New York Times Best Seller
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.
Nancy Paulsen Books | ISBN: 0399544682
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★ “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
Global Read Aloud 2018 – Middle Grade Novel Selection
YALSA Top Ten Pick for Reluctant Readers
2019 ALSC Notable Children’s Book
2019 Amelia Bloomer Top Ten
Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2018 selection
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year 2018
Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018 selection
Amazon Best Books of 2018 selection
NPR Best Books of 2018 selection
Mr. Schu’s Top 20 Books of 2018
A Mighty Girl’s Best Books of 2018
Nerdies Award
Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature Best Books of 2018
New York Public Library Best Books of 2018
Brightly’s Best of 2018
Kirkus Starred Review
Publishers Weekly Starred Review
School Library Journal Starred Review
School Library Connection Starred Review
Washington Post Best Books of 2018
Washington Post KidsPost Summer Book Club Selection (Aug. 2018)
Barnes & Noble Best Books of 2018 (Young Readers)
Summer 2018 Kids’ Indie Next Pick 2018
Junior Library Guild Selection
NBC Asian America’s Best Children’s/YA Books of 2018
Bank Street Best Books of 2018
2019-2020 Maine State Award Nominee
2019-2020 Maryland State Award Nominee
2019-2020 Oklahoma State Award Nominee
2019-2020 Vermont State Award Nominee
2019-2020 Georgia State Award Nominee
2019-2020 Rhode Island State Award Nominee
22+ state reading lists and counting!