AMAL UNBOUND

Narrator Priya Ayyar beautifully conveys this bittersweet story set in Pakistan, which was inspired by Malala Yousafzai and millions of girls like her. Amal accidently collides with the son of her village's ruling family. After she verbally challenges him, she's forced to live with his family as a servant. Vibrant descriptions of the village, school, and Amal's friends take the listener into the center of her life. Ayyar's narration captures Amal grief over losing her family, friends, and education--she planned to become a teacher. It's moving and comforting to hear her settle into her new "home," where she makes friends who help her and whom she also helps. Listeners of all ages will enjoy this coming-of-age story, which is sadly realistic but hopeful. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2018]