Snow Dong, Shekou International School “Restart” is written by Korman Gordan and “The Boy at the Back of the Class” is written by Qnjali Q. In the two books there are boys who are different from the “normal” persons, especially in school. They both overcome hard challenges in friendship, bullying and their own challenging problems: being bullied because of the differences they have, and people who do not believe them, just because of their past. I believe that both characters rely on their friends very much. But in “Restart,” Chase has a hard time making friends because of his “past life” (which is bullying, and he kind of deserves it). But even when the accident happens at the one man band film, his friend Brenden Espinoza, is still determined to find clues to show Chase isn’t trying to hurt them. In “The Boy at the Back of the Class,” the narrator is “begging” to be friends with Ahmet. I believe both characters overcome difficulties. In “Restart” Chase Ambrose is blamed for trying to protect his video club friends but accidentally smacks Joe Weber in the eye. The video club does not trust him anymore and he is forced to lie. When Ahmet migrates first in the school, he is still feared by this new country, and is grieving for his dead sister and his lost parents. I saw the different families they have. Chase is struggling with the choice of listening to his strong and fearless father or his caring mother. On the other hand, Ahmet, has no family to care for him. He is always longing for his family, so the narrator and her friend finally find Ahmet’s parents. I believe that both children show they are fearless and brave by standing up for their new friend. Chase manages to keep Aaron and Bear’s hands off the video club, and stop the football team from bullying Brenden. Ahmet also surprises Brenden the bully (not the same one) by fighting fiercely for the narrator and her friends. In conclusion, Chase and Ahmet have great friendships, are brave and do not give up even though they have challenges and difficulties. | 