About the Book
Who is the author of ‘Boy Overboard’?
Morris Gleitzman
Name the character who lost a leg in a landmine explosion.
Yusuf
Where does the government take Jamal’s mum before she is rescued?
The football stadium
What is the main religion in Afghanistan?
Islam
What quote does Jamal say throughout the book?
“Never give up, even when things are looking hopeless.”
When was the book written?
Early 2000s (2002)
Who threatens to call the police when Jamal and Bibi break his window?
Mr Nasser
How do Jamal and Bibi get separated from their parents?
The football falls into the water and they went to retrieve it.
What group of people ruled Afghanistan when Jamal lived there?
The Taliban
Who is Bibi talking about when she says, “That camel-snot needs someone to teach him a lesson, starting with the news that yellow is a very unfashionable colour”?
One of the mean sailors
What perspective is the book written in?
First person
What colour is Rashida’s lipstick?
Green
What important family heirloom does Jamal’s mother sell?
Candlestick
Name one thing girls were not allowed to do in the story.
Possible answers: go to school, play football, go outside alone…
Who says, “In English, the word overboard also means to do something that is bold, wild, dangerous and daring.”
Yusuf’s grandfather
Name THREE things seen on the front cover.
Globe, Soccer ball, the word 'Me', stars in the background, the author's name.
Who says to Jamal, “You need medical attention…We haven’t even got an X-ray machine.”?
Andrew
Why aren’t Rashida’s parents on the boat with her?
Her parents only had enough money to send one person over.
Name a type of unique clothing people wear in Afghanistan
Possible answers: tunbaan, chador (headscarf), hijab, burqa, peraahan tunbaan, turban, chapan, karakul…
Who says, “My brother died when he was a baby, so when I came along I got his name.”?
Rashida
How many chapters are in the book?
42
Who is described as “a small kid but he’s fast”?
Aziz
What idea does Jamal come up with to attract his dad to find him in the refugee camp?
He thinks if he bakes some bread his dad will smell it and come and find him.
Name a country that borders Afghanistan.
Possible answers: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, China, and Iran.
Who says, “Where I come from, Dubbo Abattoirs United are world beaters. They’ve won the Western District Trophy for the last nine years.”?
One of the Australian UN workers in the refugee camp.