‘Amal Unbound’ by Aisha Saeed (KS3+)

Amal is a young girl who dreams of being a teacher. She stays behind to help her teacher regularly and is a keen reader. After her mother gives birth to another girl and develops post-partum depression, Amal stays at home to look after the home and family and has to stop attending school. It is a chance encounter with the local vindictive landowner that sees Amal ripped even further away from her dream, her family and her freedom.

This was a beautiful book that covered a lot of issues, including indentured servitude, gender inequality and family obligations. A lot to tackle, but done in a very comprehensive way that many young adults would understand.

Ms Carter-Dunn