Some Favorite Reads from 2018 - The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Amal Unbound

This week on Unabridged, we're sharing some of our favorites reads from 2018. These were two of my favorite reads in 2018. Both are middle grade, though Barnhill’s book could be read by younger kids. They both feature strong women who stand against oppression and make courageous choices.

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed, a global read aloud book of 2018, is a phenomenal story about Amal, a brave girl in Pakistan who has tremendous family responsibilities that pull her away from the education she treasures. Her situation goes from challenging to unbearable when she uncharacteristically speaks up for herself against a formidable landlord in the town, changing her life forever. It is a story of determination, perseverance, and hope. LOVED it!!!!

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill is a lovely, whimsical story that includes dragons, swamp creatures, witches, and town elders. I love the way the story challenges stereotypes and highlights the importance of questioning traditions and accepting what is simply because it's what always has been. I listened to this one on @Scribd, and I loved it so much I also bought a copy! I can't wait to read it again and to read it aloud with my girls!

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