Boy Overboard

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

Jamal has decided that the “perfect” time to practice soccer without being seen or caught is at night. He is often kept awake by his worries about Mum and Dad, who have gone off to warn the parents of their female students. Too cautious to wake the others by getting his own soccer ball, he borrows Yusuf’s. Bibi wakes up anyway, and Jamal decides to let Bibi into his plan to get to the World Cup: If the two of them become beloved soccer stars, the government might end its ban on girls playing sports. As they practice, Bibi gives the ball “the most incredible kick [he’s] seen in his life” (46), sending the ball far up the street, right up to the front door of their house. A moment later, in a blinding flash of light, their house explodes, leaving only rubble. Two trucks peel away into the darkness. Suddenly, Dad is at the scene: Cursing at the fleeing trucks, he helps Jamal and Bibi to their feet. Jamal realizes that the government has blown up their house.