Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Omar appreciates differences: He loves people-watching at the mosque on Eid day, and marvels at how unique every person is. Unfortunately, not everyone around him feels the same. Zanib Mian illustrates how negative stereotypes, formed from ignorance and misinformation, hurt others, making people feel marginalized and inferior. In the novel, Omar is othered, belittled and treated as an outsider. Omar and his family overcome the animosity aimed at them by educating their detractors about Islam and dispelling fear-based prejudices.

Although Omar does not like changes, he faces several. He must adjust to a new home, a new neighborhood, and a new school. In these ways, Omar starts the novel as an outsider. Omar overcomes challenges, settling into his new home, making a friend in Charlie, and getting along with everyone in class except Daniel. Omar’s British Muslim culture and Pakistani heritage, however, set him apart from others. There are no other Muslims in Omar’s class at school, and people do not understand much about his Islamic faith.

Omar’s differences do not bother him. He is secure in his identity: He is proud of his “huge imagination,” and his curious nature. Omar is also secure in his faith.