Author(s): Aisha Saeed

Middle School (Ages 11-14)

In this compelling companion to the 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.