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Heroes Like Us: Two Stories: The Day We Met the Queen; The Great Food Bank Heist
From Onjali Q. Rauf, acclaimed author of The Boy At the Back of the Class, come two poignant tales of modern-day heroism, featuring supermarket theives, a visit with the Queen, and plenty of laughs!
Ten-year old Ahmet, once known as the "Boy at the Back of the Class", became the Most Famous Refugee Boy in the World when he and his friends stood up for refugee children like him all over Britain. But they're just getting started!
THE DAY WE MET THE QUEEN
Ahmet and his friends have been invited to tea—by none other than the Queen of England herself! But when their journey is unexpectedly interrupted by an old enemy, it will take some quick thinking and an ingenious plan to make it to the palace—and the queen—on time.
THE GREAT FOOD BANK HEIST
On Thursdays, Nelson, Ashley and Mum head out to the food bank. With its shining cans and boxes of food stacked from floor to ceiling, Nelson thinks it’s the best kind of bank there is. But there’s a thief in town, and the shelves of the food bank are getting emptier each day.
One thing is for someone has to put a stop to the robberies. And Nelson and his friends plan to do just that, with a daring supermarket stake-out that's sure to catch the Food Bank Theives—if they don't get found out first!
In this two-novella collection, discover kid heroes making a difference in the world, featuring old friends and some new classmates you won't want to leave.
Ten-year old Ahmet, once known as the "Boy at the Back of the Class", became the Most Famous Refugee Boy in the World when he and his friends stood up for refugee children like him all over Britain. But they're just getting started!
THE DAY WE MET THE QUEEN
Ahmet and his friends have been invited to tea—by none other than the Queen of England herself! But when their journey is unexpectedly interrupted by an old enemy, it will take some quick thinking and an ingenious plan to make it to the palace—and the queen—on time.
THE GREAT FOOD BANK HEIST
On Thursdays, Nelson, Ashley and Mum head out to the food bank. With its shining cans and boxes of food stacked from floor to ceiling, Nelson thinks it’s the best kind of bank there is. But there’s a thief in town, and the shelves of the food bank are getting emptier each day.
One thing is for someone has to put a stop to the robberies. And Nelson and his friends plan to do just that, with a daring supermarket stake-out that's sure to catch the Food Bank Theives—if they don't get found out first!
In this two-novella collection, discover kid heroes making a difference in the world, featuring old friends and some new classmates you won't want to leave.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2022
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Onjali Q. Raúf
27 books285 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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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 11, 2022
This is such an amazing book about children becoming heros. No one writes about children being hero's anymore. Children do amazing things and never get any credit for it. I know a thing or two about child heroes because I was one in New York. I believe children are hero's anyway. Just being themselves in my opinion are how child heroes are born. This book has 2 separate stories about children becoming heros. Its great and readers wether they are adults or children should read this book. Its wonderful!!!
I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review
I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review
October 20, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Another great book to get kids talking about world wide concerns.
My kid loved reading it!!
Another great book to get kids talking about world wide concerns.
My kid loved reading it!!
October 7, 2022
So this book is a little unique in that it is two stories, and The Great Food Bank Heist, one of the stories, has already been published, and the other story is a bit of an epilogue to The Boy at the Back of the Class. So, I'm just going to review the first story in the book, The Day We Met the Queen, and while you probably can get away with not reading The Boy at the Back of the Class first, I wouldn't want you to. It is such a good book and you really should read it, everyone should. Yes, it is that good. So back to The Day We Met the Queen, the first story in the upcoming middle grade 176 page book, about refugees and kids making a difference.
SYNOPSIS:
This charming story shows what happens to Alexa and Ahmet and the whole crew as they prepare to met the Queen for tea. The group of friends is about to show the entire school their invitations and share the two questions each that they plan to ask the monarch, the list was 52 questions, but because the Queen is nearly 100 years old, they have been advised to shorten the list. On the day of the assembly news crews are present and Brenden-the-Bully is acting a little strange, as Ahmet starts talking the auditorium erupts with stink bombs and everyone leaves running. The kids think it is just the bully striking again, but the gossip at the school and reports on the news imply it might be more than that, and the kids might not make it to the Queen's tea after all.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love getting some closure on the story, while simultaneously showing that refugee treatment and rights is not a thing yet resolved. The idea of the Queen being at the center of the book definitely adds to the coincidental timeliness of it all, but that she is easy going and relatable to the children is still the takeaway whether you were a fan of the real Queen or not. I love the voice of the protagonist and the relatability that her concerns are with the target audience. I particularly enjoy the critique about the media and the clarity in which the children understand the flaws and limitations of what they are told in the news both on the school level and on a global stage. There isn't anything Islamic in the text, Ahment is Muslim, as is the author.
FLAGS:
Hate speech, deception, bullying
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I don't think there is an author that brings big real issues to children's stories as well or as consistently as Onjali Rauf. Both stories in this book should be shared with middle grade readers and up to be discussed, reflected upon, and learned from as often as possible.
SYNOPSIS:
This charming story shows what happens to Alexa and Ahmet and the whole crew as they prepare to met the Queen for tea. The group of friends is about to show the entire school their invitations and share the two questions each that they plan to ask the monarch, the list was 52 questions, but because the Queen is nearly 100 years old, they have been advised to shorten the list. On the day of the assembly news crews are present and Brenden-the-Bully is acting a little strange, as Ahmet starts talking the auditorium erupts with stink bombs and everyone leaves running. The kids think it is just the bully striking again, but the gossip at the school and reports on the news imply it might be more than that, and the kids might not make it to the Queen's tea after all.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love getting some closure on the story, while simultaneously showing that refugee treatment and rights is not a thing yet resolved. The idea of the Queen being at the center of the book definitely adds to the coincidental timeliness of it all, but that she is easy going and relatable to the children is still the takeaway whether you were a fan of the real Queen or not. I love the voice of the protagonist and the relatability that her concerns are with the target audience. I particularly enjoy the critique about the media and the clarity in which the children understand the flaws and limitations of what they are told in the news both on the school level and on a global stage. There isn't anything Islamic in the text, Ahment is Muslim, as is the author.
FLAGS:
Hate speech, deception, bullying
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I don't think there is an author that brings big real issues to children's stories as well or as consistently as Onjali Rauf. Both stories in this book should be shared with middle grade readers and up to be discussed, reflected upon, and learned from as often as possible.
March 30, 2023
This book shows that even the less likeliest of the people can be heroes! These heroes although different people are made of the same substance - the substance that heroes are made of!
May 7, 2023
Two short-ish stories, both with beautiful messages and lovely characters.
December 11, 2024
The author’s note should be read by every child.
June 22, 2025
heart wrenching and uplifting in turn
August 8, 2025
Listened to book #80/2025. Two stories in one. I preferes rhe 2nd story better.
January 8, 2023
These two short stories--3.5 for me--combined into one book by the author of The Boy at the Back of the Class will touch readers' hearts and remind them that everyone has a story to tell and that there is so much more to each of us than what's visible on the surface. In the first story, "The Day We Met the Queen," Ten-year-old Ahmet and his friends have been invited to tea with the Queen in honor of their advocacy for the country's refugees. The youngsters' presentation to their schoolmates before their visit is interrupted by stink bombs that send everyone scurrying for cover--or fresh air. But none of this can dampen their excitement about their invitation to the palace. The pride of the children's parents is evident as they prepare them for their big day, and their transportation has been arranged by Uncle Lenny, the narrator's uncle, who has his own taxi service. But the streets are filled with protesters, some in support of refugees and others who are against them, and the youngsters struggle to reach their destination. Intervention from the Queen's Lord Chamberlain results in a rescue, and Michael, Tom, Josie, Ahmet, and the narrator have the chance to get their questions answered and meet the nation's ruler. The second story, "The Great Food Bank Heist," describes the efforts of Nelson and two friends, Krish and Harriet, to get to the bottom of the dwindling supplies at the local food bank. This is crucial because Nelson's family depends on food from that food bank, donated through grocery stores, to have something to eat after their food stores have been consumed. The author effectively describes how it feels to be so hungry and Nelson and Ashley, Nelson's little sister, as well as how the family tries to cope with their mother making up food-related games to take their minds off their hunger and to make less than palatable food go down more easily. Both stories are particularly effective because they're told through the voices of children and bring light to two important topics. I found myself puzzled in the second one, though, as to how someone working as a nurse would be unable to afford to feed her family. Wouldn't it be wonderful if more politicians, elected officials, and those in power actually paid attention to the voices of youngsters as is the case with both of these stories?
August 11, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review. (Publish Date: November 15, 2022)
Rating = 4.5 out of 5 (I rounded up for this review)
Description: From Onjali Q. Rauf, acclaimed author of “The Boy at the Back of the Class,” come two poignant tales of modern-day heroism, featuring supermarket theives, a visit with the Queen, and plenty of laughs!
“Heroes Like Us” by Onjali Q. Raúf was such a joy to read! This two-novella collection caught my attention since it focuses on modern day issues for children who discover what it means to become a true hero.
The first story “The Day We Met the Queen” was full of excitement and learning to overcome problems from a kid’s point of view. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if the kids would make it to Buckingham Palace or not, and the ending of this story did not disappoint!
The second story “The Great Food Bank Heist” nearly had me tears at multiple moments. I’m a mom and reading about a small family having to play games to go without food when money was tight was absolutely heartbreaking for me. Reading about young children complaining of hunger pains and then feeling ashamed to take free food at school was devastating. I felt just as stunned and angry as Nelson did when he found out there was a thief stealing food from the food bank. Who would stoop to doing something that horrifically awful? After reading this story, I felt strongly compelled to donate more regularly to my local food bank.
My one small criticism was regarding the first story “The Day We Met the Queen.” The author definitely expected the reader to have read the prior book that included these same characters since it was referenced often. I, however, had not read that book and was lost on what was being referenced and had to draw my own conclusions.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to older children so they can grasp the real world situations going on in the stories. I would also highly recommend an adult reading this book along with the child, because it will provoke great conversations about how kids can help others going through similar situations in their hometowns and across the world.
Rating = 4.5 out of 5 (I rounded up for this review)
Description: From Onjali Q. Rauf, acclaimed author of “The Boy at the Back of the Class,” come two poignant tales of modern-day heroism, featuring supermarket theives, a visit with the Queen, and plenty of laughs!
“Heroes Like Us” by Onjali Q. Raúf was such a joy to read! This two-novella collection caught my attention since it focuses on modern day issues for children who discover what it means to become a true hero.
The first story “The Day We Met the Queen” was full of excitement and learning to overcome problems from a kid’s point of view. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if the kids would make it to Buckingham Palace or not, and the ending of this story did not disappoint!
The second story “The Great Food Bank Heist” nearly had me tears at multiple moments. I’m a mom and reading about a small family having to play games to go without food when money was tight was absolutely heartbreaking for me. Reading about young children complaining of hunger pains and then feeling ashamed to take free food at school was devastating. I felt just as stunned and angry as Nelson did when he found out there was a thief stealing food from the food bank. Who would stoop to doing something that horrifically awful? After reading this story, I felt strongly compelled to donate more regularly to my local food bank.
My one small criticism was regarding the first story “The Day We Met the Queen.” The author definitely expected the reader to have read the prior book that included these same characters since it was referenced often. I, however, had not read that book and was lost on what was being referenced and had to draw my own conclusions.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to older children so they can grasp the real world situations going on in the stories. I would also highly recommend an adult reading this book along with the child, because it will provoke great conversations about how kids can help others going through similar situations in their hometowns and across the world.
December 17, 2022
Two charming stories in one book. In “The day we meet the queen”” Ahmet, a refugee boy and his friends are invited to tea with the queen. When the group are going to share their experience that caused the queen to send out the invitations and what questions they are planning to ask the queen. As Ahmet walks up to start, stink bombs go off causing some students and teachers to throw up. Everyone ends up smelling like stink bombs. When school is over, the groups of friends including Ahmet get cleaned up so no more of that awful smell was on then. On the way to the queen’s palace, they end up being stopped as the crowds have blocked the road. There is a disagreement between the two groups about refugees coming into England or not. The two police officers have the group of friends hold hands while they walk through the crowd to get to the gate. However they end up separated from each other and the police officers. Will they get to see the queen ? In “The great food bank heist” the groups of friends end up finding out why the food bank is not getting the food donations they usually get. The friends go on a Saturday to the local grocery store. It is discovered that the donations cart is stolen right in front of Nelson. Nelson sounds the alarm and chases the couple with the cart but they almost get away. However they didn’t realize that the friends weren’t giving up. They are stopped and the police insist on opening the back of the vehicle. What will the police find? Will Nelson and his friends be in trouble?
The author has put two stories that show what might happen n real life today. It also gives one something to think about. It’s amazing what can happen when one not only thinks with their brain but also uses their heart as it takes courage to do what you think is the right thing to do. I loved the courage and adventures that are in this book. It’s a great book to read.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
The author has put two stories that show what might happen n real life today. It also gives one something to think about. It’s amazing what can happen when one not only thinks with their brain but also uses their heart as it takes courage to do what you think is the right thing to do. I loved the courage and adventures that are in this book. It’s a great book to read.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
October 7, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's through NetGalley.
Heroes come in all sorts of locations. Readers meet several children who take on real world issues and act with bravery.
The Day We Met the Queen - These students were rewarded by an invitation for tea with the Queen for taking on immigration issues. Readers see the dynamics and anger involved as a protest erupts over them going. Rauf captures the gamut of emotions and offers realistic characters stepping up.
The Great Food Bank Heist - Readers will also connect to Nelson's family. When food is short at the food banks, Nelson and his friends decide to investigate. They step up and solve the thefts and are honored for their bravery. I appreciate the courage it took to share and break through the stigma around needing help and support.
Both stories are written for middle grade readers and offer connection points to their own or someone they know.
Heroes come in all sorts of locations. Readers meet several children who take on real world issues and act with bravery.
The Day We Met the Queen - These students were rewarded by an invitation for tea with the Queen for taking on immigration issues. Readers see the dynamics and anger involved as a protest erupts over them going. Rauf captures the gamut of emotions and offers realistic characters stepping up.
The Great Food Bank Heist - Readers will also connect to Nelson's family. When food is short at the food banks, Nelson and his friends decide to investigate. They step up and solve the thefts and are honored for their bravery. I appreciate the courage it took to share and break through the stigma around needing help and support.
Both stories are written for middle grade readers and offer connection points to their own or someone they know.
April 26, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of Heroes Like Us: Two Stories. I remember reading Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf years ago and enjoying it very much so I was excited to learn there was a short story extending his tale. Maybe it's because I hadn't reconnected with the characters in many years, but I didn't really get engrossed in the short story, The Day We Met the Queen. I did, however, really enjoy the second story in the book, The Great Food Bank Heist, a tale about friends who attempt to identify and thwart some thieves.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews