Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed is celebrated for its engaging narrative and heartfelt portrayal of a boy's struggle for education against systemic inequalities. Reviewers praise the book's authentic characterization and relatable themes. Criticisms focus on predictable plot elements and occasional pacing issues. Overall, it is considered an inspiring and thought-provoking read.

A reader who enjoys Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed will likely be a fan of inspirational, character-driven stories about overcoming adversity. Similar to readers of Front Desk by Kelly Yang and Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan, this audience appreciates themes of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of dreams against challenging odds.

In Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed, Omar Ali, a 12-year-old from a Pakistani village, wins a scholarship to the prestigious Ghalib Academy. Although attending Ghalib promises a brighter future, Omar soon discovers that scholarship students face discrimination and extreme academic pressures. As he navigates these challenges with the support of friends and family, Omar learns to believe in himself and fight against injustice.

- Omar Rising is a companion novel to Aisha Saeed's earlier book Amal Unbound, offering a deeper look into the experiences of a beloved secondary character from the first book.
- The story is inspired by real-world educational challenges faced by children around the world, reflecting Saeed's work as a founding member of the nonprofit organization We Need Diverse Books.
- Aisha Saeed is known for her advocacy in literature, and Omar Rising underscores themes of perseverance, friendship, and the fight for educational equity.

**Omar Ali**  
A seventh-year student passionate about astronomy and soccer, Omar is determined to improve his life through education and is known for his fairness and responsibility. Together with his friends, he navigates the challenges at Ghalib school.

**Amal**  
Omar's childhood friend, deeply connected since birth, who shares his thirst for knowledge and empowerment through education. She provides emotional support and encourages open communication and trust between friends.

**Kareem**  
A cheerful scholarship student at Ghalib, known for his positive outlook and fondness for candy and basketball. Despite his fun-loving nature, Kareem faces anxieties related to socio-economic status and bullying.

**Naveed**  
A mild-mannered scholarship student prone to worry, who aspires to succeed academically like his friends. He shares the pressure to meet the high expectations placed upon scholarship students at Ghalib.

**Aiden**  
Initially an antagonist in the story, Aiden begins as a wealthy and arrogant classmate but eventually turns into one of Omar's key supporters. His journey reveals the impact of friendship and social dynamics.

**Headmaster Moiz**  
Seen as a stern authority figure at Ghalib, Headmaster Moiz's firm demeanor masks his genuine interest in helping scholarship students succeed, ultimately playing a vital role in supporting them.

**Mr. Adeel**  
The kind and supportive art teacher who encourages Omar and his peers to express themselves creatively. His positive influence helps shape Omar's confidence and philosophical outlook on life and success.

**Shuaib**  
A former celebrity chef who becomes an encouraging presence in Omar's life, reminding him of his potential and the open paths ahead of him. Shuaib's insights help Omar realize that dreams can evolve and success can be found in various forms.

Aisha Saeed

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