Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Zanib Mian

Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

Zanib Mian
45 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2019

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Omar is an energetic, highly imaginative young Muslim boy who refers to himself as a trouble magnet. Moving to a new neighborhood and school causes him significant anxiety, prompting him to rely on his creativity to cope with the changes. He is deeply connected to his family and his Islamic faith, which informs his worldview and responses to adversity.

Key Relationships

Son of Mom

Son of Dad

Brother of Maryam

Brother of Esa

Best Friend of Charlie

Target of Daniel Green

Neighbor of Mrs. Rogers

Creator of H2O

Mom is a meticulous scientist who wears a hijab and deeply values her family's routines. She approaches conflicts with grace, attempting to extend kindness to those who are unwelcoming to her family. Her strong Muslim faith and compassionate nature guide her parenting and her interactions with her neighbors.

Key Relationships

Mother of Omar

Wife of Dad

Mother of Maryam

Mother of Esa

Neighbor of Mrs. Rogers

Dad is a relaxed, motorcycle-riding scientist with a highly supportive approach to parenting. He organizes "Science Sundays" with his children and helps Omar handle the challenges of a new environment. He encourages his family to remain patient and positive in the face of local prejudice.

Key Relationships

Husband of Mom

Father of Omar

Father of Maryam

Father of Esa

Neighbor of Mrs. Rogers

Maryam is Omar's thirteen-year-old older sister who has memorized twenty-eight chapters of the Qur'an. She struggles with the family's relocation, frequently exhibiting teenage mood swings and frustration. Despite their occasional squabbles, she remains an integral part of the close-knit household.

Key Relationships

Sister of Omar

Daughter of Mom

Daughter of Dad

Sister of Esa

Daniel is a student in Omar's new class who quickly establishes himself as a bully. He targets Omar and his friend Charlie with verbal insults and physical intimidation, frequently expressing anti-Muslim prejudice. His aggressive behavior masks deep-seated insecurities related to his home life.

Key Relationships

Bully of Omar

Bully of Charlie

Brother of Suzy

Mrs. Rogers is the elderly, white-haired neighbor living next door to Omar's new home. She relies on negative stereotypes and is openly hostile toward her new Muslim neighbors. She frequently complains about the family's cooking and the children's noise, maintaining a suspicious distance.

Key Relationships

Hostile Neighbor of Mom

Hostile Neighbor of Omar

Charlie is Omar's best friend at his new school. He is a polite, red-headed boy with thick glasses. His welcoming nature makes him an instant friend to Omar, and they offer each other loyal companionship as they both deal with being targeted by the class bully.

Key Relationships

Best Friend of Omar

Target of Daniel Green

Supporting Characters

Esa is Omar's three-year-old younger brother. He is loud and energetic, frequently making a sticky mess of his surroundings. Though his antics disrupt family activities and prayers, he is deeply loved by his parents and siblings.

Key Relationships

Brother of Omar

Son of Mom

Son of Dad

Brother of Maryam

H2O is Omar's imaginary dragon companion, named after the chemical symbol for water. He serves as a protective mental barrier, giving Omar confidence when facing daunting situations like starting a new school and dealing with aggressive classmates.

Key Relationships

Imaginary Companion of Omar

Mrs. Hutchinson is Omar's supportive new teacher, known for her expressive curly red hair. She recognizes Omar's intelligence during science lessons and shows cultural sensitivity toward his religious observances.

Key Relationships

Teacher of Omar

Teacher of Daniel Green

Reza is Omar's twelve-year-old cousin who lives in Manchester. Omar looks up to him as "super-cool" and enjoys playing video games with him, though Reza's cynical worldview occasionally fuels Omar's anxieties.

Key Relationships

Cousin of Omar

Aunty Iman is Omar's Qur'an teacher. She is exceptionally patient with Omar's inquisitive nature, taking the time to answer his endless questions about his faith and religious practices.

Key Relationships

Teacher of Omar

Mohamed is a kind, older man who wears a traditional thobe and attends the London Central Mosque. He offers hospitality, guidance, and a safe haven to those who find themselves in need.

Key Relationships

Helper of Omar

Helper of Daniel Green

Eddy is an unhoused man who frequents the streets of London. He possesses a kind and helpful nature despite his scruffy appearance and difficult life circumstances.

Key Relationships

Acquaintance of Omar

Suzy is Daniel's chronically ill younger sister. Her frequent surgeries and need for medical care demand the vast majority of her parents' time and attention, deeply impacting her brother's home life.

Key Relationships

Sister of Daniel Green