There used to be an empty chair at the back of the class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!
After learning that he has fled his own war-torn country, Ahmet’s classmates have ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ – a magnificent plan to reunite Ahmet with his family. An unexpected and often hilarious adventure follows, all topped off with a terrific twist.>
Told from a child’s perspective, balancing heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.
Ages: 7+
WINNER of the Blue Peter Book Award 2019
WINNER of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2019
Class Resource Pack for Teachers
This pack contains practical activity ideas for teachers to choose from, to be used alongside the study of The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf. Our activities use creative, active approaches to explore different themes. The activities can be used in any order and you do not have to use all of them. They can be adapted for use with different themes and events from the story, or with other stories you study. Activity ideas are split into different sections, which can be found in the contents.