What This Book Is About
When a new boy joins the class and is given a seat at the very back of the room, nine-year-old Alexa and her friends are curious. His name is Ahmet, and he's a refugee who has come all the way from Syria. He doesn't speak much English, he never smiles, and he always seems to be looking far away. The other children whisper and stare. But Alexa decides she wants to be his friend—and she comes up with the most extraordinary plan to help him, a plan so daring it involves smuggling a message to the Queen of England.
Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a warm, funny, and deeply compassionate story about how one small act of friendship can change everything. Told through the eyes of a child narrator whose big heart is matched only by her wild imagination, the book tackles the refugee crisis in a way that is honest yet hopeful, never preachy yet unforgettable. It has sold over a million copies worldwide and become a modern classic of children's literature.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
This book is UWC's mission in story form. In a school built on the belief that education can unite people across cultures, Alexa's determination to befriend Ahmet despite language barriers and social pressure mirrors exactly what UWC asks of its students every day. The story makes the refugee crisis accessible to young readers without simplifying it, showing that behind every headline there is a real child with real fears and real hopes.
For Grade 4 students in Singapore—a country that is itself a crossroads of cultures—the book encourages active empathy and service. Alexa doesn't just feel sorry for Ahmet; she takes action, rallying her friends and community. This aligns with UWC's emphasis on personal responsibility and service, teaching children that even small people can make a big difference when they choose courage over indifference.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The child narrator's voice is accessible, but 304 pages requires stamina. Build reading fluency first.
The sweet spot. The conversational tone is perfect for A2, while B1 readers will appreciate the social themes.
An easy, heartwarming read at B2. Consider Refugee by Alan Gratz for a more complex multi-perspective narrative.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.