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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