Hafsa's Way - by Aisha Saeed (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this gripping novel by the author of the New York Times bestseller Amal Unbound, Hafsa pushes back against her family's expectations--and discovers her own power.

Hafsa's always dreamed of becoming a doctor, so when she's accepted into a prestigious summer science camp, she's thrilled. Her parents? Not so much. The camp is expensive, it's in a big city, and they don't think a girl should aspire to be a doctor. Fortunately, with the help of her sister and brother-in-law, who invite her to stay with them, Hafsa convinces them to say yes. But things get off to a rocky start when Hafsa learns she enrolled in the wrong science camp and her classmates treat her like a clueless country kid. Plus she's worried about her sister, who has set aside her career goals now that she's married. Then, on a field trip to the city zoo, she encounters an elephant with bigger problems than her own and realizes that standing up for what's right, whether in the classroom, with her sister, or at the zoo, sometimes means breaking the rules. But Hafsa's ready--even if it means getting in trouble.

Review Quotes

* "In Saeed's latest, readers meet a sharp, determined Pakistani girl whose dream of becoming a doctor runs up against family expectations, gender norms, and structural barriers that feel culturally specific and universally recognizable. . . . Saeed excels at portraying the quiet, everyday negotiations girls make in pursuit of autonomy without flattening any character into a villain or hero. Hafsa's persistence is grounded not in defiance for its own sake but in an ethical clarity. . . . She learns that standing up for what's right often comes with consequences and that growth is rarely linear or comfortable. The intergenerational dynamics, particularly among women, are rendered with nuance and care, highlighting both constraint and solidarity across urban and rural Pakistan. . . . Will resonate deeply with middle grade readers, especially those negotiating identity, ambition, and belonging. It also offers rich opportunities for classroom discussion around gender equity, cultural expectations, moral courage, and advocacy. A compelling, justice-centered middle grade novel that refuses to oversimplify courage or coming-of-age and a powerful reminder that finding one's voice is rarely easy but always worth the risk." --School Library Journal, starred review

"This companion to Amal Unbound and Omar Rising highlights challenges that girls face in traditional households. Hafsa's persistence and advocacy help her overcome her insecurities, and meaningful interactions create moments of introspection and understanding. Inspired by a real-life story from the Islamabad Zoo, this is a timely story. . . . Effectively blends climate change, wildlife conservation, and the tug of cultural expectations. An inspiring story showing the power of one person's voice to make a difference." --Kirkus Reviews

"Through Hafsa, Saeed artfully illustrates the challenges of trying to meet familial expectations while also forging one's own path and making the most of life in an ever-changing world. . . . Hafsa's desire to help both herself and others succeed is inspiring. This standalone companion to Amal Unbound will satisfy Saeed's existing fans and entice newcomers to her work." --Booklist

"[Hafsa's] disappointment soon grows into curiosity and concern for the animals in the city zoo and their deteriorating living conditions--especially for elephant, Gulab. Hafsa's deepening attachment to Gulab and her activism against animal cruelty steadily unfolds. . . . The development of Hafsa's passions evolves naturally and credibly, and her achievements feel well-earned." --Publishers Weekly

"Tweens will admire how [Hafsa] builds on her individual experiences to fight for something more than just herself. Whether dealing with bullies, convincing her sister to follow her own dreams, starting a campaign to send the elephant to a sanctuary, or studying hard . . . Hafsa learns when to rock the boat and when to allow other people to want different things than she does." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

About the Author

Aisha Saeed (AishaSaeed.com) is an award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of books for children, including her middle grade novels Hafsa's Way, Omar Rising (a Kirkus Best Book), and Amal Unbound (a New York Times bestseller and Global Read Aloud). Her picture book Bilal Cooks Daal received an APALA honor, and she also wrote the picture books You and Me, Baby, Zuni and the Memory Jar, and The Together Tree. Aisha is also a founding member of the nonprofit We Need Diverse Books(TM). She lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her family.