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Mark Twain Award Nominee 2020-2021 Review: Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

By Rachel  |  KPL News

This post originally appeared on Facebook on April 1 and has been republished to the Kirkwood Public Library’s Feed a Reader Blog.

If you are in grades 4-6, you are eligible to vote on one of the nominated Mark Twain Award books for 2020-2021.  The Mark Twain Award is presented by the Missouri Association of School Librarians, and it serves as a way “to provide children of Missouri with a recommended reading list of literature that will enrich their lives.” (source).  Today’s review is focused on the book, Amal Unbound, by Aisha Saeed.  Read Rachel’s review to learn more about the book!

Mark Twain Nominees  2020-2021: Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

Rachel’s Review

Amal Unbound spotlights the world of 12 year old Pakistani girl, Amal as she ends up in indentured servitude after she stands up to the son of the ruling family of their village. Amal is a brave and relatable protagonist, and readers will fly through the chapters to see what happens next. It is also an excellent gateway in learning about modern day Pakistan and the courage of young Pakistani girls standing up for human rights. and access to education. Check it out on Overdrive!

Rachel Johannigmeier is the Youth Services Manager for the Kirkwood Public Library.  She has been a part of the library since May 2017.  She enjoys reading graphic novels, watching movies, and hanging out with dogs.  Her favorite creators include Margaret Atwood, Libba Bray, Sinclair Lewis, Philip Pullman and Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples.
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