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Omar Rising
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  • Published: 1 February 2022
  • ISBN: 9780593454336
  • Imprint: RH US Audio Childrens
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $23.00

Omar Rising




“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.” —Rebecca Stead, author of Newbery Award Winner When You Reach Me

In this compelling companion to New York Times bestseller Amal Unbound, Amal's friend Omar must contend with being treated like a second-class citizen when he gets a scholarship to an elite boarding school.

Omar knows his scholarship to Ghalib Academy Boarding School is a game changer, providing him—the son of a servant—with an opportunity to improve his station in life. He can't wait to experience all the school has to offer, especially science club and hopefully the soccer team; but when he arrives, his hopes are dashed. First-year scholarship students aren't allowed to join clubs or teams—and not only that, they have to earn their keep doing menial chores. At first Omar is dejected—but then he gets angry when he learns something even worse—the school deliberately "weeds out" kids like him by requiring them to get significantly higher grades than kids who can pay tuition, making it nearly impossible for scholarship students to graduate. It's a good thing that in his favorite class, he’s learned the importance of being stubbornly optimistic. So with the help of his tightknit new group of friends—and with the threat of expulsion looming over him—he sets out to do what seems impossible: change a rigged system.

  • Published: 1 February 2022
  • ISBN: 9780593454336
  • Imprint: RH US Audio Childrens
  • Format: Audio Download
  • RRP: $23.00

About the author

Aisha Saeed

Aisha Saeed is a Pakistani-American writer, teacher, and attorney. She is one of the creators of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks social media campaign. Her writings have appeared in Orlando Sentinel, Muslim Girl Magazine, and Rivaaj Magazine. She is a contributing author to the highly acclaimed Love Insh’Allah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women, which features the story of her own (happily) arranged marriage. Aisha lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and sons.

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Praise for Omar Rising

PRAISE FOR AMAL UNBOUND
     "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."—Teen Vogue
     * "Saeed infuses this true-to-life story of unjust power dynamics in a poor Pakistani village with a palpable sense of dread. . . . Eloquent, suspenseful, eye-opening tale offers a window into the contemporary practice of indentured servitude and makes a compelling case for the power of girls' education to transform systemic injustice."—PW STAR
     * "Timely and stirring . . . a celebration of resistance and justice."—Kirkus STAR
     * "Shares an empowering message about the importance of family, literacy, and cultural ties. . . . Rich storytelling, nuanced characterization of an all-Pakistani cast, complex and layered look at the socioeconomics of the region, and richly described setting. . . . A strong choice for all middle grade shelves."—SLJ STAR
     * "This beautifully crafted and moving story will encourage middle grade readers to ponder such issues as indentured servitude, class, and resistance. Saeed's well-developed narrative will evoke empathy for all those around the world like Amal, who are not guaranteed freedom or education. An inspired read for all."—SLC STAR

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