The Boy At the Back of the Class

Onjali Q. Raúf, Pippa Curnick

Subjects

Average rating

5 out 5

OVER HALF A MILLION COPIES SOLD IN THE UK ALONE!
TRANSLATED INTO 20+ LANGUAGES
WINNER OF THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD (UK) 2019
WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE (UK) 2019
WINNER OF THE SAKURA MEDAL (JAPAN) 2020
WINNER OF THE CHILDREN’S COWBELL AWARD (SWITZERLAND) 2021
WINNER OF THE PRIX JANUSZ KORCZAK PRIZE (FRANCE) 2022
THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS STAGE PLAY NOMINATED FOR AN OLIVIER (UK) 2026

‘There used to be an empty chair at the back of my class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s a refugee who’s run away from a War. A real one. With bombs and fires and bullies that hurt people. And the more I find out about him, the more I want to help … That’s where my best friends Josie, Michael and Tom come in. Because you see, together we’ve come up with a plan…’

On a perfectly ordinary school day, something extraordinary happens: a boy with pale skin, lion eyes and a tattered red rucksack walks in. Unable to speak English and seated at the back of the class, Ahmet ‘the refugee kid’ becomes the perfect target for bullies and rumours alike.

But Ahmet has also captured the attention and empathy of a fellow classmate, who will do anything to help him find his family. Even if that involves a plan – or five, and the Queen herself!

Told with heart and humour, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a child’s perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense.

With beautiful illustrations by Pippa Curnick

BEAUTIFUL GOLD FOIL ANNIVERSARY EDITION NOW AVAILABLE – FIND IT UNDER ‘ALL FORMATS AND EDITIONS’

I have read this book

Reviews

I loved this book. Moved me to tears. Reflected on how difficult things can be for children with EAL as they join a school in a new country with limited ability to communicate.
laurano

An amazing, thought provoking book that makes the reader think about things from a different perspective. It highlights the importance of friendship and the innocence of children and how to them, it doesn't matter about the colour of skin or where someone comes from. I would recommend this to any reader from Y4 upwards.
caragunson

Really good - have already lent it out to a reluctant reader in year 7.
lizziemartin

I thought this book was a really easy but interesting read. I read it all in one go and really recommend it. I enjoyed how the writer's identity isn't revealed until the end of the story. The themes of the book are very pertinent to my school and class at the moment.
bethanylong

A lovely, heartwarming read on kindness and empathy
mrsnreads1111

Heartwarming read about friendship, compassion, kindness and what it is to be human. Showing the determination of young people whilst teaching about different cultures. Amazing book
Morgwen

Lovel and sensitive exploration.
T King

A heartwarming book which helps children encounter the current issue of migration in a powerful and relatable way, demonstrating a love and care for other races as individuals. Year 5-6
beckyp0n

I read this over the holidays as it was one of our new class texts for our Years 5 and 6. I love how it was 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. My year 6’s are currently 5 chapters in!
mrseyfsp

A beautifully written, engaging tale about friendship, compassion and empathy. The perfect introduction for older children to learn about refugees, and the reality of their lives, beyond the headlines. This book could be read to younger readers who may find the text challenging. When Ahmet joined the class he is met with curiosity, kindness and mistrust from some. Himself and his friends hatch a daring plan, involving the Queen to help Ahmet reconnect with lost family members. The story inspires discussion of the issues surrounding refugees and challenges the reader to explore their own views and that of the people around them.
leecie1

More for year 6 children as needs some understanding of outside world.
sticky21

Well narrated story of tolerance and making the right decisions
carpres

Incredible story of how children may see refugees who join their class and the kindness and generosity that humans have.
emwils30

A feel good novel as seen through the eyes of children, with a happy ending!
angpot

Amazing story of friendship and courage. Emotional, funny, gripping, my class loved it and all adults I know!
LaurenFT

An amazing read to educate children on refugees and some of the hardships they experience. The books tackled these issues in an interesting yet fun and child-friendly manner. One of my favourite chapters detailed an adventure the narrator and her mother went on to find a pomegranate for the refugee boy in her class. Although I throughly enjoyed the book (and was emotional during certain moments throughout), I did find that the first few chapters were a bit slow. Hence, the 4/5 rating rather than a perfect 5/5. Other than this, I will be re-reading this fantastic story and hope to teach it to a class one day!
NatashaC123

This book is captivating - a challenging topic delivered well. It is not the first time I have read this but it was a good reminder about how the topic of racism and prejudice can be supported through texts.
JTFernhurst

Quick easy read. Great characters. would recommend.
CvKirkwood

Boy at the Back of the Class was a standout favourite for my Year 4 class (and also my 11 year old son). Suitable for ages 9 and above, this powerful tale captured our hearts with its heartfelt narrative and important themes of empathy and friendship. Through the eyes of the young protagonist, Ahmet, readers embark on a journey of understanding and compassion towards refugees. The genuine portrayal of Ahmet's experiences resonated deeply with my class and son, fostering meaningful discussions about kindness and inclusion. It serves as a reminder of the impact of small acts of kindness and the strength of unity in the face of adversity.
hannahkav

I loved the humour used in this book as it does discuss difficult subject matter. It was a great way of increasing my classes awareness about what a refugee might have been through and develop their empathy.
KSergison27