Aisha Saeed also wrote Written in the Stars, and is a Pakistani-American writer, teacher, and attorney. She has been featured on MTV, the Huffington Post, NBC and the BBC, and her writings have appeared in publications including the journal ALAN and the Orlando Sentinel. As one of the founding members of the much talked about We Need Diverse Books Campaign, she is helping change the conversation about diverse books. Aisha lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and sons.
* "Saeed (Written in the Stars) infuses this
true-to-life story of unjust power dynamics in a poor Pakistani
village with a palpable sense of dread regarding the fate of the
inquisitive, industrious, poetry-loving titular character. . . .
Amal's experience navigating an unfamiliar social hierarchy in the
landlord's lavish estate exposes her to pervasive gender inequities
and unfair labor practices. . . . Saeed's eloquent, suspenseful,
eye-opening tale offers a window into the contemporary practice of
indentured servitude and makes a compelling case for the power of
girls' education to transform systemic injustice."-Publishers
Weekly, starred review
* "A Pakistani girl's dreams of an education dissolve when
she is forced into indentured servitude. . . . Amal narrates, her
passion for learning, love for her family, and despair at her
circumstance evoked with sympathy and clarity, as is the setting.
Inspired by Malala Yousafzai and countless unknown girls like her,
Saeed's timely and stirring middle-grade debut is a celebration of
resistance and justice."-Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* "Saeed's middle grade debut shares an empowering message
about the importance of family, literacy, and cultural ties. The
rich storytelling, nuanced characterization of an all-Pakistani
cast, complex and layered look at the socioeconomics of the region,
and richly described setting make this ultimately hopeful
contemporary tale a good alternative to Gloria Whelan's Homeless
Bird and Patricia McCormick's Sold. A strong choice for
all middle grade shelves, especially where readers are seeking
stories about young girls in non-Western countries overcoming
adversity."-School Library Journal, starred review
* "This beautifully crafted and moving story will encourage
middle grade readers to ponder such issues as indentured servitude,
class, and resistance. Saeed's well-developed narrative will evoke
empathy for all those around the world like Amal, who are not
guaranteed freedom or education. An inspired read for all,
particularly for those who have followed Malala Yousafzai's story
or enjoyed Deborah Ellis' The Breadwinner or Tara Sullivan's
The Bitter Side of Sweet."-School Library Connection,
starred review
"Readers will find that a little perseverance and a heart filled
with hope can eventually surmount a harsh reality. Saeed fills her
prose with lush descriptions of Pakistani life, while still
managing to connect with readers whose surroundings and experiences
will be starkly different. Hand to any reader who struggles with
definitive gender roles, norms, and expectations held in place by
societal structures."-Booklist
"This simple yet lyrical novel paints an evocative picture of life
in a small village in modern-day Pakistan, especially the limits
placed on girls and women. . . . It may serve as a read-alike or a
gateway to stories such as Yousafzai's autobiography, I Am
Malala; The Lines We Cross by Randa Abdel-Fattah; and
Saeed's debut novel, Written in the Stars."-The Voice of
Youth Advocates
"Amal's narration is straightforward and direct, and her despair at
losing her dreams is palpable, as is her unflagging determination
to get them back. . . . There's clear commentary on the
marginalized lives of girls and women in Pakistan . . . and the
fight for her education is already fraught even before she is taken
from her home. An author's note discusses the issues of indentured
servitude, particularly among girls."-The Bulletin of the Center
for Children's Books
"This heart-wrenching yet hopeful contemporary novel about class,
gender, and literacy features a narrator who takes great risks in
the name of justice and self-determination. . . . Short chapters
and unadorned prose make the story accessible and direct, with
Amal's emotions, perspective, and strength anchoring the narrative.
An author's note asserts that Amal represents real women and girls
who fight injustice across the globe, often without
recognition."-Horn Book
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