The Boy at the Back of the Class - Onjali Q Rauf

I absolutely adore this book. I don't thinkI have read anything like it in years (in children's, YA or adult fiction) and I'm not sure I ever will again. I'm not ashamed to say I full on ugly cried at times and chuckled into my duvet in equal measure as Rauf sent me on a superb adventure with Ahmet and his new friends. It takes a lot to make me cry, especially from a novel but I really did feel like one of the gang. 

 

Now I know I'm not the target demographic for this novel. As a 24 year old adult reading a book aimed at 8 - 11 year olds I was expecting a light read to pass the time and tick another book off my target for the year. Oh how wrong was I? Despite being written for children, this novel made me think for hours after I finished it and had me daydreaming about Ahmet and his friends while going about my day. So beautifully written I had ordered Rauf's other novel before getting to chapter two. 

For sure a poignant and emotional story which had me asking questions of my self and those around me. Rauf highlights the importance of friendship and not to fear those who are different. Something we have forgotten in society. I've recommended this book in person to literally everyone I know, regardless of their age. It is truly a special read to be devoured and discussed in detail. 

My little review will not do this novel justice so I implore you to give it a go. I promise that you won't regret it, no matter how old you are. 

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