Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.
4.5
I don't read much middle grade literature and was (unjustifiably) worried the genre might not be for me, but I was pleasantly surprised and touched by this book. AMAL UNBOUND is an honest, hopeful, beautifully told story perfect for middle grade readers and beyond. I loved Amal as a protagonist, and found myself truly caring about what would happen to her. The many important themes of the story (poverty, injustice, education, feminism, etc.) never felt forced and always felt true to the story. The writing was nuanced and avoided oversimplification, stereotypes, and predictability. I would highly recommend.