As a result of his life experiences this child understood what the other students were unable to comprehend. Matisyahu was talking about Yosef, but he was actually referring to himself. He was describing the sad, frightened boy that sat alone in the back of the class. Matisyahu could well relate to the Yosef who was separated from his father at a young age. While this may not necessarily be the true meaning of Yosef's question, its message should be clear and thought-provoking.
Children have feelings and sensitivities.
Although they do not always readily express themselves, their eyes, their actions, and their lack of action tell the story. A perceptive parent or teacher can look at a child and sense his hurt, feel his grief, and reach out to him with gentleness and compassion. Only in this way can the true nature of the child begin to shine. The frightening aspect of this situation is what does or does not happen to those children whom no one notices. Horav Shalom Schwadron, zl, takes a pragmatic approach towards explaining this Midrash.