This young-adult story is well written with insightful information about a culture vastly different from Western ways of life. But while the foreign culture is painted realistically, and there are many who protest it, the author also illustrates the love the kingdom's citizens have for it and why so many stay. Maddie is quite idealistic, but that seems fitting for a 13-year-old, and if the journey is implausible, author Sanjyot P. Dunung does the necessary work to make it believable and even possible. Overall, Maddie & Sayara will be enjoyed by adolescent girls in particular, but also by adults interested in a close-up view of a different world as shared by a hopeful young girl.
The girls are realistically 13 and young adult readers will root for their star-crossed friendship. The characters have a genuine bond and fresh personalities that immediately endear the reader to their wild schemes. The plot is filled with action and clever turns, and plenty of scenes in which girls get to shine.
A spunky 13-year-old girl challenges the sexist laws of another country in this middle-grade novel of girl power and social justice. Maddie is an enjoyable and bright first-person narrator with a voice that's imbued with all the attitude and passion of a teenage girl... the escalating drama and Maddie's energetic narration will keep readers turning pages.
Two girls growing up in very different cultures, driven to fight for what is right!
By Sanjyot P. Dunung
Activist Fiction! This is not only a compelling story that young adults will relate to, but it’s also an inspiration for girls everywhere to fight intolerance and repression.
All over the world women and girls continue to be prevented or discouraged from basic freedoms that they should be able to enjoy, such as taking part in sports, contributing in the workplace, or even simply driving a car. It is today’s young people who will create the more just world of the future.
Sanjyot P. Dunung, the well-known president of a global educational and cultural learning company, has spent years mentoring young women from all kinds of backgrounds. Her mission with this book is to inspire young people to overcome the cultural barriers that prevent them from achieving their ambitions.
An essential learning resource for discussions about issues such as gender equality, freedom of choice and opportunity, cultural awareness, personal responsibility, and human dignity.
A perfect book for anyone interested in making the world a better place.