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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
sienna_canread's review against another edition
3.0
I think this book made me realize I don’t care for children or middle grade books anymore.
stuff4bd's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The authors note at the end is a good spark for additional discussions.
kaila_s's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5