2021/051: The Boy at the Back of the Class -- Onjali Q Rauf

2021/051: The Boy at the Back of the Class -- Onjali Q Rauf

Sometimes I think everyone likes to believe a lie even when they know it’s a lie because it’s more exciting than the truth. And they especially like to believe it if it’s printed in a newspaper. I know that now. I also know why Mum says politicians are liars and always shouts at them whenever they come on the telly. [p. 18]

One day there's a new kid at school: he doesn't talk, and his rucksack is filthy and falling apart. The narrator, plus friends, decide to befriend Ahmet, who comes from Syria and has arrived in England with nothing. They give him sweets and fruit, wonder about the woman who collects him from school but who clearly isn't a relative, try to protect him from the class bully, help him work on his English, and concoct The Greatest Idea in the World to help Ahmet and his family reunite.

( some spoilers )