*An early Christmas gift. This upcoming middle-grade novel came to me from The Penguin Young Readers School & Library Team. We normally meet during a cocktail party at NCTE. That didn't happen this year because the conference was held virtually. @PenguinClass and @PenguinClassroom sent me a complimentary copy of Aisha Saeed's newest work of fiction. I absolutely LOVE anything and everything that comes from Nancy Paulsen. This was a story I devoured during my Thanksgiving break.
What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
*This is the companion novel to Amal Unbound. It was so wonderful to revisit the characters I grew to love in the first story.
*Amal's friend Omar has just been accepted to the prestigious Ghalib school where only the best of the best are admitted.
*Upon his arrival, Omar learns there are a different set of standards for the kids who can "pay" and the kids who are admitted via scholarship.
*Omar and his new friends are excited for classes, clubs, and sports. They soon find out the only activity they are "allowed" to participate in are the academic classes.
*Being away from his home, family, and friends is challenging for Omar, but trying to fit in and be accepted in a bring new and different world might just be the most challenging thing he has ever faced.
What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
*Just as with Amal Unbound, I was captivated, interested, and entertained throughout the entire reading of Omar Rising.
*Omar was a character full of life, courage, and a drive like no one else.
*I loved reading about student life at Ghalib Academy and could visualize everything Aisha described in her beautiful writing.
*The theme of social class was at the forefront of the plot and presented in such a way that any young reader will be able to grasp what is happening to Omar and his new friends.
*The struggle for Omar was real and I was in his corner from start to finish.
Who Should Read It:
*I can't wait to share the story with my fourth grade readers. I think the novel could be used in any third, fourth, and/or fifth grade classroom. The novel would be perfect for a class read aloud because it would lead to so many thoughtful class discussions. The novel would also be ideal for the middle-school reader. Happy Reading!
Rating: 5 STARS out of 5 Stars
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