Omar Rising

Why is attending Ghalib Academy so important to Omar? Relatedly, why does Amal want to be accepted as a student at Iqra? Use examples from the text to illustrate at least three ways in which achieving a superior education is vitally important for both characters.

Shuaib tells Omar, “Dreams can change” (208). Does Omar agree with this statement? Why or why not? How do Omar’s dreams change by the end of the novel?

At Ghalib, Omar steps into a “whole different orbit” (16). How does Ghalib differ from Omar’s home village? How is Omar different from paying students like Aiden? What privileges does Aiden enjoy that Omar lacks, and vice versa?

At first, Omar does not understand how art can “speak” to him, but he soon finds inspiration in several different forms of artwork at Ghalib. What artwork “speaks” to Omar? How do they make him feel? What do these works help Omar learn about himself?

Omar initially perceives Headmaster Moiz and Aiden as negative influences in his life. Why does Omar feel this way? What makes Omar change his mind about these two individuals?

Omar struggles with believing in himself. What factors contribute to his lack of confidence? What factors ultimately help Omar to gain confidence?

Artist Shehzil Malik uses her work to advocate for social justice, promoting women’s rights and gender equity. Omar embraces Malik’s advice to be “stubbornly optimistic.” In what ways does Omar show his stubborn optimism? How does Omar fight his own battle against injustice?

At the end of the novel, Omar comments that many things have changed, “But I’m the same Omar” (212). In what ways does Omar change and grow over the course of the novel? In what ways does he stay the same?