What do you think?
Rate this book
You’re Out of Luck, Alina Butt
Twelve-year-old Alina is actually looking forward to going back to school.
For once, she has some friends to sit beside on the first day. But when Alina walks into her classroom, someone is sitting in her spot and there are no seats left next to her friends. Grade seven is off to a rocky start! Then the teacher announces that the class will be going on a trip to Paris later in the fall. It’s an expensive trip, but she’s sure that with the right plan, she can convince her strict parents to let her go. What could go wrong?
For starters, her passport is expired so she can't go on the trip to Paris. When her new passport does arrive, her parents announce a trip back to Pakistan. At first Alina is miserable, but soon she begins to see that when it comes to the things that matter the most, she might not be so unlucky after all.
This is a sequel to the author’s first novel, The Unlovable Alina Butt, which was a starred selection for CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Praise for The Unlovable Alina Butt:
“In this charming, tightly plotted debut, Alina’s witty, vulnerable narratorial voice guides readers through her intensely authentic personal evolution.”—Kirkus Reviews
“This charming, eye-opening book highlights not only the struggles of an immigrant girl, but the power that comes from seeing things through someone else’s eyes.”—School Library Journal (SLJ)
For once, she has some friends to sit beside on the first day. But when Alina walks into her classroom, someone is sitting in her spot and there are no seats left next to her friends. Grade seven is off to a rocky start! Then the teacher announces that the class will be going on a trip to Paris later in the fall. It’s an expensive trip, but she’s sure that with the right plan, she can convince her strict parents to let her go. What could go wrong?
For starters, her passport is expired so she can't go on the trip to Paris. When her new passport does arrive, her parents announce a trip back to Pakistan. At first Alina is miserable, but soon she begins to see that when it comes to the things that matter the most, she might not be so unlucky after all.
This is a sequel to the author’s first novel, The Unlovable Alina Butt, which was a starred selection for CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Praise for The Unlovable Alina Butt:
“In this charming, tightly plotted debut, Alina’s witty, vulnerable narratorial voice guides readers through her intensely authentic personal evolution.”—Kirkus Reviews
“This charming, eye-opening book highlights not only the struggles of an immigrant girl, but the power that comes from seeing things through someone else’s eyes.”—School Library Journal (SLJ)
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2025
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 26, 2025
I wasn't planning to read this 240 page second book in the series, but as I often request at my public library, put on hold and check out Muslim authored/Muslim character stories to help circulation, I found myself in possession of this book. It says it is book two in the series, but it can easily work as a standalone, it is established that the family has been in the UK for a year having moved from Pakistan, that Alina struggled and continues to feel confident in fitting in and in her friend group, and that Adam, the bully in the first book, is now a boy she is friends with and has a crush on. Like the first book the chapters are very linear, fly by the seat of your pants, short contained episodes. There is no foreshadowing, no themes woven through or circled back to, no central climax or literary elements. Early chapter book readers won't be bothered, I am sure they will find the book has heart and the protagonist likeable enough.
I was glad there was a bit more Islamic rep in the sequel, SPOILER despite the framing that it is about her being unlucky and wanting to go to France, a large portion of the book takes place on a family trip to Pakistan for a wedding. The grandfather wakes for fajr and teaches Alina thikr and gratitude (alhumdulilah). Aside from Dadaj Jaan though, they never seem to pray, and Alina doesn't even know you can make duas anywhere, it is nice to see the inclusion it just seems awkward at times. As is Alina's knowledge of Lahore, a place she was born and raised until a year or so previous. She is surprised by the monuments, bread made in a tandoor, and the poverty. It reads more like western kids going to her parent's homeland for the first time.
I wasn't a fan of how the dad is painted as scary and the reason boys can't call (not Islamic manners), and friends can't be made, as it didn't align with how kind and gentle and involved the dad is consistently shown to be. I felt like it played on the negative stereotype of brown men, even though the actions repeatedly shown in the text prove otherwise.
Like the first book, I went back and read my review, the book is not something I would rush out to get, but I wouldn't object to students reading it. It does have crushes, sleepovers, music, but also a lot of sibling fun, family love, cultural appreciation, and good friends.
I was glad there was a bit more Islamic rep in the sequel, SPOILER despite the framing that it is about her being unlucky and wanting to go to France, a large portion of the book takes place on a family trip to Pakistan for a wedding. The grandfather wakes for fajr and teaches Alina thikr and gratitude (alhumdulilah). Aside from Dadaj Jaan though, they never seem to pray, and Alina doesn't even know you can make duas anywhere, it is nice to see the inclusion it just seems awkward at times. As is Alina's knowledge of Lahore, a place she was born and raised until a year or so previous. She is surprised by the monuments, bread made in a tandoor, and the poverty. It reads more like western kids going to her parent's homeland for the first time.
I wasn't a fan of how the dad is painted as scary and the reason boys can't call (not Islamic manners), and friends can't be made, as it didn't align with how kind and gentle and involved the dad is consistently shown to be. I felt like it played on the negative stereotype of brown men, even though the actions repeatedly shown in the text prove otherwise.
Like the first book, I went back and read my review, the book is not something I would rush out to get, but I wouldn't object to students reading it. It does have crushes, sleepovers, music, but also a lot of sibling fun, family love, cultural appreciation, and good friends.
June 29, 2025
Seventh-Grader Alina Butt has a challenging time navigating new friendship equations after the summer holidays. On top of it, it doesn’t help at all that her last name can be made fun of so easily. But a class trip to France is round the corner and Alina is finally able to convince her parents on why she should go. She also leads a fundraiser at school to raise money for her friends who otherwise would have been short of funds for the trip.
But as luck would have it, a delay in receiving her passport from the embassy causes Alina to miss the much awaited class trip. To make things better for Alina, her parents take her and her siblings to Pakistan instead! Read and find out what happens next…
I love that the story is fast paced and event packed. The tension that the family goes through because of visa issues is so relatable – it is the unfortunate reality that many immigrant families are faced with all over the world. Once the story moves to Pakistan, it was refreshing to see a country that is so different from the one that is usually portrayed by news media – again underscoring the importance of lived experience in stories.
Loved loved loved the second book in the Alina Butt series! A highly recommended addition to your middle-grade collection.
Thank you Ambreen for the e-copy. Opinion expressed is 100% unbiased and uninfluenced!
But as luck would have it, a delay in receiving her passport from the embassy causes Alina to miss the much awaited class trip. To make things better for Alina, her parents take her and her siblings to Pakistan instead! Read and find out what happens next…
I love that the story is fast paced and event packed. The tension that the family goes through because of visa issues is so relatable – it is the unfortunate reality that many immigrant families are faced with all over the world. Once the story moves to Pakistan, it was refreshing to see a country that is so different from the one that is usually portrayed by news media – again underscoring the importance of lived experience in stories.
Loved loved loved the second book in the Alina Butt series! A highly recommended addition to your middle-grade collection.
Thank you Ambreen for the e-copy. Opinion expressed is 100% unbiased and uninfluenced!
July 15, 2025
I just finished reading You’re Out of Luck, Alina Butt by Ambreen Butt-Hussain, and I honestly think it's even better than the first book.
This book had a lot of moments that made me think. One big thing I took away was that it’s okay to miss out on things because sometimes, something even better can come from it. For example, when Alina wasn't able to go to Paris with her friends, she instead got to go back to Pakistan, see her family there, put on a fashion show and much more.
I liked how Alina learns that helping other people can actually make you feel better too, especially when things are not going your way.
There’s also a part where Alina feels jealous of another girl, and I think a lot of people can relate to that. But the book does a good job of showing how jealousy never really helps anything, and how it’s more important to be kind and honest with yourself.
Just like in the first book, this one reminds you that everyone has stuff going on that you might not see, and it’s always a good idea to be patient and understanding.
If you liked The Unlovable Alina Butt, I definitely recommend reading this one too. It's relatable and a fun read.
This book had a lot of moments that made me think. One big thing I took away was that it’s okay to miss out on things because sometimes, something even better can come from it. For example, when Alina wasn't able to go to Paris with her friends, she instead got to go back to Pakistan, see her family there, put on a fashion show and much more.
I liked how Alina learns that helping other people can actually make you feel better too, especially when things are not going your way.
There’s also a part where Alina feels jealous of another girl, and I think a lot of people can relate to that. But the book does a good job of showing how jealousy never really helps anything, and how it’s more important to be kind and honest with yourself.
Just like in the first book, this one reminds you that everyone has stuff going on that you might not see, and it’s always a good idea to be patient and understanding.
If you liked The Unlovable Alina Butt, I definitely recommend reading this one too. It's relatable and a fun read.
June 4, 2025
You’re Out of Luck, Alina Butt is everything I love in a middle grade novel funny, heartfelt, and full of relatable awkward moments that make you want to hug the main character and never let go.
Alina is back; this time, she’s trading dreams of Paris for an unexpected summer in Pakistan. What follows is a journey filled with family, culture shock, and the kind of personal growth that sneaks up on you. Ambreen Butt-Hussain does a brilliant job capturing what it’s like to feel stuck between worlds, especially when figuring out who you are and where you fit.
I laughed (a lot), cringed (in the best way), and found myself genuinely moved by Alina’s story. Her voice is genuine and honest, perfect for fans of character-driven stories with humor and heart. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but trust me, you’ll want to go back and spend more time with Alina after this.
I highly recommend it for readers who love strong voices, cultural exploration, and stories that balance serious themes with tons of charm.
Alina is back; this time, she’s trading dreams of Paris for an unexpected summer in Pakistan. What follows is a journey filled with family, culture shock, and the kind of personal growth that sneaks up on you. Ambreen Butt-Hussain does a brilliant job capturing what it’s like to feel stuck between worlds, especially when figuring out who you are and where you fit.
I laughed (a lot), cringed (in the best way), and found myself genuinely moved by Alina’s story. Her voice is genuine and honest, perfect for fans of character-driven stories with humor and heart. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but trust me, you’ll want to go back and spend more time with Alina after this.
I highly recommend it for readers who love strong voices, cultural exploration, and stories that balance serious themes with tons of charm.
June 1, 2025
After reading the first book of this series, I was HIGHLY anticipating the second book, and boy did it live up to my expectations! You’re out of Luck, Alina Butt, is a heart warming and easy read, about a young Pakistani girl, continuing her journey through her school years, navigating family dynamics, friendships and big feelings, all while having some pretty entertaining adventures along the way. Alina is relatable, sweet and just the right amount of quirky. She takes you along on a wholesome journey of struggle, handling disappointment, self acceptance, and finding joy in the small things in life.
It’s targeted for younger children, but I would recommend it for all ages. I am a mom of 4, and as I read it, I could relate to it personally. It reminded me of my own childhood, and I could also relate to it as a mother, because I cold see my daughters struggles, in Alina’s story.
It’s a beautiful book. I can’t wait for the thirid!!! Need to find out what happens next!
It’s targeted for younger children, but I would recommend it for all ages. I am a mom of 4, and as I read it, I could relate to it personally. It reminded me of my own childhood, and I could also relate to it as a mother, because I cold see my daughters struggles, in Alina’s story.
It’s a beautiful book. I can’t wait for the thirid!!! Need to find out what happens next!
August 19, 2025
Having not read the first book, You’re Out of Luck Alina Butt was my first introduction to the world of Alina Butt. It was a pretty easy introduction and I quickly learned a lot about the main character. Alina adores her friends (and wishes Sophie would stay away from them), confides in her sister, loves her little brother, has fairly strict but supportive parents, and is highly resourceful!
When her 7th grade teacher announces the class will be going to Paris, Alina comes up with a brilliant (brill?) plan that she hopes will convince her parents to let her go on the trip and raise the money she needs. The French Fair is a huge success, but due to a delay with her passport Aliana has to miss out on the trip and all the fun in France with her friends. Can things get any worse for unlucky Alina?! Knowing she is truly devastated, her parents instead plan a trip for the family to go to Pakistan for a family wedding. Between all of the wedding festivities, late night fun with her cousins, and spending time with Dada Jaan, Alina nearly forgets about all that she’s missing in France.
I love how this story portrays issues and emotions that are real for many 12-year olds, including jealousy, disappointment, and having a crush. I enjoyed the story taking place in England and Pakistan, as well as learning about family traditions and life in Pakistan. I found myself unable to put it down so I could find out what happens next and was glad for the short chapters that helped move the story along smoothly and quickly. Now I have to go back and read the first one to find out what I missed!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
When her 7th grade teacher announces the class will be going to Paris, Alina comes up with a brilliant (brill?) plan that she hopes will convince her parents to let her go on the trip and raise the money she needs. The French Fair is a huge success, but due to a delay with her passport Aliana has to miss out on the trip and all the fun in France with her friends. Can things get any worse for unlucky Alina?! Knowing she is truly devastated, her parents instead plan a trip for the family to go to Pakistan for a family wedding. Between all of the wedding festivities, late night fun with her cousins, and spending time with Dada Jaan, Alina nearly forgets about all that she’s missing in France.
I love how this story portrays issues and emotions that are real for many 12-year olds, including jealousy, disappointment, and having a crush. I enjoyed the story taking place in England and Pakistan, as well as learning about family traditions and life in Pakistan. I found myself unable to put it down so I could find out what happens next and was glad for the short chapters that helped move the story along smoothly and quickly. Now I have to go back and read the first one to find out what I missed!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
May 28, 2025
This book felt very mundane. It dealt with a lot of big problems the characters had no control over and really felt as though it was more about their emotional journey and dealing with disappointment than a straight forward plot. It's an easy read with short chapters, easy language, and puts difficult concepts into easy-to-consume bites.
It is mundane though. It has highs that are interesting - international travel in grade school, immigration issues, different socioeconomic classes in Pakistan and how different they are from the western world; and lows that maybe aren't - the wedding, the plane rides, taking people shopping. There's a lot in the book and it's kind of all over the place.
It is mundane though. It has highs that are interesting - international travel in grade school, immigration issues, different socioeconomic classes in Pakistan and how different they are from the western world; and lows that maybe aren't - the wedding, the plane rides, taking people shopping. There's a lot in the book and it's kind of all over the place.
August 22, 2025
Now that she has a tight friend group, Alina is really looking forward to 7th grade. Unfortunately, another girl seems to be ruining everything for her. Alina's teacher announces a class trip to Paris and everyone is ecstatic. But how is Alina going to convince her parents? And how will she pay for it? Everything seems to be going wrong for Alina until she starts to learn that she can be happy through life's ups and downs.
There's so much great stuff packed into this one book. I love how Alina starts to look outside herself and that this book dives more into the culture of Pakistan than the first book did.
There are some uses of the Lord's name I vain
There's so much great stuff packed into this one book. I love how Alina starts to look outside herself and that this book dives more into the culture of Pakistan than the first book did.
There are some uses of the Lord's name I vain
May 23, 2025
A must-read for fans of the first book! This book continues Alina's journey with so much authenticity and charm. It's a testament to resilience and the unexpected joys that come from life's detours. Alina's candid and witty voice makes her experiences resonate, whether she's dealing with friendship shifts or embracing her culture. This series continues to captivate readers!
July 31, 2025
This book is a light hearted, fun read which shows Pakistan, its culture, the love of family in such a beautiful way. A great read which made my heart warm and I would love to share this with children in my family as it also has such a beautiful message of counting your blessings.
May 22, 2025
I love everything this author writes. My daughter INHALES her books. The voice is charming, relatable, funny. Great writer! Already want to read the next one!
June 21, 2025
Such an important story for middle schoolers or even older…to understand the importance of gratitude and the power of a positive mindset!
July 16, 2025
A sequel to The Unlovable Alina Butt, this middle-grade book begins with twelve-year-old Alina, sort of coming to terms with her kinda embarrassing (in the Western world) surname.
As she was finally able to make some friends in her first year at her new school in England (The Unlovable Alina Butt), she begins the new school year as a seventh-grader expecting to have everything under control! But things seldom go to plan . . . For starters, her class teacher announces an upcoming class trip to Paris that Alina really, really, wants to go on, but things take an unexpected turn, and Alina finds herself on a family trip to Pakistan instead!
A very easy and quick read, this book has lots of little vignettes of events as opposed to a big plot that permeates every layer of the story.
Alina is a feisty, problem-solving protagonist who learns to deal with her emotions and tries to make the most of everything life throws her way.
In some ways, this book reads like a memoir of a twelve-year-old from the ‘90s. There are some dated references in the narrative that, in many ways, will resonate with readers beyond the intended age group.
Though Alina is a Muslim, religion doesn’t play a major role in the story, or her daily life but culture definitely does! There’s some mention of crushes, and teen relationships but it’s overall a light-hearted, enjoyable read!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book!
As she was finally able to make some friends in her first year at her new school in England (The Unlovable Alina Butt), she begins the new school year as a seventh-grader expecting to have everything under control! But things seldom go to plan . . . For starters, her class teacher announces an upcoming class trip to Paris that Alina really, really, wants to go on, but things take an unexpected turn, and Alina finds herself on a family trip to Pakistan instead!
A very easy and quick read, this book has lots of little vignettes of events as opposed to a big plot that permeates every layer of the story.
Alina is a feisty, problem-solving protagonist who learns to deal with her emotions and tries to make the most of everything life throws her way.
In some ways, this book reads like a memoir of a twelve-year-old from the ‘90s. There are some dated references in the narrative that, in many ways, will resonate with readers beyond the intended age group.
Though Alina is a Muslim, religion doesn’t play a major role in the story, or her daily life but culture definitely does! There’s some mention of crushes, and teen relationships but it’s overall a light-hearted, enjoyable read!
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book!
August 24, 2025
Two lovable MG books by @ambreenbhussain both out now!
🇬🇧
In book 1️⃣ we meet eleven-year-old Alina, an awkward big-hearted Pakistani girl trying to survive yet another new school after family’s move to England. Between relentless teasing about her last name, her “weird” lunches, and a bully cast as her Prince Charming in the school play, Alenna has to dig deep to find courage, humor, and self acceptance. In book 2️⃣ Alina is entering seventh grade, dealing with shifting friendships, and watching her classmates jet off to Paris while she instead travels with her family back to Pakistan. What begins as disappointment slowly unfolds into a story about family, identity, and realizing she might not be so unlucky after all.
🇵🇰
I adored both of these books. Alina‘s voice is sharp, funny, and painfully real – she’s the kind of character who makes you laugh out loud one page and want to hug her the next. The mix of cultural nuance, friendship, drama, and wacky middle school chaos feels so authentic. I loved how the sequel broaden her world by connecting her back to her roots. These stories balance humor with heart in a way that middle grade readers will eat up, and honestly, adults will too. Fans of Huda F books will love this #middlegrade series too. I’m already hoping for a book 3️⃣
CW: bullying, racism, cultural insensitivity, anxiety
🇬🇧
In book 1️⃣ we meet eleven-year-old Alina, an awkward big-hearted Pakistani girl trying to survive yet another new school after family’s move to England. Between relentless teasing about her last name, her “weird” lunches, and a bully cast as her Prince Charming in the school play, Alenna has to dig deep to find courage, humor, and self acceptance. In book 2️⃣ Alina is entering seventh grade, dealing with shifting friendships, and watching her classmates jet off to Paris while she instead travels with her family back to Pakistan. What begins as disappointment slowly unfolds into a story about family, identity, and realizing she might not be so unlucky after all.
🇵🇰
I adored both of these books. Alina‘s voice is sharp, funny, and painfully real – she’s the kind of character who makes you laugh out loud one page and want to hug her the next. The mix of cultural nuance, friendship, drama, and wacky middle school chaos feels so authentic. I loved how the sequel broaden her world by connecting her back to her roots. These stories balance humor with heart in a way that middle grade readers will eat up, and honestly, adults will too. Fans of Huda F books will love this #middlegrade series too. I’m already hoping for a book 3️⃣
CW: bullying, racism, cultural insensitivity, anxiety
September 14, 2025
Alina is the moment 🌟—sharp, funny, and so real it hurts. These books mix friendship, family, drama, and all the middle school chaos you can handle. 😂💖 The sequel goes even deeper, connecting her back to her roots, and I’m already begging for book 3! 🙏 Fans of Huda F will eat this series up. #MiddleGradeMagic #BookLove #ReadLaughCry #HudaFVibes
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews