My newest pre-release purchase to arrive is the fabulous middle grade novel Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed (chosen as one of the texts for this fall's Global Read Aloud).
Amal Unbound is the story of twelve-year old Amal who lives with her family in a small town in modern Pakistan. Amal is an engaging narrator and one that the reader roots for almost immediately. Some quick foreshadowing at the beginning sets the scene for the trials and tribulations to come. Most of the families in Amal's town are in debt to local strongman Jawad Sahib Khan, and when Amal has an unexpected encounter, she learns just how powerful he is in her community ...
This is a powerful story about economic exploitation and indentured servitude, as well as about the power of standing up for yourself and for what's right, despite the risks. The book reminded me in some ways of Francis Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess, which was a favorite of mine as a child.
This is definitely one that will grab readers' attention and lead to important discussions and questions!
Amal Unbound is the story of twelve-year old Amal who lives with her family in a small town in modern Pakistan. Amal is an engaging narrator and one that the reader roots for almost immediately. Some quick foreshadowing at the beginning sets the scene for the trials and tribulations to come. Most of the families in Amal's town are in debt to local strongman Jawad Sahib Khan, and when Amal has an unexpected encounter, she learns just how powerful he is in her community ...
This is a powerful story about economic exploitation and indentured servitude, as well as about the power of standing up for yourself and for what's right, despite the risks. The book reminded me in some ways of Francis Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess, which was a favorite of mine as a child.
This is definitely one that will grab readers' attention and lead to important discussions and questions!
No comments:
Post a Comment