The Boy At the Back of the Class
on Goodreads (13,514)
What’s inside...
The Boy at the Back of the Class is a touching middle-grade debut that offers a child's perspective on the Syrian refugee crisis. The story revolves around Ahmet, a nine-year-old Syrian refugee, who fills an empty chair in Mrs. Khan's classroom. As his classmates learn about Ahmet's harrowing journey and separation from his family, they band together to devise a plan to reunite him with his loved ones. Told with both humor and heart, the book highlights the importance of friendship, kindness, and being an ally in a world that often doesn't make sense. It has received accolades including the Blue Peter Book Award and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, and has been shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-11
Length
312 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Ahmet felt when he arrived at his new school?
What would you do if you saw a new student who seemed alone or different, like Ahmet?
Why is it important to help others and be a good friend?
What did you learn about refugees from this story?
How can we make our community more welcoming for people from different backgrounds?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about the themes in the book, which can help your child feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Use open-ended questions that encourage your child to think critically and empathize with the characters. Highlight the importance of diversity and acceptance as you discuss and relate the book’s messages to real-world scenarios your child might encounter. Encourage your child to think about practical ways they can make their own school or community more inclusive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story centers around a young refugee boy, which provides a platform for readers to understand and empathize with individuals who have different life experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and understanding towards classmates who may come from diverse backgrounds or have different experiences.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: The protagonist and his friends go to great lengths to help the new boy feel welcomed and supported, demonstrating the impact of friendship.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be proactive in forming friendships and supporting their peers, fostering a supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Challenges
Explanation: The characters in the book face various challenges but show bravery and resilience, emphasizing the importance of courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges with bravery, whether it's standing up for a friend, tackling a difficult school project, or adapting to changes.
Example Lesson: Importance of Inclusion
Explanation: The book delivers a strong message about inclusivity and the negative impacts of excluding others based on differences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to embrace diversity in their everyday interactions and ensures everyone feels included, whether in school or during play.
Example Lesson: Taking Initiative to Make a Difference
Explanation: The protagonist and his friends take actionable steps to help their new friend, showcasing that even small actions can lead to big changes.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to take initiative in their own lives, understanding that their actions, no matter how small, can positively impact others.