Amal Unbound
(Genre: Novel/Fiction)
The compelling story of a girl's fight to regain her life and dreams after being forced into indentured servitude. Life is quiet and ordinary in Amal's Pakistani village, but she had no complaints, and besides, she's busy pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher one day.
Her dreams are temporarily dashed when--as the eldest daughter--she must stay home from school to take care of her siblings. Amal is upset, but she doesn't lose hope and finds ways to continue learning. Then the unimaginable happens--after an accidental run-in with the son of her village's corrupt landlord, Amal must work as his family's servant to pay off her own family's debt.
Life at the opulent Khan estate is full of heartbreak and struggle for Amal--especially when she inadvertently makes an enemy of a girl named Nabila. Most troubling, though, is Amal's growing awareness of the Khans' nefarious dealings. When it becomes clear just how far they will go to protect their interests, Amal realizes she will have to find a way to work with others if they are ever to exact change in a cruel status quo, and if Amal is ever to achieve her dreams.
PRODUCT INFO
ISBN: 9780399544682 Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books Language: English Page Count: 240 Publication Date: 5/8/2018 Size: 8.59" l x 5.79" w x 0.90 BOOK REVIEWS
“Saeed’s eloquent, suspenseful, eye-opening tale offers a window into the contemporary practice of indentured servitude and makes a compelling case for the power of girls’ education to transform systemic injustice.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Amal narrates, her passion for learning, love for her family, and despair at her circumstance evoked with sympathy and clarity, as is the setting. Inspired by Malala Yousafzai and countless unknown girls like her, Saeed’s timely and stirring middle-grade debut is a celebration of resistance and justice.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“A beautiful and moving story about indentured servitude, economic class, family, resistance, and ultimately—freedom. Amal’s story and the main people we meet in it are so thoughtfully and deeply rendered, I remain haunted by their struggles and changed by their journeys.” – Jacqueline Woodson
“This heroic story about a girl’s struggle to become educated against overwhelming odds will open readers’ eyes and hearts. A gorgeous and compelling read.” – Laurie Halse Anderson