Life is quiet and ordinary in Amala�TMs Pakistani village, but she had no complaints, and besides, shea�TMs busy pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher one day. Her dreams are temporarily dashed when a�" as the eldest daughter a�" she must stay home from school to take care of her siblings. Amal is upset, but she doesna�TMt lose hope and finds ways to continue learning. Then the unimaginable happens a�" after an accidental run-in with the son of her villagea�TMs corrupt landlord, Amal must work as his familya�TMs servant to pay off her own familya�TMs debt.
Life at the opulent Khan estate is full of heartbreak and struggle for Amal a�" especially when she inadvertently makes an enemy of a girl named Nabila. Most troubling, though, is Amala�TMs growing awareness of the Khansa�TM nefarious dealings. When it becomes clear just how far they will go to protect their interests, Amal realizes she will have to find a way to work with others if they are ever to exact change in a cruel status quo, and if Amal is ever to achieve her dreams.
Age Range: 10-14 | Grade Level: 5-6 | Lexile Measure: HL600L