Books like 'Amal Unbound'
Readers who enjoyed Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed & Priya Ayyar also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary action / adventure realistic family poc-mc children historical-fiction social-commentary coming-of-age friendship
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The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf, اونجلی رئوف
Rated: 4.45 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsTold with humor and heart, 'THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS' offers a child's perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn't always make sense.There used to be an empty chair at the back of my class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it.He's eight years old (just like me), but he's very strange... -
![We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez]()
We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA ripped-from-the-headlines novel of desperation, escape, and survival across the U.S.-Mexico border.Pulga, Chico, and Pequeña have no false illusions about the town they've grown up in and the dangers that surround them. Though their families--both biological and found--create a warm community for them, threats lurk around every corner... -
![Islandborn by Junot Díaz]()
Islandborn by Junot Díaz
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsEvery kid in Lola's school was from somewhere else. Hers was a school of faraway places. So when Lola's teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families immigrated from, all the kids are excited. Except Lola. She can't remember The Island—she left when she was just a baby...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction journey poc-mc realistic -
![Jabari salta by Gaia Cornwall]()
Jabari salta by Gaia Cornwall
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsJabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back... -
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![Ban This Book by Alan Gratz]()
Ban This Book by Alan Gratz
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 20 ratings-Readers, librarians, and all those books that have drawn a challenge have a brand new hero.... Stand up and cheer, book lovers. This one's for you...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family female-mc friendship historical-fiction poc-mc politics -
![Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes]()
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 49 ratingsWritten and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school... -
![Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde]()
Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Rated: 4.27 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBea has barely been scraping by since her husband died. After falling for a telephone scam, she loses everything and is forced to abandon her trailer. With only two-thirds of a tank in her old van, she heads toward the Pacific Ocean with her cat—on a mission to reclaim what’s rightfully hers, even if it means making others pay for what she lost... -
![Pies & Prejudice by Heather Vogel Frederick]()
Pies & Prejudice by Heather Vogel Frederick
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsRight before the start of freshman year, Emma’s family unexpectedly moves to England. The book club members are stunned—but thanks to videoconferencing, they can still keep the club alive, and they decide to tackle Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice . And when the girls try to bring Emma home by starting a bake sale, it becomes a thriving business: Pies & Prejudice...Categorized as:
bullying children coming-of-age family female-mc friendship realistic action-adventure -
![16 on the Block by Babygirl Daniels]()
16 on the Block by Babygirl Daniels
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA girl's sixteenth birthday is supposed to be sweet, but for Summer Flynt, it was the day that her life changed forever. Young, fly, and beautiful, Summer is under the wing of her older sister, Trish. But when Trish steals something that doesn't belong to her and gets involved in a lifestyle she can't handle, she pays with her life... -
![Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña]()
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsCJ and his Grandma take a bus ride together, discovering the beauty and wonder of their vibrant neighborhood...Categorized as:
children family friendship historical-fiction poc-mc poverty realistic social-commentary -
![Answers in the Pages by David Levithan]()
Answers in the Pages by David Levithan
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA bold, timely novel about speaking up and coming out as parents lobby to ban a beloved book from the school curriculum by New York Times-bestselling author David Levithan. When Donovan left his copy of The Adventurers on the kitchen counter, he didn't think his mom would read it--much less have a problem with it. It's just an adventure novel about two characters trying to stop an evil genius..Categorized as:
realistic family friendship children coming-of-age social-commentary politics middle-grade -
![The Rainbow Troops by Andrea Hirata]()
The Rainbow Troops by Andrea Hirata
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsPublished in Indonesia in 2005, "The Rainbow Troops," Andrea Hirata's closely autobiographical debut novel, sold more than five million copies, shattering records. Now it promises to captivate audiences around the globe.Ikal is a student at the poorest village school on the Indonesian island of Belitong, where graduating from sixth grade is considered a remarkable achievement... -
![The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman, Carlotta Brentan]()
The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman, Carlotta Brentan
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratings13 hours, 15 minutesA trio of second-born daughters set out to break the family curse that says they’ll never find love on a whirlwind journey through the lush Italian countryside by New York Times bestseller Lori Nelson Spielman, author of The Life List...Categorized as:
coming-of-age drama family female-mc friendship historical-fiction journey realistic -
![Mother-Daughter Book Camp by Heather Vogel Frederick]()
Mother-Daughter Book Camp by Heather Vogel Frederick
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe Mother-Daughter Book Club goes to summer camp in this seventh and final installment of the Mother-Daughter Book Club series!After so many summers together, Emma, Jess, Megan, Becca, and Cassidy are reunited for one final hurrah before they go their separate ways... -
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![Searching for David's Heart: A Christmas Story by Cherie Bennett]()
Searching for David's Heart: A Christmas Story by Cherie Bennett
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen her older brother, David, dies in an accident, Darcy feels responsible for his death. Then she meets the boy who received David's heart in an organ transplant, and learns that life truly does go on.A journey of faith, hope, and love.Life at Darcy's house isn't always easy. Money is tight, and her parents argue a lot... -
![Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper]()
Out of My Heart by Sharon M. Draper
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMelody faces her fears to follow her passion in this stunning sequel to the acclaimed, New York Times bestselling middle grade novel Out of My Mind.Melody, the huge-hearted heroine of Out of My Mind, is now a year older and a year braver. But not as brave as she wants to be, as she’s terrified of horses. Even though she loves horses—loves loves loves them—from afar... -
![Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting]()
Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA picture book which takes the matter of grave concern, "homelessness" and helps explain it to children. Eve Bunting explores the dynamics of family relatinships and addresses contemporary social issues...Categorized as:
children family friendship poc-mc poverty realistic social-commentary action-adventure -
![The Havoc of Choice by Wanjiru Koinange]()
The Havoc of Choice by Wanjiru Koinange
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratings2007, KenyaLong held captive by her father’s shadow of corruption, Kavata has spent her life suffocated by political machinations. When her husband decides to run in the next election, these shadows threaten to consume her home. Unable to bear this darkness,Kavata plots to escape. As her family falls apart, so too does her country...Categorized as:
politics historical-fiction journey family female-mc fiction contemporary corruption -
![The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan]()
The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFor fans of Linda Sue Park and A Long Way Gone, two young boys must escape a life of slavery in modern-day Ivory CoastFifteen-year-old Amadou counts the things that matter. For two years what has mattered are the number of cacao pods he and his younger brother, Seydou, can chop down in a day. The higher the number the safer they are... -
![Some Places More Than Others by Renée Watson]()
Some Places More Than Others by Renée Watson
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsNewbery Honor author Renée Watson explores a family’s relationships and Harlem—its history, culture, arts, and people.All Amara wants is to visit her father's family in Harlem. Her wish comes true when her dad decides to bring her along on a business trip. She can't wait to finally meet her extended family and stay in the brownstone where her dad grew up...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship poc-mc realistic social-commentary action-adventure -
![Mr Stink by David Walliams]()
Mr Stink by David Walliams
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsMr Stink stank. He also stunk. And if it was correct English to say he stinked, then he stinked as well…” Chloe sees Mr Stink every day, but she’s never spoken to him. Which isn’t surprising, because he’s a tramp, and he stinks. But there’s more to Mr Stink than meets the eye (or nose) and before she knows it, Chloe has an unusual new friend hiding in her garden shed... -
![Tyrell by Coe Booth]()
Tyrell by Coe Booth
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAn astonishing new voice in teen literature, writing what is sure to be one of the most talked-about debuts of the year.Tyrell is a young, African American teen who can't get a break. He's living (for now) with his spaced-out mother and little brother in a homeless shelter. His father's in jail... -
![Picture Perfect by Holly Smale]()
Picture Perfect by Holly Smale
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratings"My name is Harriet Manners, and I'll always be a geek." It's the hilarious third book in the No.1 bestselling, award winning GEEK GIRL series! Harriet Manners knows more facts that most. She knows that New York is the most populous city in the United States. She knows that its official motto is "Ever Upward". She knows that 28% of Americans believe we never landed on the moon... -
![The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams]()
The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsEverybody needs friends? especially a boy in a dress! Dennis? life is boring and lonely. His mother left two years ago, his truck driver father is depressed, his brother is a bully and, worst of all, ?no hugging? is one of their household rules. But one thing Dennis does have is soccer?he?s the leading scorer on his team...Categorized as:
bullying children coming-of-age family friendship poc-mc realistic social-commentary -
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![My Friends by Hisham Matar]()
My Friends by Hisham Matar
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsA young man leaves behind more than he realizes to follow his passions in this major, luminous novel of friendship, family, and the unthinkable realities of exile from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Return.The trick time plays is to lull us into the belief that everything lasts forever, and although nothing does, we continue, inside our dream...Categorized as:
historical-fiction politics friendship family journey coming-of-age africa northern-africa -
![Yara's Spring by Jamal Saeed, Sharon McKay]()
Yara's Spring by Jamal Saeed, Sharon McKay
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsComing of age against all odds in the midst of the Arab Spring.Growing up in Aleppo, Yara’s childhood has long been shadowed by the coming revolution. But when the Arab Spring finally arrives at Yara’s doorstep, it is worse than even her Nana imagined: sudden, violent, and deadly. When rescuers dig Yara out from under the rubble that was once her family’s home, she emerges to a changed world...Categorized as:
historical-fiction realistic family poc-mc coming-of-age friendship children young-adult -
![The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll): A Picture Book by Winsome Bingham]()
The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll): A Picture Book by Winsome Bingham
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFrom award-winning creators Winsome Bingham and E.B. Lewis, The Walk (A Stroll to the Poll) is a powerful, full-color picture book story celebrating a journey crucial to our the walk to vote—a perfect read aloud.My granny is taking me on THE WALK.“Because leaders are not born,” she says. “They’re made through molding and modeling.”“What’s the walk?” I ask.“You’ll see...Categorized as:
social-commentary politics family realistic poc-mc children historical-fiction children-books -
![What the Moon Saw by Laura Resau]()
What the Moon Saw by Laura Resau
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsClara Luna's name means "clear moon" in Spanish. But lately, her head has felt anything but clear. One day a letter comes from Mexico, written in Spanish: Dear Clara, We invite you to our house for the summer. We will wait for you on the day of the full moon, in June, at the Oaxaca airport. Love, your grandparents. Fourteen-year-old Clara has never met her father's parents... -
![Elephant Secret by Eric Walters]()
Elephant Secret by Eric Walters
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWe Bought a Zoo meets Jurassic Park in a gripping story set in an elephant sanctuary, featuring the perennial appeal of human-animal friendships.Samantha (Sam) lives at the elephant sanctuary her dad runs and views the elephants there as much a part of her family as her single dad is... -
![My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano]()
My Best Friend by Julie Fogliano
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA story of first friendship.she is my best friend i think i never had a best friend so i’m not sure but i think she is a really good best friend because when we were drawing she drew me and i drew her... -
![With Love from London by Sarah Jio]()
With Love from London by Sarah Jio
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA librarian inherits a bookshop from her estranged mother, leading her halfway across the world on a journey of self-discovery that transcends time and honors the unbreakable bonds of love and family. When librarian Valentina Baker was a teenager, her mother, Eloise, unexpectedly fled to her native London, leaving Val and her father on their own...Categorized as:
coming-of-age family female-mc friendship historical-fiction journey action-adventure adult -
![The Disoriented by Amin Maalouf]()
The Disoriented by Amin Maalouf
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAfter 25 years in exile, Adam travels from France to his homeland in the Middle East to bid farewell to his dying childhood friend.One night, a phone rings in Paris. Adam learns that Mourad, once his closest friend, is dying. He quickly throws some clothes in a suitcase and takes the first flight out, to the homeland he fled twenty-five years ago... -
![Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur]()
Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 19 ratingsElise and Franklin have always been best friends. Elise has always lived in the big house with her loving Uncle and Aunt, because Elise's parents died when she was too young to remember them. There's always been a barn behind the house with eight locked doors on the second floor.When Elise and Franklin start middle school, things feel all wrong. Bullying. Not fitting in...Categorized as:
realistic coming-of-age family friendship bullying children middle-grade young-adult -
![The Golden Son by Shilpi Somaya Gowda]()
The Golden Son by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe first of his family to go to college, Anil Patel, the golden son, carries the weight of tradition and his family’s expectations when he leaves his tiny Indian village to begin a medical residency in Dallas, Texas, at one of the busiest and most competitive hospitals in America... -
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![Bloomability by Sharon Creech]()
Bloomability by Sharon Creech
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsKidnapped!The kidnappers are actually her Aunt Sandy and Uncle Max, but that doesn't matter to Domenica Santolina Doone, better known as Dinnie. She feels as if she's being taken out of the country against her will. Certainly no one asked her opinion. Dinnie is used to change-with her family constantly moving from state to state while her father searches for one new "opportunity" after another...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family female-mc friendship poc-mc realistic action-adventure -
![The Future's Not Ours To See by Jean Grainger]()
The Future's Not Ours To See by Jean Grainger
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCarmel is stuck. The future could be bright, but something is stopping her. Despite the promise of a bright future away from Ireland, Carmel Sheehan is drawn back to the miserable marriage she feels duty-bound to honour. But when she returns to her monosyllabic husband and his malicious sister, she begins to realize that she cannot endure them any longer...Categorized as:
historical-fiction journey friendship female-mc family fiction contemporary audiobook -
![The Library Bus by Bahram Rahman]()
The Library Bus by Bahram Rahman
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Middle East Book Award winner and Governor General’s Literary Award finalist inspired by Kabul, Afghanistan’s first library bus is now in paperback! It is still dark in Kabul, Afghanistan when the library bus rumbles out of the city. There are no bus seats—instead there are chairs and tables and shelves of books...Categorized as:
realistic children poc-mc historical-fiction poverty children-books fiction contemporary -
![The Girls Take Over by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor]()
The Girls Take Over by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe race is on! The Hatford boys and the Malloy girls are ready to outdo one another again. Eddie is the first girl to ever try out for the school baseball team. Now she and Jake are competing for the same position, while Caroline and Wally compete for class spelling bee champ. Wally is itching to win, but Caroline the show-off plans to be number one... -
![How Not to Disappear by Clare Furniss]()
How Not to Disappear by Clare Furniss
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOur memories are what make us who we are. Some are real. Some are made up. But they are the stories that tell us who we are. Without them we are nobody.Hattie's summer isn't going as planned. Her two best friends have abandoned her: Reuben has run off to Europe to 'find himself" and Kat is in Edinburgh with her new girlfriend... -
![Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman]()
Born Behind Bars by Padma Venkatraman
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsSet in Chennai, India, this is the story of a boy who's unexpectedly released into the world after spending his whole life in jail with his mom.Kabir has been in jail since the day he was born, because his mom is serving time for a crime she didn't commit...Categorized as:
realistic family friendship children social-commentary historical-fiction coming-of-age poverty -
![A Girl Within a Girl Within a Girl by Nanda Reddy]()
A Girl Within a Girl Within a Girl by Nanda Reddy
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA girl takes on a series of identities to survive, shrouding herself in layer upon layer of secrets, until one morning years later when she is forced to reckon with her past."This debut is a beautiful, if sometimes harrowing, exploration of one woman’s journey. . . to a life built by her own grit and determination." -Library Journal, Starred Review...Categorized as:
historical-fiction coming-of-age journey female-mc family fiction contemporary audiobook -
![Larger Than Life by Jodi Picoult]()
Larger Than Life by Jodi Picoult
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFrom Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Storyteller and My Sister’s Keeper, comes a gripping and beautifully written novella, now available exclusively as an eBook. Set in the wilds of Africa, Larger Than Life introduces Alice, the unforgettable character at the center of Picoult’s anticipated new novel, Leaving Time...Categorized as:
drama family female-mc friendship historical-fiction journey realistic action-adventure -
![Jackpot by Nic Stone]()
Jackpot by Nic Stone
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom the author of the New York Times bestseller Dear Martin --which Angie Thomas, the bestselling author of The Hate U Give, called "a must read"--comes a pitch-perfect romance that examines class, privilege, and how a stroke of good luck can change an entire life...Categorized as:
coming-of-age family friendship poc-mc poverty realistic social-commentary action-adventure -
![Greyhound by Steffan Piper]()
Greyhound by Steffan Piper
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 18 ratings12-year-old Sebastien Ranes is taking a trip. He doesn't exactly understand why, but he accepts it. His mother often seems too emotionally detached to care for him. Her latest boyfriend Dick takes cruel pleasure in mimicking the boy’s stuttering, and wants to live his life without "somebody else's kid" getting in the way. So it's no surprise when they pack his bags to send him away...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age drama friendship historical-fiction journey realistic action-adventure -
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![Bigger than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder]()
Bigger than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA magical breadbox that delivers whatever you wish for—as long as it fits inside? It's too good to be true! Twelve-year-old Rebecca is struggling with her parents' separation, as well as a sudden move to her Gran's house in another state. For a while, the magic bread box, discovered in the attic, makes life away from home a little easier...Categorized as:
bullying children coming-of-age family female-mc friendship realistic action-adventure -
![Break the Rules by Joanna Philbin]()
Break the Rules by Joanna Philbin
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe only daughter of supermodel Katia Summers, witty and thoughtful Lizzie Summers likes to stick to the sidelines. The sole heir to Metronome Media and daughter of billionaire Karl Jurgensen, outspoken Carina Jurgensen would rather climb mountains than social ladders. Daughter of chart-topping pop icon Holla Jones, stylish and sensitive Hudson Jones is on the brink of her own music breakthrough...Categorized as:
coming-of-age family female-mc friendship realistic action-adventure book contemporary -
![Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya]()
Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMarcus Vega is six feet tall, 180 pounds, and the owner of a premature mustache. When you look like this and you're only in the eighth grade, you're both a threat and a target. Marcus knows what classmates and teachers see when they look at him: a monster.But appearances are deceiving. At home, Marcus is a devoted brother... -
![Red Glass by Laura Resau]()
Red Glass by Laura Resau
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsONE NIGHT SOPHIE and her parents are called to a hospital where Pedro, 6-year-old Mexican boy, is recovering from dehydration. Crossing the border into Arizona with a group of Mexicans and a coyote, or guide, Pedro and his parents faced such harsh conditions that the boy is the only survivor. Pedro comes to live with Sophie, her parents, and Sophie's Aunt Dika, a refugee of the war in Bosnia...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship historical-fiction poc-mc realistic action-adventure -
![The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Raúf]()
The Night Bus Hero by Onjali Q. Raúf
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom Onjali Q. Rauf, the award-winning and best-selling author of The Boy at the Back of the Class , comes another incredible story, told with humour and heart.'The boy's an absolute menace.''He's a bully. A lost cause!''Why can't he be more like his sister?'I've been getting into trouble for as long I can remember... -
![Nerd Camp by Elissa Brent Weissman]()
Nerd Camp by Elissa Brent Weissman
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTen-year-old Gabe has just been accepted to the Summer Center for Gifted Enrichment. That means he’ll be spending six weeks at sleepaway camp, writing poetry and perfecting logic proofs. SCGE has been a summer home of some legendary middle-school smarty-pants (and future Jeopardy! contestants), but it also has a reputation for being, well, a nerd camp. Gabe isn’t a nerd...Categorized as:
children coming-of-age family friendship realistic action-adventure book children-books
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