This was both super cute and super meaningful, tackling pushback against refugees and food insecurity while managing to be fun and full of heart. I'd definitely read anything else by Onjali Q. Rauf.
- For The Day We Met The Queen, I felt that the prequel was kinda crucial for its enjoyment. It felt realistic, but somehow I never really connected with the main characters. Maybe it just felt too short? It was also a little funny reading about late Queen Elizabeth as a character here.
-On the other hand, I really loved The Great Food Bank Heist! The main character, Nelson is very real - his frustrations and embarrassments while caring so deeply for his mom and little sister are felt in the narration. The heist was entertaining and I liked the kids just getting to be themselves, caring and thoughtful and chaotic.

Two charming stories in one book. In “The day we meet the queen”” Ahmet, a refugee boy and his friends are invited to tea with the queen. When the group are going to share their experience that caused the queen to send out the invitations and what questions they are planning to ask the queen. As Ahmet walks up to start, stink bombs go off causing some students and teachers to throw up. Everyone ends up smelling like stink bombs. When school is over, the groups of friends including Ahmet get cleaned up so no more of that awful smell was on then. On the way to the queen’s palace, they end up being stopped as the crowds have blocked the road. There is a disagreement between the two groups about refugees coming into England or. Live. The two police officers have the group of friends hold hands while they walk through the crowd to get to the gate. However they end up separated from each other and the police officers. Will they get to see the queen ? In “The great food bank heist” the groups of friends end up finding out why the food bank is not getting the food donations they usually get. The friends go on a Saturday to the local grocery store. It is discovered that the donations cart is stolen right in front of Nelson. Nelson sounds the alarm and chases the couple with the cart but they almost get away. However they didn’t realize that the friends weren’t giving up. They are stopped and the police insist on opening the back of the vehicle. What will the police find? Will Nelson and his friends be in trouble?



The author has put two stories that show what might happen n real life today. It also gives one something to think about. It’s amazing what can happen when one not only thinks with their brain but also uses their heart as it takes courage to do what you think is the right thing to do. I loved the courage and adventures that are in this book. It’s a great book to read.

This is such an amazing book about children becoming heros. No one writes about children being hero's anymore. Children do amazing things and never get any credit for it. I know a thing or two about child heroes because I was one in New York. I believe children are hero's anyway. Just being themselves in my opinion are how child heroes are born. This book has 2 separate stories about children becoming heros. Its great and readers wether they are adults or children should read this book. Its wonderful!!!

I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review

It's fun to see a familiar character in these stand alone novellas. Kids will enjoy these funny tales and the short length of the stories is great for reluctant readers.

So this book is a little unique in that it is two stories, and The Great Food Bank Heist, one of the stories, has already been published, and the other story is a bit of an epilogue to The Boy at the Back of the Class.  So, I'm just going to review the first story in the book, The Day We Met the Queen, and while you probably can get away with not reading The Boy at the Back of the Class first, I wouldn't want you to.  It is such a good book and you really should read it, everyone should. Yes, it is that good. So back to The Day We Met the Queen, the first story in the upcoming middle grade 176 page book, about refugees and kids making a difference.

SYNOPSIS:

This charming story shows what happens to Alexa and Ahmet and the whole crew as they prepare to met the Queen for tea.  The group of friends is about to show the entire school their invitations and share the two questions each that they plan to ask the monarch, the list was 52 questions, but because the Queen is nearly 100 years old, they have been advised to shorten the list.  On the day of the assembly news crews are present and Brenden-the-Bully is acting a little strange, as Ahmet starts talking the auditorium erupts with stink bombs and everyone leaves running.  The kids think it is just the bully striking again, but the gossip at the school and reports on the news imply it might be more than that, and the kids might not make it to the Queen's tea after all.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love getting some closure on the story, while simultaneously showing that refugee treatment and rights is not a thing yet resolved.  The idea of the Queen being at the center of the book definitely adds to the coincidental timeliness of it all, but that she is easy going and relatable to the children is still the takeaway whether you were a fan of the real Queen or not.  I love the voice of the protagonist and the relatability that her concerns are with the target audience. I particularly enjoy the critique about the media and the clarity in which the children understand the flaws and limitations of what they are told in the news both on the school level and on a global stage.  There isn't anything Islamic in the text, Ahment is Muslim, as is the author.

FLAGS:

Hate speech, deception, bullying

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

I don't think there is an author that brings big real issues to children's stories as well or as consistently as Onjali Rauf. Both stories in this book should be shared with middle grade readers and up to be discussed, reflected upon, and learned from as often as possible.

I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's through NetGalley.
Heroes come in all sorts of locations. Readers meet several children who take on real world issues and act with bravery.
The Day We Met the Queen - These students were rewarded by an invitation for tea with the Queen for taking on immigration issues. Readers see the dynamics and anger involved as a protest erupts over them going. Rauf captures the gamut of emotions and offers realistic characters stepping up.

The Great Food Bank Heist - Readers will also connect to Nelson's family. When food is short at the food banks, Nelson and his friends decide to investigate. They step up and solve the thefts and are honored for their bravery. I appreciate the courage it took to share and break through the stigma around needing help and support.

Both stories are written for middle grade readers and offer connection points to their own or someone they know.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Delacorte Press for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review. (Publish Date: November 15, 2022)
Rating = 4.5 out of 5 (I rounded up for this review)

Description: From Onjali Q. Rauf, acclaimed author of “The Boy at the Back of the Class,” come two poignant tales of modern-day heroism, featuring supermarket theives, a visit with the Queen, and plenty of laughs!

“Heroes Like Us” by Onjali Q. Raúf was such a joy to read! This two-novella collection caught my attention since it focuses on modern day issues for children who discover what it means to become a true hero.

The first story “The Day We Met the Queen” was full of excitement and learning to overcome problems from a kid’s point of view. I was on the edge of my seat wondering if the kids would make it to Buckingham Palace or not, and the ending of this story did not disappoint!

The second story “The Great Food Bank Heist” nearly had me tears at multiple moments. I’m a mom and reading about a small family having to play games to go without food when money was tight was absolutely heartbreaking for me. Reading about young children complaining of hunger pains and then feeling ashamed to take free food at school was devastating. I felt just as stunned and angry as Nelson did when he found out there was a thief stealing food from the food bank. Who would stoop to doing something that horrifically awful? After reading this story, I felt strongly compelled to donate more regularly to my local food bank.

My one small criticism was regarding the first story “The Day We Met the Queen.” The author definitely expected the reader to have read the prior book that included these same characters since it was referenced often. I, however, had not read that book and was lost on what was being referenced and had to draw my own conclusions.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to older children so they can grasp the real world situations going on in the stories. I would also highly recommend an adult reading this book along with the child, because it will provoke great conversations about how kids can help others going through similar situations in their hometowns and across the world.

Heroes Like Us is a collection of two stories in which children make a difference and become heroes.

The first story, The Day We Met the Queen, takes place after the events of Raúf's previous novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class. After a group of friends help their refugee friend, Ahmet stand up for other refugees, the Queen of England wants to meet them. Not everyone is happy about this, including politicians and Brendan-the-bully, who aren't above sabotaging the kids' big day.

The second story, The Great Food Heist is about a boy whose family is struggling to make ends meet after his father leaves. His mom works hard and does everything she can to make the best of a difficult situation but putting food on the table is a constant struggle. They've been getting by with programs at school and using the local food bank. But, when someone starts stealing from the local food bank, Nelson and his friends are determined to catch the thieves.

These stories send a great message to kids about how anybody can become a hero, if they are willing to stand up for what is right. Sometimes books with these themes can become a bit preachy and are more appealing to adults than kids. However, these stories have a lot of humor and action that engage kids. What kid wouldn't love reading about stink bombs being set off in the middle of an assembly?

I had not read The Boy at the Back of the Class but was still able to follow the story with no problem. I intend to read it now because I want to know more about these characters. I think it would've made it a little more meaningful, so I would recommend reading it first.

"Heroes Like Us" is a novel with two stories in one.

The story of Ahmet which began in "The Boy at the Back of the Class" continues with the story "The Day We Met the Queen" when the children go to have tea with the Queen of England. Of course this does not go off without their share of setbacks along the way. After reading the book "The Boy at the Back of the Class" I was left wondering about the tea with the Queen and Ahmet's future, so I am thrilled to have that closure with this story.

The new story is "The Great Food Bank Heist" is about Nelson and his family of his mum and little sister Ashley. Money is tight, food is picked up often at the food bank, but their allotments are getting smaller each visit due to the rumor that food is being stolen. Nelson and his friends are determined to figure out what is happening and work together to do so.

I am just a huge fan of author Onjali Q Rauf, this is my 4th book that I have had the privilege of reading, and once again, it did not disappoint.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of Heroes Like Us: Two Stories. I remember reading Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf years ago and enjoying it very much so I was excited to learn there was a short story extending his tale. Maybe it's because I hadn't reconnected with the characters in many years, but I didn't really get engrossed in the short story, The Day We Met the Queen. I did, however, really enjoy the second story in the book, The Great Food Bank Heist, a tale about friends who attempt to identify and thwart some thieves.

2 books in 1, what's better than that?! Thank you, Net Galley, Random House Kids, and Delacorte Press, for the advanced copy! (All opinions are my own.)

Onjali Q. Raúf does a spectacular job of showing young readers that heroes don't need superpowers or super strength. Heroes are heroes because of what they stand for and why they choose to be brave and courageous. Both of these books, The Day We Met the Queen and The Great Food Bank Heist, were endearing, sweet, a touch sad with the doses of reality, and funny.

As I was reading The Day We Met the Queen, I realized that it might've been better to have read Raúf's first book, The Boy at the Back of the Class, but it wasn't necessary. I enjoyed the found family aspect of Ahmet and his friends and how they are spurred on by their sense of justice. This book would be a great way for upper elementary students to discuss prejudice and equity, and also to understand that bullies come in all shapes and sizes. Students could have discussions on what it means to be brave and courageous, even if it means standing up to adults and people older and "stronger" than you.

The Great Food Bank Heist is such a good book to talk to students about the reality of families who don't have enough to eat. It was also a much-needed reminder as an educator that food insecurity affects so much more than the physical well-being of a child. Nelson's courage and love for his family touched my heart and the acceptance he received from his friends, from the beginning, was wonderful to read about.

Definitely would recommend this book for upper elementary students!