Ali and His Golden Sax

Ali, a young boy from Cairo, plays a golden saxophone—symbolizing how music, mentorship, and perseverance changed his life.

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Ali and his golden sax

Average Rating: 5.0

Country: Egypt

Publisher: A Zamasama Original

Author: Shamim Padamsee

Ages: 8–10, 10-12

Illustrator: Nathalie Saoud

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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