Scan barcode
lindsayw's review against another edition
3.0
Won as part of Goodreads' First Reads program. Full review to come when it arrives!
Update: The three stars should be interpreted cautiously, because this book definitely tells a really great story. It is slightly different from a lot of the other books on human trafficking that have a similar premise to this one, such as "Slave", in that while "Slave" discussed her time as a slave in great detail for much of the book, more than half of "Hidden Girl" is devoted to her life after she was rescued. I'm not saying this is better or worse, I was just sort of pleased to find that it was a unique approach to take. Also, it's nice to see where Shyima has arrived in her life and what amazing strides she made in adapting to her life once she was free. A very inspiring story.
That being said, the reason I gave it three stars is that I really didn't care for the style. It's very colloquial. I hadn't expected to see that on the back it says this is for young readers, but now that I know that is the intended audience, I guess it makes sense. But the very informal style it's written in just didn't do it for me, and sort of detracted from my enjoyment of the book. Anyway, a good story, but definitely for a slightly younger audience.
Update: The three stars should be interpreted cautiously, because this book definitely tells a really great story. It is slightly different from a lot of the other books on human trafficking that have a similar premise to this one, such as "Slave", in that while "Slave" discussed her time as a slave in great detail for much of the book, more than half of "Hidden Girl" is devoted to her life after she was rescued. I'm not saying this is better or worse, I was just sort of pleased to find that it was a unique approach to take. Also, it's nice to see where Shyima has arrived in her life and what amazing strides she made in adapting to her life once she was free. A very inspiring story.
That being said, the reason I gave it three stars is that I really didn't care for the style. It's very colloquial. I hadn't expected to see that on the back it says this is for young readers, but now that I know that is the intended audience, I guess it makes sense. But the very informal style it's written in just didn't do it for me, and sort of detracted from my enjoyment of the book. Anyway, a good story, but definitely for a slightly younger audience.
anasief's review against another edition
4.0
This book was very eye-opening, but not in an overwhelming way… which made me really enjoy it. I believe that this topic isn’t discussed nearly enough, so I am so glad I got the chance to read about it.
kmarx94's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book by a very strong woman! What really made this book stand out was the fact that this was a true story. The way it was written and the entire experience Shyima went through made it feel like I was reading a fictional story. But, unfortunately not. Shyima's story is painful and disgusting and I'm so relieved to see what has occurred since she was rescued and her story does help make me more aware of the real situations going on right now, in terms of human trafficking and slavery. I highly recommend this book to all. I can't even imagine the sort of suffering and loneliness Shyima experienced and I know that I wouldn't want anyone else to experience it either. We may think these experiences wouldn't happen to those close to us, but Shyima shows us that's not the case. Even though Shyima's life story started out with this horrible experience, that she'll never gain answers for, she's taken this pain and motivated others to help change the world.
This was one of my library books that had been recommended to me by my niece. It was the first book she's ever recommended to me and it was an amazing read. With school and work this book took me quite a bit to finish, but the book itself is written so well and it does keep your attention throughout the book. I originally started the book at the end of August, but when my power was out all day yesterday (so no homework for me!) I re-read the entire start and finished it in one go!
This was one of my library books that had been recommended to me by my niece. It was the first book she's ever recommended to me and it was an amazing read. With school and work this book took me quite a bit to finish, but the book itself is written so well and it does keep your attention throughout the book. I originally started the book at the end of August, but when my power was out all day yesterday (so no homework for me!) I re-read the entire start and finished it in one go!
itspandamom's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not really into nonfiction books, but I picked it up because I was buddy reading it with a cousin (she wanted to ready it)
I do sympathize with Shyima. She went through such a terrible time. But for me I believe the story dragged a bit (maybe 2 chapters shouldn't have been added to the book in my opinion) for me it was a 2.5 stars
I do sympathize with Shyima. She went through such a terrible time. But for me I believe the story dragged a bit (maybe 2 chapters shouldn't have been added to the book in my opinion) for me it was a 2.5 stars
tbr_trepidation's review against another edition
4.0
I think Shyima's story is incredibly powerful and important, though parts of it were repetitive.
therootless's review against another edition
3.0
Hmm como podría empezar hablando de este libro.
Es una historia fuerte, sí. Con partes tristes y desgarradoras, que te harán ponerte en el lugar de nuestra protagonista que es Shyima.
De un principio la historia comienza con un buen ritmo, de hecho, me estaba encantando, pero despues de la mitad, el modo de narrar de la autora me aburría, porque repetía y repetía hechos que ya habian sucedido, más adelante los seguía recordando y eso se volvio un poquitín molesto, y me hizo bajarle 2 estrellas.
La historia es hermosa y cruda, y me encantó el final.
Es un libro que recomendaría de todos modos, porque puede que a otras personas les encante más que a mí.
En fín, es un buen libro, 3/5 estrellitas para él.
Gracias a mí pololo hermoso por regalarmelo.
Es una historia fuerte, sí. Con partes tristes y desgarradoras, que te harán ponerte en el lugar de nuestra protagonista que es Shyima.
De un principio la historia comienza con un buen ritmo, de hecho, me estaba encantando, pero despues de la mitad, el modo de narrar de la autora me aburría, porque repetía y repetía hechos que ya habian sucedido, más adelante los seguía recordando y eso se volvio un poquitín molesto, y me hizo bajarle 2 estrellas.
La historia es hermosa y cruda, y me encantó el final.
Es un libro que recomendaría de todos modos, porque puede que a otras personas les encante más que a mí.
En fín, es un buen libro, 3/5 estrellitas para él.
Gracias a mí pololo hermoso por regalarmelo.
sarahjo's review against another edition
3.0
Good non-fiction choice for middle school. About a girl who is sold into slavery by her parents and smuggled into the United States. I think middle school teens would really like this.