Characters
Who is the main character who helps Ahmed?
Max
In which city does most of the story take place?
Brussels
What does Max first discover about Ahmed?
that he is hiding illegally
What theme is shown through Max helping Ahmed?
friendship
Why does Max feel like an outsider at the beginning of the story, even though he is not a refugee?
Example: because of moving to a new country, language barriers, and feeling disconnected
What is Ahmed’s nationality?
Syrian
Why is the dinghy important?
What does it represent?
hint for what a dinghy is = -100 points ;)
It represents danger, desperation, and hope. It shows how far Ahmed is willing to go to survive.
Why did Ahmed leave Syria?
because of war
What major real-world issue affects Ahmed’s life?
the refugee crisis
How does Ahmed show resilience without directly saying it? Give one example.
through his actions: surviving alone, adapting, staying calm under pressure
Who is Max’s best friend at school?
Farah
What country did Ahmed end up in?
Bonus 100 points if you know the itinerary.
What problem does Max face when helping Ahmed?
keeping a secret / risk of getting in trouble
What does the story teach about refugees?
empathy / understanding
What role does secrecy play in the relationship between Max and Ahmed?
it builds trust but also creates tension and risk
Which family member of Max struggles with changes after moving to Brussels?
Max’s mother
what park did Ahmed sleep in after he had left Max' basement?
Bonus 100 points if you know where exactly.
Parc Georges Henri playground (octopus-shaped slides)
What dangerous situation does Ahmed face in Brussels?
being caught by police / deportation risk
How does Max change during the story?
becoming more brave and aware
Compare Max’s internal conflict (i.e. emotions) with Ahmed’s external conflict (i.e. physically).
Max struggles emotionally (identity, belonging), while Ahmed struggles physically (safety, survival)?
Name TWO differences between Max and Ahmed’s lives.
Example answers: safety vs danger, stable home vs refugee life, school access vs interruption
Challenge: Explain why Brussels is an important setting (2 ideas).
Example: international city, political centre, diverse population
Challenge: Put these in order (teacher reads aloud):
Max’s family moves to Brussels
Max meets Ahmed
Ahmed hides
Ahmed leaves Syria
Challenge: Give ONE message of the book and explain it.
Example: helping others matters even when it’s difficult
If Ahmed had been discovered earlier in the story, how might the ending change? Give a logical alternative ending.
Examples: deportation, separation, less trust, no strong friendship, etc.