“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”
– C.S. Lewis
In this age of technology and the varied distractions that come with it, it seems a daunting task for young children to find the time to be captivated by the world of books. They are bombarded with social media activities - appropriate or inappropriate- or distracted by games and TV shows. And as a result, you wonder why it’s a chore to engage them in a world of books.
Conversing with an 11-year-old student of mine on the joy derived from reading books was a bit incomprehensible, as he would only read books as recommended by the teacher. He could not see what could be ‘joy-giving in a pile of papers. However, with a little encouragement, his mom took him on an adventure to the @tabithaskids, a fantastic bookstore where you can just get lost in a world of your own imagination. He picked a few attractive titles and began an exciting journey.
One of the books he got from the bookstore was titled The Boy at the Back of the Class, by Onjali Q. Raúf. This book fits what C.S Lewis said about children’s books. As my young student read the book, you could tell it was a book to have, and he passed it on to me when he was done. And I was enthralled. It is indeed a page-turner.
The Boy at the Back of the Class, by Onjali Q. Raúf
Mrs. Khan’s classroom has an empty seat at the back of the class which was later occupied by nine-year-old Ahmet, a Syrian refugee. His presence sparked a sense of curiosity among his classmates as everyone wanted to know about the boy at the back of the class. Who was he? Who are his parents? Where did he even come from? Questions everywhere!
The children’s curiosity was later satisfied when they found out he fled the war in Syria, without his mother, father, and sister. And as a result, a group of his classmates decided to come up with the Greatest Idea to reunite Ahmet with his family. They felt like they were special agents sent on an assignment by the government!
The Boy at the Back of the Class talks about friendship that knows no borders. It’s a story about a little kindness that goes a long way. And in this fascinating book, the author used humour to remind us of the power of kind humans in showcasing the effect of the refugee crisis, as well as treating one another right. It’s a beautiful story that I recommend to every child and adult. Believe me, it will be worth your time.
This book has opened my 11-year-old student to a world he is ready to interact with, and I am super glad!
...Ms Patience is a teacher and a child development expert.
