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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.
laurenabayne's review against another edition
5.0
Mark Twain Reader Selector
Should it be a Mark Twain? YES.
This is an ideal realistic fiction for middle grade. The chapters are short, the story itself is poignant, and it features themes of standing up for what you believe in that is understandable for young readers. Easy to read without reading Amal Unbound as well.
Should it be a Mark Twain? YES.
This is an ideal realistic fiction for middle grade. The chapters are short, the story itself is poignant, and it features themes of standing up for what you believe in that is understandable for young readers. Easy to read without reading Amal Unbound as well.
shaeherrick3323's review
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bookishmillennial's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I enjoy most books for what they are, & I extract lessons from them all. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
Wow, this was such a precious coming-of-age story about Omar 😭 He gets accepted to an elite academy where there are tons of extracurricular activities, art classes, and more, on a scholarship, along with a few others kids. He makes friends with Naveen and Kareem, but they all quickly realize that the scholarship has many limiting guidelines regarding how they can engage at school. They must complete chores, are not allowed to join extracurricular clubs during their first year, and they must maintain an A+ grade average. None of these restrictions are placed upon non-scholarship students, so our wide-eyed kids are quickly disillusioned as to how magical their experiences will be. This is told in first-person, present-tense POV of Omar, and takes place in Pakistan.
This book is very fast-paced, plot-oriented, and can be read in one sitting. Omar was easy to root for, especially as he remained “stubbornly optimistic.” I loved his journey of dedicating himself to his studies, and then standing up against being treated like a second-class citizen at the academy. He went from being a bit naive to recognizing oppressive systems, and also learned how to name his feelings and ask for help 🥹 Through it all, he kept his kindness and his hopeful spirit!
I loved the appearances from Amal, and all of the lessons Omar learned about optics, advocating for yourself, gratitude, and community. What a precious story for younger readers & anyone who needs an inspiring pick me up 🤎
cw: classism
Wow, this was such a precious coming-of-age story about Omar 😭 He gets accepted to an elite academy where there are tons of extracurricular activities, art classes, and more, on a scholarship, along with a few others kids. He makes friends with Naveen and Kareem, but they all quickly realize that the scholarship has many limiting guidelines regarding how they can engage at school. They must complete chores, are not allowed to join extracurricular clubs during their first year, and they must maintain an A+ grade average. None of these restrictions are placed upon non-scholarship students, so our wide-eyed kids are quickly disillusioned as to how magical their experiences will be. This is told in first-person, present-tense POV of Omar, and takes place in Pakistan.
This book is very fast-paced, plot-oriented, and can be read in one sitting. Omar was easy to root for, especially as he remained “stubbornly optimistic.” I loved his journey of dedicating himself to his studies, and then standing up against being treated like a second-class citizen at the academy. He went from being a bit naive to recognizing oppressive systems, and also learned how to name his feelings and ask for help 🥹 Through it all, he kept his kindness and his hopeful spirit!
I loved the appearances from Amal, and all of the lessons Omar learned about optics, advocating for yourself, gratitude, and community. What a precious story for younger readers & anyone who needs an inspiring pick me up 🤎
cw: classism
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
karisjmadison's review
inspiring
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
4.5
carey_78's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
4.5
kingkiara's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
Audible read.
I loved this! Although I wish there was more about their home life but I have a feeling I'll get more of that once i read Amal unbound. So honestly no notes, it was fun, light, funny & enraging all at once in a way that is more enjoyable than stressful. I also love that it's a standalone in its own right but has connections to the other book without actually giving away anything. I've been in a "tired of series" mood lately so this was the perfect antidote.
I loved this! Although I wish there was more about their home life but I have a feeling I'll get more of that once i read Amal unbound. So honestly no notes, it was fun, light, funny & enraging all at once in a way that is more enjoyable than stressful. I also love that it's a standalone in its own right but has connections to the other book without actually giving away anything. I've been in a "tired of series" mood lately so this was the perfect antidote.
hlparis's review against another edition
4.0
March Book Madness
Lesson potential: equity, young voices for change, nonviolence
Lesson potential: equity, young voices for change, nonviolence