Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Omar is the story’s protagonist. Full of energy and imaginative, Omar is a self-declared “trouble magnet.” His “shenanigans,” as Dad calls them, are offset by Omar’s curiosity about the natural world and his sensitivity toward others. Like his parents, Omar loves science and precision. He even counts the steps between their home and Mrs. Rogers’s front door. Omar also has lots of observations—and questions—about life, the universe, and everything. He likes his new Qur’an teacher because she answers his many queries about Allah.

Omar’s scientific side is balanced by his creative side. Omar effortlessly imagines everything from aliens to zombies—and even alien zombies. His imagination enriches his life—he pities Mom and other adults who cannot seem to imagine anything—and it helps him cope with Daniel’s bullying. Omar also believes that one’s inner goodness and positivity shines through in one’s appearance. Omar shows his empathy when he comforts and reassures his nemesis, Daniel. Over the course of the novel, Omar learns how important it is to extend kindness and to take the time to learn about others. When Omar does these two things, his enemies become friends.