Onjali Q. Raúf is the founder and CEO of Making HerStory, a UK nonprofit that works to fight human trafficking and gender-based abuses and crimes. She lives in the UK, and you can find her on Twitter at @OnjaliRauf. The Boy at the Back of the Class is her debut novel.
"This moving and timely debut novel tells an enlightening,
empowering, and ultimately hopeful story about how compassion and a
willingness to speak out can change the world.” —School
Library Journal, Starred Review
"Political and cultural undertones are undeniably present in Rauf’s
timely debut, but it’s the themes of kindness, empathy, and
tenacity that resonate strongest. Rauf excels at tapping into the
thoughts and concerns of contemporary children, providing wholly
believable characters who use their voices to help others and
create change, as well as offering a safe space for readers to
explore and better understand the refugee crisis." —Publishers
Weekly
"Tearjerking and chuckle-inducing . . . . Above all it celebrates
the power of kindness." -- The Sunday Post (Scotland)
"Inspiring and sweet . . . this is a beautiful, open-hearted debut
from Onjali Q Raúf that should help children be the best they can
be and realise the power of kindness."--Booktrust (UK)
"Us[ing] humour to tackle a challenging and timely subject . . .
[this is] an engaging exploration of the refugee crisis through the
eyes of a child."--Readings (AU)
"Raúf's touching debut could hardly be more topical . . . utterly
delightful." --Mail on Sunday
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