Ali, a young boy from Cairo, plays a golden saxophone—symbolizing how music, mentorship, and perseverance changed his life.
Ali and his golden sax
Ali and his golden sax
Average Rating: 5.0
Country: Egypt
Publisher: A Zamasama Original
Author: Shamim Padamsee
Ages: 8–10, 10-12
Illustrator: TBD

About The Story

Ali grows up in Al Darb Al Ahmar, a lively old neighborhood in Cairo. Though he has to leave school and work long hours as a shoemaker to help his family, Ali keeps a quiet dream alive inside him.

One day, he discovers DAAS — a music school — and finds a magical golden saxophone that changes his life. With perseverance, support, and hope, Ali turns squeaky notes into beautiful music and builds a career that reaches audiences from around the world.

Inspired by a real story from Cairo, Egypt, Ali and His Golden Sax is a multicultural children’s story about music, perseverance, resilience, and opportunity. Ideal for IB PYP and SEL classrooms.

Themes

Social & Emotional Wellbeing
Community & Opportunity
Inclusion & Disability

Sub Themes

A Story About Music and Perseverance
Exploring Life in Cairo, Egypt
How Music Can Change Children’s Lives
IB PYP: How We Express Ourselves

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Ages 8–10: Understand that perseverance and hard work can turn dreams into reality.
  • Discover how organizations and mentors can help children access opportunities and grow their talents.
  • Reflect on the courage it takes to follow a dream, even when life is hard.
  • Appreciate how music can connect people from many cultures and bring joy beyond boundaries.
  • Ages 10–12 - Analyze how opportunity and education can break cycles of poverty.
  • Explore how supportive programs and organizations can change the future for disadvantaged children.
  • Discuss the importance of resilience when facing obstacles or discouragement
  • Reflect on how mentoring and encouragement help talents grow.
  • See how creativity and art can bring people together across cultures.

Lesson Plan

  • Discussion, reflection, music listening, and creative activities explore Ali’s journey.

Activities

  • Dream Map: Children draw their own dream path and what steps they might need to reach it.
  • Sound Connections: Play world music samples — discuss how it makes us feel connected.
  • Encouragement Wall: Write kind words to support classmates’ dreams.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • What’s your dream job or hobby?
  • Have you ever wanted to try something but thought it was too hard?
  • How can music make people feel connected even if they don’t speak the same language?

During reading

  • Why do you think Ali kept working so hard even when life was difficult?
  • What do the golden saxophone and music mean to Ali?

After reading

  • What helped Ali follow his dream?
  • How does music bring people together from different cultures?
  • Can you think of ways people can help each other discover their talents?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4 – Quality Education

Highlights the life-changing power of accessible, inclusive education (DAAS).

SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth

Shows how creative skills can lead to sustainable livelihoods.

SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

Inspires breaking cycles of poverty and giving equal chances to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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