The Muslims
#1 of 5 in Planet Omar Series
on Goodreads (102)
What’s inside...
Omar is a witty and imaginative child with a loving family. He faces challenges at school, from making friends to dealing with bullies, but his unique perspective and cultural background help him to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and understanding. The book, originally titled 'The Muslims' and now re-released as 'Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet,' highlights Omar's journey as he navigates life as a nine-year-old Muslim in Britain. With the support of his family and Islamic teachings, Omar uses his imagination to handle the complexities of his new school and the school bully. The story is humorous and provides insight into the life of an average Muslim family, promoting understanding of different cultures.
Discussion points
How do you think Omar felt when he started at his new school? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways Omar shows kindness to others in the story? Can you think of a time you helped someone?
Why is it important to respect and learn about different cultures and religions, like Omar's?
Omar faces some challenges in the story. What are they, and how does he overcome them?
What did you learn about friendship from Omar's experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Omar’s, fostering deeper connections with the story. Discuss the diverse cultural aspects presented, promoting inclusivity and broadening their worldview. Highlight instances of problem-solving and empathy in the book to help your child understand these important values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story portrays characters with diverse backgrounds, highlighting their unique experiences and challenges. This representation fosters a sense of empathy in young readers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and trying to understand people from different cultures or backgrounds they meet in school or their community.
Example Lesson: The importance of family
Explanation: The protagonist’s interactions with his family are central to the plot, illustrating the support and love that family members provide for one another.
Real-World Application: Young readers can relate this to valuing and respecting their own family members, understanding the pivotal role family plays in their lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to be oneself
Explanation: The main character demonstrates courage by embracing his identity and not succumbing to the pressure of fitting in with others who might be different.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be confident in who they are and express themselves authentically at school or in other social environments.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The characters encounter various challenges but overcome them through resilience and determination, showcasing personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere through their own challenges, whether it's dealing with schoolwork or conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Respect for others' beliefs
Explanation: The book presents characters with different beliefs in a respectful manner, teaching tolerance and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and be open to learning about different religions and beliefs encountered in diverse societies.