Summary: Accidental Trouble Magnet (Planet Omar #1)
Omar is a young Muslim boy with a huge imagination. He and his family (his mom, dad, and two siblings) are adjusting to a new move (new house, new school) and approaching the month of Ramadan. Unfortunately, the adjustment process is NOT smooth. First, there’s a neighbor who doesn’t seem to like Omar’s family and a bully at school who keeps making fun of him. Things come a head when Omar and Daniel, the bully get lost together during a school trip. Can Omar escape all this trouble he keeps attracting?
The Good
My favorite thing about this book is the format in which it’s written. It’s told in prose with some illustrations, illustrated text, and speech bubbles (almost doodly like Wimpy Kid). The inclusion of drawings and illustrated text makes the book more fun to read (although I’m sure it adds up to the longer page count).
Omar is a funny character, and I loved reading his observations about his family, being Muslim, his classmates, and everything else. I also enjoyed the family dynamics between his science-loving parents, his relatable older sister, and his mischief-making younger brother.
Finally, a major theme in this story is navigating prejudice. Omar’s mother wears the hijab, and they’re practicing Muslims, so they’re often misjudged and prejudged. The family tries hard to meet negative sentiments with kindness. The author also showcases the Ramadan routine for Omar’s family, which is informative and insightful.
Content Warnings
- Death: None
- Sexual content: None
- Alcohol/substance abuse: None
Diversity
- Ethnic: Omar and his family are of Pakistani descent
- Sexual orientation: None
Recommended for ages: 8+
Good for kids who like:
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Chapter books with male protagonists
- Books with Muslim characters
- Books set in the UK
“I liked the book because it was silly. I also liked that I have a friend named Charlie, and the main character also has a friend named Charlie. I didn’t like that the book was so long, I gradually lost interest.”
Alex G., Age 8.5
Publisher Details
Publisher details | Hodder Children’s Books |
Author: | Zanib Mian |
Illustrator: | Nasaya Mafaridik |
Publication date: | August 18, 2019 |
Audiobook? | Yes. Libro.fm |
Page count: | 224 |
Cover artists | Designer: |
Buy This Book
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