complicated if you’ll try to make things simple. This book is filled with all those small acts of kindness which seem small but can make a huge impact.
I loved the way this book tackles many issues in a light and easy way. The diversity, curiosity, bullying in school, built-in rules of schools, different families, friendship, generosity, kindness and so many things.
“Sometimes I think everyone likes to believe a lie even when they know it’s a lie because it’s more exciting than the truth.”
I’ll recommend this book to everyone.
September 22, 2019
I don't know what I expected going into this book, but it wasn't this! The Boy At The Back Of The Class is maybe one of the best middle grade novels I've ever read. It's charming and sweet, and honest and nuanced in how it portrays the refugee crisis and everything surrounding it. It's such a layered book written with so much skill and delicacy, I'm honestly blown away. I highly recommend reading this for everyone.
June 17, 2021
میتونست بهتر باشه
کتاب بیسرزمین هم همین موضوع رو داره و اون هم داستانش جالبتر و جذاب تره هم دو تا شخصیت روایتش میکنن یکی احمد پسر سوریهای که به بلژیک میاد و یکی هم مکس که از آمریکا به بلژیک میاد
بخشهایی از کتاب:
آدمهایی که تخیل ندارند از درون مردهاند
گاهی فکر میکنم آدمها دوست دارند حرفی را که میدانند دروغ است باور کنند چون دروغها هیجان انگیزتر از واقعیت هستند
چطور ممکن است کسی از یک نفر که از بمب و جنگ فرار میکند، متنفر باشد؟
بعضی وقتها تنها چیزی که لازم داری جایی برای گریه کردن است، بدون اینکه کسی تو را ببیند.
دنیا پر از قلبهاییه که دنبال یه جایی میگردن که اسمشو بذارن خونه. اما در مورد پناهندهها فرق میکنه، چون اونا نه فقط دنبال خونه میگردن، دنبال صلح و آرامشم هستن و به همین دلیل، پناهندهها صاحب استثناییترین قلبها هستن.
هیچوقت فکر نکرده بودم که نجوا، وقتی تعدادش خیلی خیلی زیاد باشد، تا چه حد بلند میشود تمام روز نجوا میکردم " به احمد کمک کنین " و هر وقت امکانش بود، با صدای بلند این عبارت را به زبان میآوردم. تام و مایکل و جوزی هم همین کار را میکردند و وقتی با هم این را میگفتیم، نجواهایمان مثل صدای اقیانوس میشد.
کتاب بیسرزمین هم همین موضوع رو داره و اون هم داستانش جالبتر و جذاب تره هم دو تا شخصیت روایتش میکنن یکی احمد پسر سوریهای که به بلژیک میاد و یکی هم مکس که از آمریکا به بلژیک میاد
بخشهایی از کتاب:
آدمهایی که تخیل ندارند از درون مردهاند
گاهی فکر میکنم آدمها دوست دارند حرفی را که میدانند دروغ است باور کنند چون دروغها هیجان انگیزتر از واقعیت هستند
چطور ممکن است کسی از یک نفر که از بمب و جنگ فرار میکند، متنفر باشد؟
بعضی وقتها تنها چیزی که لازم داری جایی برای گریه کردن است، بدون اینکه کسی تو را ببیند.
دنیا پر از قلبهاییه که دنبال یه جایی میگردن که اسمشو بذارن خونه. اما در مورد پناهندهها فرق میکنه، چون اونا نه فقط دنبال خونه میگردن، دنبال صلح و آرامشم هستن و به همین دلیل، پناهندهها صاحب استثناییترین قلبها هستن.
هیچوقت فکر نکرده بودم که نجوا، وقتی تعدادش خیلی خیلی زیاد باشد، تا چه حد بلند میشود تمام روز نجوا میکردم " به احمد کمک کنین " و هر وقت امکانش بود، با صدای بلند این عبارت را به زبان میآوردم. تام و مایکل و جوزی هم همین کار را میکردند و وقتی با هم این را میگفتیم، نجواهایمان مثل صدای اقیانوس میشد.
October 12, 2021
petit et grand coup de cœur pour ce livre si nécessaire et si beau, malgré cette réalité que trop d’enfants vivent encore de nos jours 🤍 c’est l’amitié, ce sont les réfugiés et leur réalité et tout ce qu’ils traversent, mais c’est surtout du beau et ça réconforte de savoir qu’il existe d’aussi belles personnes (bien que ce soit ici des personnages). à lire, peu importe votre âge 🙏🏼
June 3, 2022
بااینکه زبان کتاب کودکانه بود (که البته به خاطر نه ساله بودن شخصیت کتاب یه پوئن مثبته) فوقالعاده ازش لذت بردم. واقعا خواندنی و جذاب و صدالبته تاثیرگذار بود.
چقدر بچههای دبستانی خوشقلبن:)
چقدر بچههای دبستانی خوشقلبن:)
February 5, 2021
Cieszę się, że powstają książki dla dzieci opowiadające o ważnych i aktualnych tematach, do tego robiąc to w świetny sposób. Historia zarówno dla dzieci jak i dorosłych, końcówka ogromnie wzruszająca.
January 16, 2026
QUE QUENTINHO!!!!!!
Amei! Vale todos os elogios que lhe fazem!
NOTA - 10/10
Amei! Vale todos os elogios que lhe fazem!
NOTA - 10/10
June 23, 2019
When I was in the fourth grade, a new girl came to our class, a refugee from Lebanon. We didn’t understand quite what that meant, when we were first told, just as Alexa and her friends don’t quite understand either.
I remember asking her, when we were a little older, if she was happy living in the states, where there was no war. She told me that if the war ever stopped, she and her family would return, because that was their home, and they missed it.
I lost touch with her, but in my life, I met other refugees including my wife, who escaped from Cuba after the Bay of Pigs.
No one, as my wife likes to say, leaves their home because they want to. No one wants to be a refugee. And in this book, it is clear that Ahmet would have loved to stay in Syria. His sister died in the crossing of the Mediterranean and his mother and father are missing.
This is not a downer of a book, however. Alexa, who is narrating, has some funny observations, and is curious about Ahmet, and wants to help him, to the point of trying to find a treat that he used to have in his homeland.
Alexa makes it her mission to be a friend to Ahmet, and in doing so, she tries to find a way to help him find his parents.
This is a fun engaging book, and it breaks down the refugee crisis for middle-grade readers. Very compassionate, and well written.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
I remember asking her, when we were a little older, if she was happy living in the states, where there was no war. She told me that if the war ever stopped, she and her family would return, because that was their home, and they missed it.
I lost touch with her, but in my life, I met other refugees including my wife, who escaped from Cuba after the Bay of Pigs.
No one, as my wife likes to say, leaves their home because they want to. No one wants to be a refugee. And in this book, it is clear that Ahmet would have loved to stay in Syria. His sister died in the crossing of the Mediterranean and his mother and father are missing.
This is not a downer of a book, however. Alexa, who is narrating, has some funny observations, and is curious about Ahmet, and wants to help him, to the point of trying to find a treat that he used to have in his homeland.
Sometimes I think people like to believe a lie even when they know it’s a lie, because it is more exciting than the truth.
Alexa makes it her mission to be a friend to Ahmet, and in doing so, she tries to find a way to help him find his parents.
This is a fun engaging book, and it breaks down the refugee crisis for middle-grade readers. Very compassionate, and well written.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Read
October 11, 2020Unfortunately even though this book is extremely important and was really beautiful, I can't give a rating to it because of the author's attitude when it comes to trans people, especially trans women.
For more info about that you can go check Gavin's tweet :https://twunroll.com/article/12819081...
But, apart from this terrible fact, when it comes to the book, I must say that my heart felt for every single sentence and for ahmed's life that unfortunately it's still the reality for a lot of children and adults out there.
For more info about that you can go check Gavin's tweet :https://twunroll.com/article/12819081...
But, apart from this terrible fact, when it comes to the book, I must say that my heart felt for every single sentence and for ahmed's life that unfortunately it's still the reality for a lot of children and adults out there.
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