The Adventures of Jamil

Mohammed Umar

When Jamil was a boy growing up on the Tatasi Peninsula, the Twin Tragedy ‒ an earthquake and a volcanic eruption ‒ cut Tatasi off from the mainland, turning it into an island. Immediately afterwards, a sea monster emerged and terrorized the trapped inhabitants. Jamil and his friends each dream of being the one to slay the monster, and freeing the islanders from their fear and uncertainty.

But Jamil also dreams of finding the lost half of Tatasi’s Golden Key, said to safeguard the island from future natural disasters. The Adventures of Jamil tells the tale of this young man’s journey to fulfil his two dreams. Inventing a brilliant plan he succeeds in defeating the sea monster. But the second dream proves much harder to attain. Jamil’s quest for the other half of the key is full of twists and turns. Along the way, Jamil survives a shipwreck, crosses the desert and fights chimeras.

Paperback: 148 pages, 129mm x 198mm
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0957208405
ISBN-13: 978-0957208407

A wonderfully exciting story

A wonderfully exciting story with a plot that moves quickly and holds the young reader spellbound. I enjoyed the magic of the adventures, how Jamil felt a sense of freedom to choose his own path, overcome his fears and finally find his dream. Woven into the story are values such as respect for one’s elders, perseverance in the face of adversity, and the triumph of good over evil.

Triena Noeline Ong, President, Singapore Book Publishers Association

A brilliant page-turner

This is a brilliant page-turner for young adults, which strikes the perfect balance between delighting and educating. Jamil is an indomitable, lovable hero, and his adventures ensure that there is never a dull moment.

Chika Unigwe, Novelist

An inspiring and imaginative adventure story

It is such an inspiring and imaginative adventure story. It makes me want to look at issues today with more imagination.

Aida Abdul-Raheem, a 15 year-old student

Easily accessible for young people

The Adventures of Jamil delivers an adventure within the wrap-around concept of 'another world'. The story engenders respect for all the people who make up a vibrant society and recognises the worth of different generations. The fantasy is grounded in reality which makes it easily accessible for young people.

Jeffery Smith, Head Teacher, Anson Primary School, London, UK

It is that good!

We just don’t read a story. We go on a journey ... Umar uses an orally and visually expressive language to tell us of Jamil’s journey. Few stories leave adults and youth wanting to give it to others to read. The Adventures of Jamil is that kind of story. It is that good.

Joseph Lebensfeld, Educator and Specialist of English for Speaker of Other Languages