Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Ramadan begins. For the first time, Maryam will join the fasting. Omar is still too young, but Mom and Dad say he can practice fasting on weekends. Omar is glad because he wants spiritual reward points. At school, Mrs. Hutchinson surprises Omar by wishing him a happy Ramadan. This makes Daniel livid. Omar wonders if he is jealous. Daniel calls Omar a teacher’s pet, says Mrs. Hutchinson is his girlfriend, and scuffs out Omar and Charlie’s chalk drawings. Omar imagines H₂O hitting Daniel with his tail. He tells Daniel to go away. Daniel looks like he is going to charge them again, but a teacher’s aide walks by and Daniel leaves. Charlie suggests telling Mrs. Hutchinson about Daniel’s bullying, but Omar thinks it will make things worse. Still, Omar knows he must do something: He does not like the sick feeling he gets when Daniel bullies him. Omar imagines H₂O living in a cottony cloud, visiting friends, buying snacks, and taking a shower.

Mrs. Rogers joins Omar’s family for the first iftar, the meal that breaks their daily fast at sundown. It is the first time she has dined in their home.