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Jan 12, 2019Wordsy rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
A unique novel about a 12-year old Pakistani girl who is forced into indentured servitude. Amal's grit and determination is to be admired, and it was a quick, easy read with an absolutely beautiful cover. However, I think making this a middle grade novel did it a slight disservice, as the trauma experienced by Amal (and her family) seemed a bit too "surface" for what was really happening to her, and some "side elements" (ie: the mother's deep depression and sadness over birthing another daughter; the true corruption and terror of the evil landlord, the willingness of seemingly decent people to overlook and abide by others' evil deeds, etc.) weren't really developed. A YA would have better been able to explore the harsher realities and the true terror with more honest introspection and detailed description. The writing itself was incredibly solid, so I do think it deserves high stars. I just think it would have gotten more stars from me if it had swum a little deeper into reality.