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The Girl at the Front of the Class

By Onjali Q. Raúf and Pippa Curnick

Can one special idea turn a sad new girl into a friend who finally feels at home?

heartwarming thoughtful uplifting

Pageticker community rating

Average score: 4.62

From 13 readers

What do our readers think of The Girl at the Front of the Class? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

There are not enough reviews to summarise yet.

What does the Pageticker team say about The Girl at the Front of the Class?

The Girl at the Front of the Class is a gentle, beautifully illustrated story about welcoming a child who has had to leave her home and friends behind. Onjali Q. Raúf handles big feelings with a light touch, while Pippa Curnick’s expressive artwork does plenty of emotional heavy lifting. It's a thoughtful choice for sharing with young children.

Genres

Friendship/Family

What is The Girl at the Front of the Class about?

When a new girl joins the class, she seems quiet and sad, missing her old home and friends. The narrator is determined to help and comes up with a special idea to make her feel welcome. Through kindness and understanding, can a new friendship bloom and help the girl feel like she belongs? A touching story about empathy and the power of reaching out.

About the author

Onjali Q. Raúf is a bestselling British author who loves writing stories about friendship, kindness, and hope. She is best known for her popular book 'The Boy at the Back of the Class', which tells the story of a new boy at school. Onjali enjoys inspiring children to read, write, and help others.

Discussion ideas around The Girl at the Front of the Class

Making a Friend: What does the narrator notice about the new girl, and how does this help them decide how to approach her?

A Warm Welcome: What could children in a new class do to help someone feel safe, included and ready to join in?

Feelings Without Words: How does the new girl show that she is sad or worried, even when she does not say very much?

Leaving Home: What things might a child miss after moving to a new place, and which familiar things could help them feel more at home?

Kindness and Patience: Why is it important to give someone time while still showing that you care?

Pages

32 pages

Reading age

Picture Book (2-7)

This edition

2025

First published

2024

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