Recommended from 8 years
There used to be an empty seat at the back of my classroom, but now Ahmet sits there—a new boy who’s a refugee escaping a real war with bombs, fires, and bullies. The more I learn about him, the more I want to help. That’s where my best friends Josie, Michael, and Tom come in, because together we’ve cooked up a plan... On an ordinary school day, something extraordinary happens: Ahmet, with his pale skin, lion-like eyes, and scruffy red backpack, arrives. He can’t speak English yet and quickly becomes the target of bullies and gossip. But he also wins the heart of a classmate determined to help him find his family—no matter how many plans it takes, even if it means involving the Queen! Told with warmth and humor, this story shows how friendship and kindness can shine through when the world feels confusing.