A review by safekeeper
The Boy At the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf

adventurous challenging hopeful informative inspiring slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Excellent book. Innocent, 'colour blind' children encounter and have to come to terms with racism and prejudice when they befriend a child their own age who has fled from a war in a distant country. The main characters are lovable and the book is heartwarm and full of love.

Only thing I slightly disliked is that it was the school bully who was the racist. Piling every bad trait onto the same 'villain' character is a bit of a tired trope. Then again I suppose it's realistic bully behaviour, in that they like to prey on the 'different' and vulnerable.