Omar, the son of a servant, is thrilled when he gets a scholarship to an elite school. But he’s not so thrilled when he finds out that the school weeds out kids like him by requiring them to get higher grades than fee-paying kids – so it’s almost impossible for scholarship students to graduate.
On top of that, they aren’t allowed to join clubs or teams, and have to do menial chores. It’s a good thing Omar has learnt to hold on to his dreams. With the help of his friend Amal and his new school mates – and with the threat of expulsion looming over him – he sets out to do what seems impossible: change a rigged system.
Aisha Saeed is the Pakistani-American author of the New York Times bestseller Amal Unbound. As one of the founding members of the We Need Diverse Books Campaign, Saeed is helping to change the conversation about diversity in literature, and Amal Unbound and Omar Rising contribute to this message and more.
In this compelling companion to Amal Unbound, Omar finds a way to change the corrupt system in his new school. Omar Rising’s dreamy cover combined with Saeed’s seamless prose had me hooked from the get-go.
This is an exciting middle-grade story about student activism, believing in yourself and fighting for justice. Despite being set in Pakistan, so much of the story and its core themes are universal. Omar Rising invites young readers to ponder vital topics including access to education, inequality and class disparities. It’s a strong and powerful message that we need in the world right now, encouraging a better tomorrow for the kids of today.
Omar’s trials show that no matter how hard you work, it doesn’t guarantee acceptance. There are themes of bullying and discrimination which Saeed presents in a realistic yet digestible way. I rooted so hard for Omar and his friends; a little piece of them has stuck with me and I feel transformed by their journeys. Ultimately, teamwork, tenacity and friendship can be the real victory.
Recommended for children aged 9+, young boys and girls everywhere will relate to Omar’s character and the authenticity of his insecurities. Through self-confidence, friendship and maneuvering unjust privilege, Omar shows that if you hold on to your dreams and have hope, you can always prevail.
I believe this is a must-have addition to all bookshelves, classrooms and libraries. Omar and his friends’ activism is inspiring, and I was left with a sense of determination to make a positive impact in the world – no matter how big or small.
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