Amal is a bright girl who loves school. In the beginning of the book her education is interrupted by the birth of a sibling--as the oldest girl in her Pakistani family she is expected to stay home and help her mother. However, things get worse when she defies a stranger in the streets and discovers that the stranger is a powerful local ruler. The man forces her to work as a servant at his estate, taking her away from her family and putting her in a life of indentured servitude. Amal makes the best of her circumstances, but always holds out hope that she will one day continue her education, go to college, and achieve her dreams. Amal's culture and situation will likely be new to many readers, and this is an eye-opening introduction for middle grade and middle school readers. Highly recommended--especially where students are learning about human rights.
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