Reviews

Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed

txhobbes's review

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

msmrkt's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

danasmith625's review

adventurous hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

jase_0z's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

mbrandmaier's review

4.0

When Omar starts at the prestigious Galib Academy, he can’t wait to sign up for soccer, astronomy club, and more! He is devastated to learn that first year scholarship students like himself are not only not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities, but they must complete service hours every week helping with school chores like cafeteria duty and sweeping floors. Not only that, but they must maintain an A+ grade point average to maintain their scholarships!
Will Omar be able to cope with this unfairness and keep his place at Ghalib? Will he be able to change the system which is stacked against him?

regsnvaughnable's review

hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

msghani's review

5.0

I listened to the audiobook and I highly recommend it as the narrator is top-notch. The story is just as excellent. Omar Rising is inspiring, hopeful, and powerful. It touches on topics like inequality, justice, and class disparities in a way that can open up important conversations with young readers of all backgrounds. I rooted so hard for Omar and his friends. This book is a must-have in school, classroom, and personal libraries.

paperbackmo's review against another edition

3.0

Quite a heart warming read.
Loved the character arc of certain characters.
Feel like the resolution was a bit too quick though.

tx2its's review

4.0

Reading 2022
Book 27: Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed

Saw this new companion book to Amal Unbound and had to have it. Was able to get the book from the library. Reviewed for ages 10 and older.

Synopsis: In this compelling companion to New York Times bestseller Amal Unbound, Amal's friend Omar must contend with being treated like a second-class citizen when he gets a scholarship to an elite boarding school.

Review: I really enjoyed this book, maybe more than Amal Unbound. I like that Omar got his own book to explore his POV. Another book I would have in my classroom library. Omar is a great character, one that can connect with young readers. Hard work pays off! My rating 4.5 ⭐️.

jesscinco's review against another edition

4.0

Omar is excited to start at a prestigious new school where he's earned a scholarship. But when him and his friends realize that scholarship students are judged to much harsher standard than the other students they must decide whether or not they will take a stand against an unfair system. Omar is a relatable character with lots of interests including astronomy and soccer. Readers will get swept up in Omar's story and the unfairness of his situation. I recommend for fans of Alex Gino and inspiring middle grade realistic fiction.