Between the school bully who thinks he’s a Muslim terrorist and an epic plan to get his teacher to stop being so mean, Omar’s life is anything but boring.
“Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet” is a delightful story that follows Omar, a 10-year-old Muslim boy with an extraordinary imagination, as he navigates moving to a new neighborhood and school. Omar quickly makes friends with Charlie but faces challenges when the class bully, Daniel, targets him with islamophobic remarks. Similarly, his elderly neighbor Mrs. Rogers views Omar’s family with suspicion. Through Omar’s resilience and his family’s kindness, both Daniel and Mrs. Rogers eventually overcome their prejudices.
This book serves as an excellent resource for supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Commonuties; specifically focusing on creating inclusive communities while nurturing Open-Mindedness. Omar’s story powerfully demonstrates how diverse families strengthen neighborhoods when prejudice is replaced with understanding and appreciation. Educators can use this text to facilitate discussions about community inclusion, cultural assumptions, and the impact of microaggressions on belonging. The book offers natural opportunities for comparing students’ own experiences with Omar’s. Teachers might pair reading with activities exploring different cultural traditions or community-building projects where students design inclusive spaces. The accessible humor and relatable story make complex topics approachable while showing students how everyday interactions can either build or diminish community.
