The Girl at the Front of the Class

By Author / Illustrator

Onjali Q. Rauf, Pippa Curnick

Genre

Representation & Inclusion

Age range(s)

Publisher

Hachette Children's Group

ISBN

9781526364654

Format

Hardback

Published

12-09-2024

Synopsis

A stunning new picture book from Onjali Q. Rauf and Pippa Curnick, the creative duo behind the bestselling and award-winning The Boy at the Back of the Class.

'There's a new girl in my class. She has eyes as wide and as golden as a tiger's, a face as pale as a glass of milk, and hair as shiny as a mirror. I'd like to be her friend. But she never wants to play with me in the playground or make sandcastles in the sandpit.

'The cleverest people I know say that the new girl is sad because she had to leave her home, her family, her school, her toys, her books and all her friends too. But I've got a plan! There's something I can do to make her feel better when she's missing everything she's left behind . . .'

With bold, beautiful artwork by Pippa Curnick, this heartfelt story about the power of friendship and kindness shows young readers what steps they can take to make refugee children feel welcome.

Download Extract

Reviews

When a new girl arrives in his class, Adam is determined to make friends with her. However, she doesn't want to play or make sandcastles in the sandpit - she just draws sad pictures. Seeking advice, Adam asks his teacher, his dad and his grandma and although they try to explain, their answers make him very sad and more determined than ever to be her friend. So he comes up with a plan…

Ever since the publication of The Boy at the Back of the Class, books by Onjali Q Rauf have supported teachers, parents and other adults in developing thoughtful conversations with children about a number of topics, creating empathy and understanding in an often harsh, judgemental world. In The Girl at the Front of the Class, she works her magic once more with a poignant, beautiful story, perfect for starting discussions about the plight of refugees with younger children. At the end of the story, the reader - and Adam - learns that the little girl's name is Layla.

The Girl at the Front of the Class is a celebration of the power of kindness and how simple acts of friendship can make a world of difference. But Adam is not pushy or overbearing in his actions - he shows patience and thought, creating a large picture depicting a happy 'story' for Layla, meeting her on her own terms rather than forcing her into a friendship.

The illustrations complement the text perfectly and the picture showing Layla and Adam swapping names is just lovely, as they are bathed in a warm glow whilst the lively bustle of the rest of the class is shown in a muted grey-blue, highlighting their newly-formed friendship.

At the end of the book, there are 'Five Ideas to Help Refugee Children Feel Welcome'; each suggestion is easily achievable and the significance of each will be readily understood by even the youngest children. A wonderful addition to bookshelves, The Girl at the Front of the Class is perfect for sharing.

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher