Kicked Out
by A. M. Dassu
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+
Published by Old Barn Books, 2023
About this book
Ali loves hanging out with his mates Mark, Sami and Aadam, especially since Mark’s mum won the lottery and bought a fancy mansion in a posh part of Manchester, complete with indoor pool. However, when Mark’s stepdad accuses Aadam of stealing, the friends are kicked out of the house and banned from seeing Mark.
The boys are desperately worried about Aadam, as his asylum application has been rejected and he may be deported to Syria. They decide to organise a fundraising football event to pay Aadam’s legal fees so he can appeal, but can they raise enough? Meanwhile, Ali’s dad, who left to start a new family, is back. Ali feels angry, hurt and confused, especially when he learns that his half-brother has just started at his school.
This gripping sequel to Boy, Everywhere – which charted Sami and Aadam’s journey from Syria to the UK – also works well as a standalone novel. Regular teenage concerns are interwoven with challenging themes of the British asylum system, racism, parental separation and bullying. A powerful and thought-provoking read, with hope and friendship at its heart.
About the author
More books like this
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Boy, Everywhere
by A. M. Dassu
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4 to 7 years
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Lists of recommended reads
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Books set in the North of England
Northern England is rich in landscape, culture and history – and that has inspired some incredible stories. If you live in or are from the North (or just going for your holidays), you may be looking for books set there to share with your child. After all, a familiar location can help them relate to the story and feel a bigger connection. Here are just a few of our favourites for you to check out.