Aisha Saeed

In Pakistan, Amal holds onto her dream of being a teacher even after becoming an indentured servant to pay off her family's debt to the wealthy and corrupt Khan family.

Amal unbound

"Saeed's timely and stirring middle-grade debut is a celebration of resistance and justice."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review 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.

Amal Unbound

Amal Unbound was a heartfelt book. Since it's intended for a younger audience than myself I can forgive the simplicity in which it tackles the topic of indentured servitude and the feudalistic systems many small villages in Pakistan find themselves trapped in. 

While nothing groundbreaking it was a sweet story of strength and I hope it uplifts many young people and brings attention to the issue of indentured servitude which is prevalent not only in Pakistan but worldwide. 

Marz 

Amal Unbound was a heartfelt book. Since it's intended for a younger audience than myself I can forgive the simplicity in which it tackles the topic of indentured servitude and the feudalistic systems many small villages in Pakistan find themselves trapped in. 

While nothing groundbreaking it was a sweet story of strength and I hope it uplifts many young people and brings attention to the issue of indentured servitude which is prevalent not only in Pakistan but worldwide. 

Sarah Sammis

Inspired by Malala Yousafzai

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed is in a Pakistani village. Amal wants to be a teacher but her education is constantly curtailed by obligations to her family and her younger siblings. Then things get unimaginably worse when their landlord, a corrupt, terrible person, demands that Amal work at his house to pay down her family's debt.

http://pussreboots.com/blog/2019/comm...

Andrea Pozo

** spoiler alert **
           "None of this is easy (...). My new life was simply about making choices, none of which I actually wished to make". A great, very nuanced book. The style is accesible to middle grade readers, and even earlier ages, and it helps children consider outside realities like the one presented about indebted servitude. Amal's character is reflective, courageous and strong. I'd love to see this translated to every language.

Raven K

oh this book was something special. First off, I couldn't even imagine being in Amal's shoes. Second, this book left a mark on my heart. It's definitely different, and I can say I loved this book. It wasn't anything like I imagined it would be tho. It was still a delight to read.

Ashley Wendt

Wow! I’m not sure what I expected out of this story, but it wasn’t that. What a beautiful & important read. It was such a quick read, and that would be my only want from this book, would to be have a little more time to flesh out some characters & relationships. Otherwise, it was

Nadine 

An excellent portrayal of the poverty / privilege dynamics. While reading I had to think this could be part of a multi-cultural diverse TV series of "upstairs / downstairs" like Downton Abbey but set in different places in the world.
This version is perhaps a more kind and benign version what takes place in reality - where the bad guys don't always get their comeuppance. A worthwhile read.

Jeni Enjaian

I enjoyed this book even though it was a lot simpler than many of the others I have read recently owing to the age, 12, of the narrator.
I thought that Saeed crafted a compelling story that shone a light on a serious issue in much of the world without unnecessary gratuitous language or other elements. 
While the end feels a bit deus ex machina, I still enjoyed it.

Kate

A brilliantly written, powerful and moving story of bravery, the privilege of freedom and taking a stand against the ruthless powers that be. This middle grade will pull at the heartstrings of readers of all ages.