In this compelling companion to the New York Times bestseller Amal Unbound, Omar finds a way to change the corrupt system in his new school.
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.
Omar Rising is an exciting middle-grade story about student activism, believing in yourself and fighting for justice.
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‘Omar Rising is irresistibly appealing and genuinely inspiring—a story that helps us to see the world more clearly, and to see ourselves as powerful enough to change it.’
‘Timely and stirring…reminds us that the powerful aren’t invincible—and that every action, no matter how small, bends the arc of the moral universe towards justice.’
‘Raw, honest, funny, charming and hopeful. A reminder of how people with privilege should never underestimate the courage and strength of young people fighting for their rights. Girls and boys everywhere can learn so much from a young girl like Amal.’
‘A wonderfully uplifting tale of courage and the fight for justice. Saeed has created a compelling story that shines a light on a part of our world that has been ignored for far too long.’
‘A beautiful and moving story about indentured servitude, economic class, family, resistance and ultimately—freedom. Amal’s story and the many people we meet in it are so thoughtfully and deeply rendered, I remain haunted by their struggles and changed by their journeys.’
