The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry
Shekina Rose, Families Editor
Based on Onjali Q. Raúf’s book, The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry tells a heartwarming tale of friendship, narrated from the innocent and curious perspective of a child.
“There used to be an empty chair at the back of the class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!”
Upon discovering that Ahmet has fled his own war-torn country of Syria, his classmates devise, ‘The Greatest Idea in the World’ – a plan to reunite him with his family. What comes next is an exciting and unexpected adventure, culminating in a brilliant, heartwarming twist.
Adapted for the stage by Nick Ahad and directed by Monique Touke, The Boy at the Back of the Class at The Lowry combines emotion and humour, emphasising how important it is to be kind and considerate to others. The story serves as a poignant reminder that, in a world where not everything makes sense, everyone deserves a place to call home.
“A lovely, warm-hearted celebration of courage and friendship.” The Guardian
“This is a beautiful, open-hearted debut that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.” Book Trust
Winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2019 and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019.
