Review
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* “Saeed (Written in the Stars) infuses this
true-to-life story of unjust power dynamics in a poor Pakistani
village with a palpable sense of dread regarding the e of the
inquisitive, industrious, poetry-loving titular character. . . .
Amal’s experience navigating an unfamiliar social hierarchy in
the landlord’s lavish estate exposes her to pervasive gender
inequities and unfair labor practices. . . . 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
* “A Pakistani girl’s dreams of an education dissolve when she is
forced into indentured servitude. . . . 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
* “Saeed’s middle grade debut shares an empowering message about
the importance of family, literacy, and cultural ties. The rich
storytelling, nuanced characterization of an all-Pakistani cast,
complex and layered look at the socioeconomics of the region, and
richly described setting make this ultimately hopeful
contemporary tale a good alternative to Gloria Whelan’s Homeless
Bird and Patricia McCormick’s Sold. A strong choice for all
middle grade shelves, especially where readers are seeking
stories about young girls in non-Western countries overcoming
adversity.”—School Library Journal, starred review
* "This beautifully crafted and moving story will encourage
middle grade readers to ponder such issues as indentured
servitude, class, and resistance. Saeed’s well-developed
narrative will evoke empathy for all those around the world like
Amal, who are not guaranteed freedom or education. An inspired
read for all, particularly for those who have followed Malala
Yousafzai’s story or enjoyed Deborah Ellis’ The Breadwinner or
Tara Sullivan’s The Bitter Side of Sweet."—School Library
Connection, starred review
“Readers will find that a little perseverance and a heart filled
with hope can eventually sur a harsh reality. Saeed fills
her prose with lush descriptions of Pakistani life, while still
managing to connect with readers whose surroundings and
experiences will be starkly different. Hand to any reader who
struggles with definitive gender roles, norms, and expectations
held in place by societal structures.”—Booklist
“This simple yet lyrical novel paints an evocative picture of
life in a small village in modern-day Pakistan, especially the
limits placed on girls and women. . . . It may serve as a
read-alike or a gateway to stories such as Yousafzai’s
autobiography, I Am Malala; The Lines We Cross by Randa
Abdel-tah; and Saeed’s debut novel, Written in the Stars.”—The
Voice of Youth Advocates
“Amal’s narration is straightforward and direct, and her despair
at losing her dreams is palpable, as is her unging
determination to get them back. . . . There’s clear commentary on
the marginalized lives of girls and women in Pakistan . . . and
the fight for her education is already fraught even before she is
taken from her home. An author’s note discusses the issues of
indentured servitude, particularly among girls.”—The Bulletin of
the Center for Children's Books
“This heart-wrenching yet hopeful contemporary novel about class,
gender, and literacy features a narrator who takes great risks in
the name of justice and self-determination. . . . Short chapters
and unadorned prose make the story accessible and direct, with
Amal’s emotions, perspective, and strength anchoring the
narrative. An author’s note asserts that Amal represents real
women and girls who fight injustice across the globe, often
without re.”—Horn Book
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About the Author
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Aisha Saeed also wrote Written in the Stars, and is
a Pakistani-American writer, teacher, and attorney. She has been
featured on MTV, the Huffington Post, NBC and the BBC, and her
writings have appeared in publications including the journal ALAN
and the Orlando Sentinel. As one of the founding members of the
much talked about We Need Diverse Books Campaign, she is helping
change the conversation about diverse books. Aisha lives in
Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and sons.
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