Simon & Schuster Physical Intelligence

The introduction sets the emotional and thematic foundation for the story: a group of nine‑year‑olds encounter a new classmate, Ahmet, who is quiet, withdrawn, and clearly carrying the weight of something difficult. Through the narrator’s curious, compassionate eyes, readers learn that Ahmet is a refugee, recently arrived after fleeing war and losing his family along the way.

Raúf uses the introduction to highlight how children often respond to injustice with instinctive kindness rather than fear. The tone is warm, humorous, and hopeful, even as it hints at the serious realities Ahmet has faced. The narrator’s determination to understand and help him becomes the spark for the entire story.