The Boy at the Back of the Class

A new boy joins the class, and nobody knows where he comes from.

The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf is told by nine-year-old Alexa, who, together with her friends Josie, Michael and Tom, sees the empty chair at the back of the classroom finally filled. The new boy is called Ahmet, says nothing and keeps to himself. From grown-up conversations, the children pick up that he comes from Syria and speaks Kurdish. When a sweet finally breaks the ice, they come up with a plan to help him.

A children's book for readers from around eight, written with lots of humour and without preaching, about refugees, friendship and the courage of small gestures. Lovely to read aloud together as well, because there is plenty to talk about. This English edition is printed in large type, which makes it pleasant to read for anyone still growing in English.