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allicatca's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. I found this to be a gripping story and I enjoyed the characters.
I appreciate all I learned about Pakistan and its culture. I found myself rooting for Amal to triumph over the evil of Jawad Sahib who cruelly forced her to leave her family.
I encourage all to read this book in order to be inspired by a brave girl. Ages 5th grade and up..
I appreciate all I learned about Pakistan and its culture. I found myself rooting for Amal to triumph over the evil of Jawad Sahib who cruelly forced her to leave her family.
I encourage all to read this book in order to be inspired by a brave girl. Ages 5th grade and up..
carlyxdeexx's review against another edition
3.0
I give this one a 3.5 on the low end. It was quick to read and well-written, but I thought it was missing something, especially towards the end when it wrapped up so suddenly. Overall I felt its topics were interesting, but it never quite plumbed them to the depths I expected. Maybe I feel this because it’s been a while since I’ve read a middle grade book? But some part of me thinks there are plenty of middle grade books that flesh out their character relationships a bit more, that would dig a little deeper into the topics at hand. It seemed a bit too simple, but that was also what made reading it feel endearing in the beginning, and I could see this book appealing well enough to its target audience, but maybe not leaving a powerful mark.
sumayyaha's review against another edition
4.0
Rating - 4 Stars
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An inspiring story.
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An inspiring story.
mariahistryingtoread's review against another edition
2.0
This book initially was a bit tedious to get through. It takes a little over fifty pages before the inciting incident described in the synopsis actually happens. I'm not against a slow burn, however, I felt the universe and its players had been established twice over by this point.
Once the main plot kicks in it gets better, though not especially so. I've read a few books in this vein before and this one is pretty par for the course outside of the fact that Amal is an unwilling servant in the household rather than an unwilling wife.
Amal is a sympathetic character albeit not a compelling one. I felt for her situation because I'd feel for anybody in the same situation rather than a concern for her welfare specifically. It's not like she has to prove to me that she's interesting enough to be worthy of my regard - like she's a kid trapped in indentured servitude, obviously I'm going to care about her to some degree no matter what - I'm only saying that I wasn’t able to immerse myself in the story due to her lack of depth.
Without a captivating main character this was a rather average story. Amal is grappling with how patriarchal, antiquated values oppress young women. Amal is heavily in support of education for all young women. Amal must make an important, dangerous choice to the possible detriment of her own wellbeing. These themes are present in some form in basically all of the books I've read where it takes place in a Middle Eastern, Greater Middle Eastern, or South Asian country. Part of this is, of course, me not reading a lot of books about or by authors who are from these regions. Therefore, my sample size is small. Obviously there are more kinds of stories out there. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure this is a genre and as such it has characteristics that are inherent to it so it's only natural the same thematic elements would show up.
All this to say that I've read this before in some capacity. This did nothing new to differentiate itself.
While it is awful that Amal has basically been kidnapped, her life is pretty easy. She's generally treated exactly the same as the paying servants. She has a coveted position in the house from the beginning. Her immediate boss is conveniently super kind. All but one of the other servants welcomes her warmly. Heck, towards the end she's even allowed to attend school again. It's a self-serving decision as part of a political campaign, but that doesn't erase that it's transpicous manipulation in Amal's favor to push the narrative in a certain direction. It's an adult literacy center that they desperately need at least one person to attend. And they choose Amal to go who is not only a child but a girl and again, is just barely a notch above a slave in this household. It just doesn't make any sense for the world that was presented originally.
I'm not saying I wanted to see this girl mistreated or anything nor do I mean to be dismissive of Amal's suffering or girls who may be in conditions like Amal's, but in terms of narrative it kind of undermines the whole concept of being forced into a warlords' home when there's so little misbehavior going on , even for other characters. The authors note at the end at least acknowledges that for most girls the circumstances are exceedingly more difficult, however, I feel that there were ways to convey the hardship Amal was facing that would not have involved going on extreme measures the author clearly did not intend to take.
I think more events in general is what I'm looking for. It takes around 50 ish pages for the plot to kick off. From there the next phase of the story does not begin until a little over 200 pages. The rest of that time is Amal just working at the house. The characters with the exception of her younger sister Seema are all one dimensional so I didn't much care about her interactions with them. These interactions are also limited making me doubly disinterested. Amal's lack of personality hinders the story as she does absolutely nothing of significance the entire time she's in the house. She's clearly intended to be a forgiving, considerate character but I often felt like her level of piety was unrealistic for a girl her age. She barely gets mad, is supposed to be someone who speaks out against injustice except she only does this at pivotal plot moments never at a time when it would not directly move the story along, and she seems to have no hobbies outside of education. She felt like an adults idea of a commendable child rather than a multi faceted person. I'm not saying these traits aren't also admirable to and for kids, but altogether coupled with the other weaknesses it did not make me particularly invested in the bulk of the novel.
All in all, not a bad book. At the very least, I was never bored. I'd recommend it if you're looking to be put through the wringer emotionally but don't want to be too upset. The message is strong, and I appreciate the intent of the author. I think that this book could be a great comfort to kids who are or have gone through similar experiences. I just wasn't wowed.
Once the main plot kicks in it gets better, though not especially so. I've read a few books in this vein before and this one is pretty par for the course outside of the fact that Amal is an unwilling servant in the household rather than an unwilling wife.
Amal is a sympathetic character albeit not a compelling one. I felt for her situation because I'd feel for anybody in the same situation rather than a concern for her welfare specifically. It's not like she has to prove to me that she's interesting enough to be worthy of my regard - like she's a kid trapped in indentured servitude, obviously I'm going to care about her to some degree no matter what - I'm only saying that I wasn’t able to immerse myself in the story due to her lack of depth.
Without a captivating main character this was a rather average story. Amal is grappling with how patriarchal, antiquated values oppress young women. Amal is heavily in support of education for all young women. Amal must make an important, dangerous choice to the possible detriment of her own wellbeing. These themes are present in some form in basically all of the books I've read where it takes place in a Middle Eastern, Greater Middle Eastern, or South Asian country. Part of this is, of course, me not reading a lot of books about or by authors who are from these regions. Therefore, my sample size is small. Obviously there are more kinds of stories out there. On the other hand, I'm pretty sure this is a genre and as such it has characteristics that are inherent to it so it's only natural the same thematic elements would show up.
All this to say that I've read this before in some capacity. This did nothing new to differentiate itself.
While it is awful that Amal has basically been kidnapped, her life is pretty easy. She's generally treated exactly the same as the paying servants. She has a coveted position in the house from the beginning. Her immediate boss is conveniently super kind. All but one of the other servants welcomes her warmly. Heck, towards the end she's even allowed to attend school again. It's a self-serving decision as part of a political campaign, but that doesn't erase that it's transpicous manipulation in Amal's favor to push the narrative in a certain direction. It's an adult literacy center that they desperately need at least one person to attend. And they choose Amal to go who is not only a child but a girl and again, is just barely a notch above a slave in this household. It just doesn't make any sense for the world that was presented originally.
I'm not saying I wanted to see this girl mistreated or anything nor do I mean to be dismissive of Amal's suffering or girls who may be in conditions like Amal's, but in terms of narrative it kind of undermines the whole concept of being forced into a warlords' home when there's so little misbehavior going on , even for other characters. The authors note at the end at least acknowledges that for most girls the circumstances are exceedingly more difficult, however, I feel that there were ways to convey the hardship Amal was facing that would not have involved going on extreme measures the author clearly did not intend to take.
I think more events in general is what I'm looking for. It takes around 50 ish pages for the plot to kick off. From there the next phase of the story does not begin until a little over 200 pages. The rest of that time is Amal just working at the house. The characters with the exception of her younger sister Seema are all one dimensional so I didn't much care about her interactions with them. These interactions are also limited making me doubly disinterested. Amal's lack of personality hinders the story as she does absolutely nothing of significance the entire time she's in the house. She's clearly intended to be a forgiving, considerate character but I often felt like her level of piety was unrealistic for a girl her age. She barely gets mad, is supposed to be someone who speaks out against injustice except she only does this at pivotal plot moments never at a time when it would not directly move the story along, and she seems to have no hobbies outside of education. She felt like an adults idea of a commendable child rather than a multi faceted person. I'm not saying these traits aren't also admirable to and for kids, but altogether coupled with the other weaknesses it did not make me particularly invested in the bulk of the novel.
All in all, not a bad book. At the very least, I was never bored. I'd recommend it if you're looking to be put through the wringer emotionally but don't want to be too upset. The message is strong, and I appreciate the intent of the author. I think that this book could be a great comfort to kids who are or have gone through similar experiences. I just wasn't wowed.
jess_mango's review against another edition
4.0
"Amal Underground" is a middle grade novel that tells the story of Amal, a pre-teen girl living in a small village in Pakistan. She lives with her parents and younger sisters and spends her days at school with her friend and plans to go to college to become a teacher herself. Her whole world is turned upside-down after an encounter with the area landlord, Jawad Sahib, at the local market.
This book helps explain what life is like for some girls living in rural areas in modern day Pakistan. How, though times are changing, many still face additional challenges simply because they are girls. It also explores how the feudal system is still in place in some areas of Pakistan.
I read this with my 8 year old son (who is half Pakistani) and he liked it and had a lot of questions and it really got him thinking about several topics.
This book helps explain what life is like for some girls living in rural areas in modern day Pakistan. How, though times are changing, many still face additional challenges simply because they are girls. It also explores how the feudal system is still in place in some areas of Pakistan.
I read this with my 8 year old son (who is half Pakistani) and he liked it and had a lot of questions and it really got him thinking about several topics.
airyluvsbooks321's review against another edition
3.75
reminds me of a book I read in school, liked it alot
melodys_library's review against another edition
3.0
I liked that Amal was a champion of education and learning, and that she was a budding feminist, taking a stand against inequality and fighting for justice despite the risks or difficulties. I think she is empowering to young readers. There were heavy topics (child labor, sexism, classicism, tyranny, corruption) addressed in this book that were written in a way that is suitable for a young audience, however, I also felt like this story made light of VERY serious situations. I understand that this is a middle grade novel, but still…
inthebooknook's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to @kidlitexchange for sharing this read with me! #partner
Wow. I really really loved this one. Something about the writing style took me back to middle grade novels I read as a kid, but with the diversity of culture and characters that I wish I had been reading about.
SYNOPSIS:
Amal is a young girl in a village in Pakistan. She is he eldest child in her family, and because of that more is expected of her than any of her siblings. She dreams of becoming a teacher, but when unexpected events occur, her dreams are put on hold.
This book has short chapters that REALLY make the reader want to continue on. “Oh, just one more chapter” led to me reading this in one sitting. I would say this is perfect for older elementary school students. I love how much at learned about Pakistani culture through the story. I only wish I’d read this as a kid!
Wow. I really really loved this one. Something about the writing style took me back to middle grade novels I read as a kid, but with the diversity of culture and characters that I wish I had been reading about.
SYNOPSIS:
Amal is a young girl in a village in Pakistan. She is he eldest child in her family, and because of that more is expected of her than any of her siblings. She dreams of becoming a teacher, but when unexpected events occur, her dreams are put on hold.
This book has short chapters that REALLY make the reader want to continue on. “Oh, just one more chapter” led to me reading this in one sitting. I would say this is perfect for older elementary school students. I love how much at learned about Pakistani culture through the story. I only wish I’d read this as a kid!
littlelifeofbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so moving.
I love the main character Amal because she is such a role model! I found her strength so inspiring in this story. I also learned a lot more about Pakistani culture from this book. It was hard and devastating to hear that servitude is common in young children, and many spend their entire lives stuck, and separated from their families. This book wasn’t long, but managed to share so many good things I think everyone should read about.
I love the main character Amal because she is such a role model! I found her strength so inspiring in this story. I also learned a lot more about Pakistani culture from this book. It was hard and devastating to hear that servitude is common in young children, and many spend their entire lives stuck, and separated from their families. This book wasn’t long, but managed to share so many good things I think everyone should read about.
sby616's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0