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Hafsa's Way
In this inspiring stand-alone companion to
New York Times
bestseller
Amal Unbound
, Hafsa defies her family’s patriarchal expectations by pursuing her dreams and insisting that her married sister pursue hers.
Hafsa intends to be a doctor one day, so she’s thrilled to be accepted into Bukhari Summer Science Camp for kids who share her dream. Her parents, however, do not share her enthusiasm. They don’t support the idea of girls being doctors, the camp is expensive, and they don’t want to send her off to the big city of Lahore unsupervised. But when her brother-in-law offers to pay, and he and her sister invite her to stay at their house instead of in the dorms, her parents grudgingly give in. Hafsa couldn’t be more excited, but things get off to a shaky start when it immediately becomes apparent that she accidently signed up for the wrong program. And since she’s the only one not staying in the dorms, her fellow students treat her like an outsider—and a country bumpkin. On top of all that, she’s worried about her sister, who seems to have set aside her own career goals to please her in-laws.
But Hafsa’s way is to forge ahead, whether that means finding ways to pursue her medical studies, immersing herself in the climate studies program, or taking a pivotal field trip to the zoo—where an encounter with an elephant leads to several unexpected outcomes. It’s not easy to negotiate being part of a community—and a family—that doesn’t support her dreams, but Hafsa’s never been the type to take no for an answer. She’s determined to grab any chance she can for a better future, no matter what the odds are stacked against her.
Hafsa intends to be a doctor one day, so she’s thrilled to be accepted into Bukhari Summer Science Camp for kids who share her dream. Her parents, however, do not share her enthusiasm. They don’t support the idea of girls being doctors, the camp is expensive, and they don’t want to send her off to the big city of Lahore unsupervised. But when her brother-in-law offers to pay, and he and her sister invite her to stay at their house instead of in the dorms, her parents grudgingly give in. Hafsa couldn’t be more excited, but things get off to a shaky start when it immediately becomes apparent that she accidently signed up for the wrong program. And since she’s the only one not staying in the dorms, her fellow students treat her like an outsider—and a country bumpkin. On top of all that, she’s worried about her sister, who seems to have set aside her own career goals to please her in-laws.
But Hafsa’s way is to forge ahead, whether that means finding ways to pursue her medical studies, immersing herself in the climate studies program, or taking a pivotal field trip to the zoo—where an encounter with an elephant leads to several unexpected outcomes. It’s not easy to negotiate being part of a community—and a family—that doesn’t support her dreams, but Hafsa’s never been the type to take no for an answer. She’s determined to grab any chance she can for a better future, no matter what the odds are stacked against her.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a great story that kind of sneaks up on you. Hafsa lives in Pakistan, in a village, where her father sells fruits and vegetables, and her sister has married into a wealthy family in the big city of Lahore. She doesn’t act the way a daughter should act, riding her bike around town, wanting to be a doctor when she grows up.
And then she finds a flyer about a summer camp, in Lahore, that teaches kids about medicine. She persuades her father to let her go, if she can stay with her sister, and thus the story begins.
Or so we think. We think that is where this story is going But Hafsa is just as headstrong in how the story progresses as she is in getting her way about going to the medical summer camp. Not wanting to give the story away, but the camp is not as she thought, and neither is her life with her sister’s husband's family. On top of that, there is a little bit of mean girl thrown in, because of course, Hafsa is considered a hick.
I loved how organic this story felt, and what Hafsa cared about at the beginning of the book and by the end of the book shifts, as all good stories do. It is wonderful to see her perception change and alter, and I do like that her headstongness is the thing that gets her where she wants to be.
Wonderful story from a wonderful author. Really, it deserves all the stars. I think headstrong girls who desperately want to change the world will get a kick out of this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 10th of March 2026.
And then she finds a flyer about a summer camp, in Lahore, that teaches kids about medicine. She persuades her father to let her go, if she can stay with her sister, and thus the story begins.
Or so we think. We think that is where this story is going But Hafsa is just as headstrong in how the story progresses as she is in getting her way about going to the medical summer camp. Not wanting to give the story away, but the camp is not as she thought, and neither is her life with her sister’s husband's family. On top of that, there is a little bit of mean girl thrown in, because of course, Hafsa is considered a hick.
I loved how organic this story felt, and what Hafsa cared about at the beginning of the book and by the end of the book shifts, as all good stories do. It is wonderful to see her perception change and alter, and I do like that her headstongness is the thing that gets her where she wants to be.
Wonderful story from a wonderful author. Really, it deserves all the stars. I think headstrong girls who desperately want to change the world will get a kick out of this book.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out the 10th of March 2026.
March 27, 2026
I absolutely love this book and would definitely recommend it to a young reader. I had no idea this would take as many test and turns as it did. This book addresses women’s roles in Pakistan, education for girls, climate change, and advocacy for animals in one palatable story. It was intriguing to discover in the authors note that this was based on a true story. Did I mention my favorite animal makes an appearance, elephants! 🐘
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this companion novel to Amal Unbound and Omar Rising, we follow the progress of Amal's best friend, Hafsa. Hafsa's family runs a produce market in their small Pakistani village, and she is very excited to have been accepted into a month long medical studies summer program at the Bukhari school in Lahore. Her father is adamantly against the idea, since he is appalled when she does something as simple as riding a bicycle, because it is somehow unseemly for a girl to do this. When her older sister, Shabnam, visits with her doctor husband, Sohail, the idea comes up for Hafsa to stay with Shabnam while she attends the program, which Sohail offers to pay for. In a surprise move, Hafsa's grandmother jumps with with her agreement to send Hafsa, stopping her son from forbidding it! Hafsa is surprised at how opulent Sohail's family home is, and a bit concerned that Shabnam is helping Sohail's mother with a hospital fund raising gala rather than going to culinary school. Another concern is that the medical camp is being held the next year, and the focus of the current program is climate change. Since it was difficult to attend this year, there is little hope of returning. One teacher lets Hafsa watch the recorded videos from the previous year, so she does get some of the medical information. The program is interesting, and Hafsa takes a particular interest in an elephant, Gulab, at the local zoo, even though other students make fun of her "dancing" with the elephant in a quiet moment. At the zoo, she runs into Tariq, who is also worried that Gulab is not receiving the best care, and the two work to get Gulab's situation more attention. Hafsa talks to Sohail about the fact that Shabnam is working so hard on the gala that she has set aside her dream to open a cupcake bakery, which causes a few family problems, but also opens communication. Hafsa's attempts to get Gulab's case media attention are successful, and the school offers her a scholarship to the camp the following year because of her work. Sohail's mother agrees to hire a team to help with the ever increasing work for the gala, and the book ends on a positive note.
Strengths: I read this book and Hicks' Inbetweens on the same night, and now I want to go to a summer program! While these tend to be expensive, they are so helpful, and it was interesting to see depictions of programs in both the US and Pakistan. Of course, I would rather send my own children to a medical program, and climate change is every bit as important to study. There's just enough information about climate change and its effects to be interesting, but not so many that the story is bogged down in details. There's a personal face of the issues with Gulab; readers who love animals will want to read this for the details about elephants. The family dynamics are well depicted, and US readers will find it interesting that Shabnam was married relatively young to a man picked out for her by her parents. It was nice to see a glimpse of Amal at the beginning of the story.
Weaknesses: I would have adored this as a middle school student, but while Amal Unbound remains popular in my library, I've had trouble getting readers to pick up titles like Omar Rising. I'll probably purchase a copy, because I think it's an important story to read. Just don't understand why young people are not curious about the world.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who want to see what every day life is like in countries other than the US and who enjoyed stories like Abbas's Aarzu All Around, Perkins's The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery, or Bajaj's Thirst.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
In this companion novel to Amal Unbound and Omar Rising, we follow the progress of Amal's best friend, Hafsa. Hafsa's family runs a produce market in their small Pakistani village, and she is very excited to have been accepted into a month long medical studies summer program at the Bukhari school in Lahore. Her father is adamantly against the idea, since he is appalled when she does something as simple as riding a bicycle, because it is somehow unseemly for a girl to do this. When her older sister, Shabnam, visits with her doctor husband, Sohail, the idea comes up for Hafsa to stay with Shabnam while she attends the program, which Sohail offers to pay for. In a surprise move, Hafsa's grandmother jumps with with her agreement to send Hafsa, stopping her son from forbidding it! Hafsa is surprised at how opulent Sohail's family home is, and a bit concerned that Shabnam is helping Sohail's mother with a hospital fund raising gala rather than going to culinary school. Another concern is that the medical camp is being held the next year, and the focus of the current program is climate change. Since it was difficult to attend this year, there is little hope of returning. One teacher lets Hafsa watch the recorded videos from the previous year, so she does get some of the medical information. The program is interesting, and Hafsa takes a particular interest in an elephant, Gulab, at the local zoo, even though other students make fun of her "dancing" with the elephant in a quiet moment. At the zoo, she runs into Tariq, who is also worried that Gulab is not receiving the best care, and the two work to get Gulab's situation more attention. Hafsa talks to Sohail about the fact that Shabnam is working so hard on the gala that she has set aside her dream to open a cupcake bakery, which causes a few family problems, but also opens communication. Hafsa's attempts to get Gulab's case media attention are successful, and the school offers her a scholarship to the camp the following year because of her work. Sohail's mother agrees to hire a team to help with the ever increasing work for the gala, and the book ends on a positive note.
Strengths: I read this book and Hicks' Inbetweens on the same night, and now I want to go to a summer program! While these tend to be expensive, they are so helpful, and it was interesting to see depictions of programs in both the US and Pakistan. Of course, I would rather send my own children to a medical program, and climate change is every bit as important to study. There's just enough information about climate change and its effects to be interesting, but not so many that the story is bogged down in details. There's a personal face of the issues with Gulab; readers who love animals will want to read this for the details about elephants. The family dynamics are well depicted, and US readers will find it interesting that Shabnam was married relatively young to a man picked out for her by her parents. It was nice to see a glimpse of Amal at the beginning of the story.
Weaknesses: I would have adored this as a middle school student, but while Amal Unbound remains popular in my library, I've had trouble getting readers to pick up titles like Omar Rising. I'll probably purchase a copy, because I think it's an important story to read. Just don't understand why young people are not curious about the world.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who want to see what every day life is like in countries other than the US and who enjoyed stories like Abbas's Aarzu All Around, Perkins's The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery, or Bajaj's Thirst.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
March 26, 2026
It definitely helped going in to this 224 page middle grade novel knowing that it would not have any Islam, and would most likely be a cultural read at best, based on the previous two companion books. By managing my expectations, I wasn't overly bothered that there were only two Islamic references: fajr, as a time denoter, and the mosque, as a location marker. Sadly no salaams, religious expressions as a storm ravages a city, or duas made even when a supporting characters mentions that his dad says they should pray, and Hafsa dismisses it as not being enough. Overall, though the story flows well, the protagonist is likeable enough, and the interweaving of medicine, climate change, determination, and speaking up for what you want, makes it a feel good story from start to finish. It does manage to share some science information without getting didactic or bogged down, but I do wish, that a bit more culture was shared. It feels like it is watered down, and more often than not felt like the story could take place anywhere. The stresses and troubles and commentary are more suited for younger MG in my opinion with everything wrapping up neatly and easily. The book is a quick read, and I appreciated that the backmatter highlights that the elephant storyline was inspired by a real event and offers suggestions on how to learn more.
SYNOPSIS:
Hafsa is from a village outside of Lahore, and when she gets accepted into a summer camp, she has to convince her parents to let her go. Her newly married sister, Shabnam, offers her a home to stay in and her husband Sohail helps with the fees, but it isn't until grandma says she can go, does Hafsa's father reluctantly give his permission. Once in Lahore, Hafsa realizes her information is faulty and it isn't a mini medical summer camp, to start her on her way to being a doctor, but rather a climate change program covering zoology, weather, conservation, and action. She also quickly learns that her sister is busy helping her new mother-in-law with a hospital fundraising gala, and doesn't have much time to spend with her. Add in the camp kids teasing her for bonding with an elephant, a storm that floods and knocks out their power, and Hafsa trying to figure out why Shabnam has not started culinary school, and it is a busy four weeks for Hafsa, who is determined to make the most of it all.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I grew up in Utah visiting the zoo yearly as a child, and don't recall thinking too much of it. On a trip to Pakistan one summer that changed. I visited the Karachi Zoo, and now 30 or so years later, I am still bothered by the chain I saw on the elephant's leg, the kids sneaking in to the enclosures, and the trash in the animals' water sources. This book brought it all back and mirrored my own sentiments in incredible accuracy, and thus deepened my connection to seeing Gulab, the elephant, getting attention.
The author does a good job with the pacing and bringing in different threads, but it would have been nice to add a little more depth. Showing Hafsa pushing to get her way, not just saying she got to ride a bicycle after pushing back on her father, talking about the wedding, sharing some of the cultural words, clothes, values, fleshing out the characters and their relationships, getting to know the classmates a bit more, seeing why this is a challenging and sought after summer program.
FLAGS:
Animal neglect
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I don't know that I would teach this book, nor that there is much to discuss, but it will round out the series nicely (Amal Unbound & Omar Rising) on the shelf and anyone that picks it up I think would enjoy the story contained within.
SYNOPSIS:
Hafsa is from a village outside of Lahore, and when she gets accepted into a summer camp, she has to convince her parents to let her go. Her newly married sister, Shabnam, offers her a home to stay in and her husband Sohail helps with the fees, but it isn't until grandma says she can go, does Hafsa's father reluctantly give his permission. Once in Lahore, Hafsa realizes her information is faulty and it isn't a mini medical summer camp, to start her on her way to being a doctor, but rather a climate change program covering zoology, weather, conservation, and action. She also quickly learns that her sister is busy helping her new mother-in-law with a hospital fundraising gala, and doesn't have much time to spend with her. Add in the camp kids teasing her for bonding with an elephant, a storm that floods and knocks out their power, and Hafsa trying to figure out why Shabnam has not started culinary school, and it is a busy four weeks for Hafsa, who is determined to make the most of it all.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I grew up in Utah visiting the zoo yearly as a child, and don't recall thinking too much of it. On a trip to Pakistan one summer that changed. I visited the Karachi Zoo, and now 30 or so years later, I am still bothered by the chain I saw on the elephant's leg, the kids sneaking in to the enclosures, and the trash in the animals' water sources. This book brought it all back and mirrored my own sentiments in incredible accuracy, and thus deepened my connection to seeing Gulab, the elephant, getting attention.
The author does a good job with the pacing and bringing in different threads, but it would have been nice to add a little more depth. Showing Hafsa pushing to get her way, not just saying she got to ride a bicycle after pushing back on her father, talking about the wedding, sharing some of the cultural words, clothes, values, fleshing out the characters and their relationships, getting to know the classmates a bit more, seeing why this is a challenging and sought after summer program.
FLAGS:
Animal neglect
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I don't know that I would teach this book, nor that there is much to discuss, but it will round out the series nicely (Amal Unbound & Omar Rising) on the shelf and anyone that picks it up I think would enjoy the story contained within.
March 10, 2026
Hafsa's Way
By: Aisha Saeed
Publish Date: March 10, 2026
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulsen Books
Children's Fiction/Middle Grade
#HafsasWay#NetGalley
I would like to thank both Penguin Young Readers and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
Book Review:
Not only is the cover beautiful but so is the story. I gave this book 5 stars. Near the end of the story, I was in tears. This book is about a young girl who wants to become a doctor in a culture that thinks girls/woman are second class. This young lady fights for everything she has accomplished. This time she has help from her brother-in-law and older sister.
Hafsa wants to become a doctor when she gets older and she has learned about a summer program that will be a great advantage. She had to apply which she did secretly and was surprised to find out that she was accepted into the program. The only problem is she hasn't even mentioned this to her parents.
When she finally tells her dad his answer is no and takes the letter and nothing is said about it anymore. then she realizes he hasn't even told her mother, and she goes looking for the letter to show her mom and her mom supports her father. A few days later her sister and brother-in-law come for a short visit and Hafsa brings it up and has support from them. The brother-in-law even will pay for the program, and she can stay with them. This her parents cannot refuse because it would be impolite to her sister and her husband.
On her first day of the program Hafsa realizes that the medical program isn't until next year and she is going to a program about climate issues. She ends up still staying and learning a lot. The teacher feels a little sorry for her and gives her a laptop that has the recording from the year before medical program that Hafsa can listen to.
Hafsa learns more about her sister's new life and is concern that she has given up on her dream to help the mother-in-law with a Galla event that will bring money into the hospital that her husband works at. Hafsa has a lot to learn and understand and gets into a fight with her sister and then realizes that it isn't always what you see.
Hafsa also is understanding what the climate can do the area you live in and the effects it has the animals around you. She finds herself drawn to an elephant in a ran down zoo. This elephant has a great effect on her, and she finds herself wanting to help it.
Can she figure things out for herself and this elephant?
This book has a wonderful family element to it and the support of a teacher, and one friend can be a start.
By: Aisha Saeed
Publish Date: March 10, 2026
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulsen Books
Children's Fiction/Middle Grade
#HafsasWay#NetGalley
I would like to thank both Penguin Young Readers and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
Book Review:
Not only is the cover beautiful but so is the story. I gave this book 5 stars. Near the end of the story, I was in tears. This book is about a young girl who wants to become a doctor in a culture that thinks girls/woman are second class. This young lady fights for everything she has accomplished. This time she has help from her brother-in-law and older sister.
Hafsa wants to become a doctor when she gets older and she has learned about a summer program that will be a great advantage. She had to apply which she did secretly and was surprised to find out that she was accepted into the program. The only problem is she hasn't even mentioned this to her parents.
When she finally tells her dad his answer is no and takes the letter and nothing is said about it anymore. then she realizes he hasn't even told her mother, and she goes looking for the letter to show her mom and her mom supports her father. A few days later her sister and brother-in-law come for a short visit and Hafsa brings it up and has support from them. The brother-in-law even will pay for the program, and she can stay with them. This her parents cannot refuse because it would be impolite to her sister and her husband.
On her first day of the program Hafsa realizes that the medical program isn't until next year and she is going to a program about climate issues. She ends up still staying and learning a lot. The teacher feels a little sorry for her and gives her a laptop that has the recording from the year before medical program that Hafsa can listen to.
Hafsa learns more about her sister's new life and is concern that she has given up on her dream to help the mother-in-law with a Galla event that will bring money into the hospital that her husband works at. Hafsa has a lot to learn and understand and gets into a fight with her sister and then realizes that it isn't always what you see.
Hafsa also is understanding what the climate can do the area you live in and the effects it has the animals around you. She finds herself drawn to an elephant in a ran down zoo. This elephant has a great effect on her, and she finds herself wanting to help it.
Can she figure things out for herself and this elephant?
This book has a wonderful family element to it and the support of a teacher, and one friend can be a start.
March 26, 2026
Village girl Hafsa has decided she's going to be a doctor, no matter what her conservative parents think of the idea (hard NO!). She secretly applies to a science summer camp at a prestigious academy in Lahore, and gets in, but her parents find 117 different ways to say ABSOLUTELY NOT! That is, until Hafsa's brother in law, who is a doctor in Lahore, intervenes. He not only offers not only to pay for it, but says that Hafsa can stay at his house, with Hafsa's sister and Sohel's (sp?) mother, so she won't be in the dorm. Though Hafsa is certain until literally the last moment that her parents will find reason 118 to refuse and yank her back to the village, she settles in at her sister's very posh house and starts the camp...which is when she discovers that this year, the camp is not about medicine, as she thought, but about climate change. Though devastated, Hafsa determines to make the best of it, and awakens her activism when a trip to the zoo reveals animals in shameful conditions. Also shameful is Hafsa's treatment by the mean girls at the camp, but Hafsa is determined to persevere. Meanwhile, she's also worried about her sister, who has quietly given up her life-long dream of going to culinary school in favor of helping her mother-in-law with her charity work. Hafsa hates that her sister didn't fight for herself--but that's what she's got Hafsa for.
No surprise, this was really well-written, with so much information and plot in a relatively short book--the author can paint a scene or a character in quick brushstrokes that still make them come alive for the reader. The food descriptions--especially the desserts--will make your mouth water! Hafsa's definitely not a perfect character, because she does misjudge some situations, but her heart is always in the right place and she's not afraid to stand up for her beliefs. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
No surprise, this was really well-written, with so much information and plot in a relatively short book--the author can paint a scene or a character in quick brushstrokes that still make them come alive for the reader. The food descriptions--especially the desserts--will make your mouth water! Hafsa's definitely not a perfect character, because she does misjudge some situations, but her heart is always in the right place and she's not afraid to stand up for her beliefs. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 stars
I love and have taught _Amal Unbound_, and everything about Amal's world - especially her young peers and family members - makes that book a gem. It's no surprise that a book centered on Hafsa is just as fulfilling.
Readers of _Amal Unbound_ will certainly enjoy the known connections, but it's important to note that this is a definite standalone. I do not think readers will miss much if they read out of order (or in isolation, though you WILL miss other great books in that scenario).
Hafsa has known she wants to be a doctor for quite some time, so when she gets into a summer program with a medical focus, she can't believe her luck. Now, her only barriers are the same as always: her parents. Her parents cannot understand why Hafsa needs to do things her way when their way is better (they are wrong, btw). Hafsa isn't a quitter, so with the help of her sister and brother-in-law, she finds a way to make some of her dreams come true.
This book offers excellent character development, hope, typical middle grade issues of importance, and also intriguing cultural insights. Hafsa learns a vital lesson in this one: that animals are way better than people. This is truly a vital rite of passage, but it's not the only one Hafsa and readers get in this great novel.
I had a lot of fun reading this well-paced and meaningful book, and I look forward to sharing it with students (and reading more from this world as soon as Saeed produces it)!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Nancy Paulsen Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I love and have taught _Amal Unbound_, and everything about Amal's world - especially her young peers and family members - makes that book a gem. It's no surprise that a book centered on Hafsa is just as fulfilling.
Readers of _Amal Unbound_ will certainly enjoy the known connections, but it's important to note that this is a definite standalone. I do not think readers will miss much if they read out of order (or in isolation, though you WILL miss other great books in that scenario).
Hafsa has known she wants to be a doctor for quite some time, so when she gets into a summer program with a medical focus, she can't believe her luck. Now, her only barriers are the same as always: her parents. Her parents cannot understand why Hafsa needs to do things her way when their way is better (they are wrong, btw). Hafsa isn't a quitter, so with the help of her sister and brother-in-law, she finds a way to make some of her dreams come true.
This book offers excellent character development, hope, typical middle grade issues of importance, and also intriguing cultural insights. Hafsa learns a vital lesson in this one: that animals are way better than people. This is truly a vital rite of passage, but it's not the only one Hafsa and readers get in this great novel.
I had a lot of fun reading this well-paced and meaningful book, and I look forward to sharing it with students (and reading more from this world as soon as Saeed produces it)!
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Nancy Paulsen Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reading 2026
Book 17: Hafsa's Way by Aisha Saeed
Thank you #NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book on my Kindle in exchange for my review. Hafsa’s Way is a middle grade novel set in Pakistan. I have read the other two books in this series, all are stand alone books. This book will be published March 10, 2026.
Synopsis: In this inspiring stand-alone companion to New York Times bestseller Amal Unbound , Hafsa defies her family’s patriarchal expectations by pursuing her dreams and insisting that her married sister pursue hers.
Review: Have read the Amal and Omar books from this author. I really enjoyed this book, Hafsa trying to stand up for herself and live her dreams. Her time with her sister realizing what it means to be a responsible adult was great. Hafsa learns lots of lessons during one summer of her life. What she gains from her summer with her sister’s new family are some of the most valuable lessons of her life. Hafsa also realizes that being in the popular group is not all it is cracked up to be, that being yourself is more important. Like the cover says, "Don't let anything stand in the way of a better future". Can’t wait for Aisha Saeed’s next book. My rating 4.25⭐️.
Book 17: Hafsa's Way by Aisha Saeed
Thank you #NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book on my Kindle in exchange for my review. Hafsa’s Way is a middle grade novel set in Pakistan. I have read the other two books in this series, all are stand alone books. This book will be published March 10, 2026.
Synopsis: In this inspiring stand-alone companion to New York Times bestseller Amal Unbound , Hafsa defies her family’s patriarchal expectations by pursuing her dreams and insisting that her married sister pursue hers.
Review: Have read the Amal and Omar books from this author. I really enjoyed this book, Hafsa trying to stand up for herself and live her dreams. Her time with her sister realizing what it means to be a responsible adult was great. Hafsa learns lots of lessons during one summer of her life. What she gains from her summer with her sister’s new family are some of the most valuable lessons of her life. Hafsa also realizes that being in the popular group is not all it is cracked up to be, that being yourself is more important. Like the cover says, "Don't let anything stand in the way of a better future". Can’t wait for Aisha Saeed’s next book. My rating 4.25⭐️.
Read
February 18, 2026This was so cute, a lovely continuation of Saeed's series featuring determined kids facing big issue in a middle-grade appropriate way.
*I loved the main character, Hafsa: brave and a little pushy but also always thinking of others, tells the truth even when it's difficult. Just really a protagonist to root for.
*I don't know why I didn't expect the plot to go the way it did, but it was a fun ride.
*Adored the sisters subplot. I also liked the connection that Hafsa builds with her brother-in-law, I don't think I've ever seen that extended family relationship explored in middle grade.
*There are mean girls but Hafsa stays unbothered. <3
*It's so interesting for this to be set in the modern day but featuring characters from rural Pakistan who have literally never used a smartphone or laptop before, really a unique outlook for the genre which is very modernized and Western-centric.
*It reminded me a lot of Saadia Faruqi's graphic novel Saving Sunshine.
*The entire cast is assumed to be Muslim and I found it comforting.
My only con was that the dialogue was so awkward and on-the-nose at times, I know it's simplified for 8–12-year-olds but please trust kids, they don't need things dumbed down.
*I loved the main character, Hafsa: brave and a little pushy but also always thinking of others, tells the truth even when it's difficult. Just really a protagonist to root for.
*I don't know why I didn't expect the plot to go the way it did, but it was a fun ride.
*Adored the sisters subplot. I also liked the connection that Hafsa builds with her brother-in-law, I don't think I've ever seen that extended family relationship explored in middle grade.
*There are mean girls but Hafsa stays unbothered. <3
*It's so interesting for this to be set in the modern day but featuring characters from rural Pakistan who have literally never used a smartphone or laptop before, really a unique outlook for the genre which is very modernized and Western-centric.
*It reminded me a lot of Saadia Faruqi's graphic novel Saving Sunshine.
*The entire cast is assumed to be Muslim and I found it comforting.
My only con was that the dialogue was so awkward and on-the-nose at times, I know it's simplified for 8–12-year-olds but please trust kids, they don't need things dumbed down.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an electronic ARC from Penguin Young Readers Group through NetGalley.
Saeed builds Hafsa's story (Amal's friend from Amal Unbound) as a stand alone but Amal does have a small part too. Hafsa longs to be a doctor but her parents are resistant to this future. With help from her brother-in-law, she manages to convince them to let her attend a prestigious summer program and live with her sister and BIL. When she arrives, she is stunned by the difference in how they live. She is used to the small village and the city is much different. Hafsa struggles when she thinks her sister is giving up on her dream and that their relationship is changed so tries to fix both and makes life worse. She learns a valuable lesson in listening too rather than just acting in her family relationships. She also finds the bravery to stand up against animal cruelty and make a difference for one animal at the zoo. Saeed weaves important lessons about being yourself and standing up for what is right through her narrative. I appreciated the realistic interactions between the characters and the way Hafsa learned to see beyond the surface in relationships.
Saeed builds Hafsa's story (Amal's friend from Amal Unbound) as a stand alone but Amal does have a small part too. Hafsa longs to be a doctor but her parents are resistant to this future. With help from her brother-in-law, she manages to convince them to let her attend a prestigious summer program and live with her sister and BIL. When she arrives, she is stunned by the difference in how they live. She is used to the small village and the city is much different. Hafsa struggles when she thinks her sister is giving up on her dream and that their relationship is changed so tries to fix both and makes life worse. She learns a valuable lesson in listening too rather than just acting in her family relationships. She also finds the bravery to stand up against animal cruelty and make a difference for one animal at the zoo. Saeed weaves important lessons about being yourself and standing up for what is right through her narrative. I appreciated the realistic interactions between the characters and the way Hafsa learned to see beyond the surface in relationships.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the free arc!
A great book that features a teenage girl named Hafsa who wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Living in a village in Pakistan, she is excited when she finds out she will be going to a summer camp in Lahore, a big city a few hours away, to learn about the medical field. Hafsa is also excited to live with her sister's family who lives right by the school. There are several tensions in the book that make the story interesting. One, Hafsa's parents do not like the idea that she is in the big city away from home. Two, when Hafsa arrives she realizes that her sister is not in culinary school as she already dreamed, but instead doing work for a gala organized by her mother-in-law. Three, Hafsa soon learns that the camp's theme of medical studies is actually for next summer, not this one. Instead, she will be studying climate change.
It is interesting to read the book to find out how Hafsa ends up having a different, but still transforming summer. It is also interesting to see how her relationships with both her sister and her parents unfold.
A great book that features a teenage girl named Hafsa who wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Living in a village in Pakistan, she is excited when she finds out she will be going to a summer camp in Lahore, a big city a few hours away, to learn about the medical field. Hafsa is also excited to live with her sister's family who lives right by the school. There are several tensions in the book that make the story interesting. One, Hafsa's parents do not like the idea that she is in the big city away from home. Two, when Hafsa arrives she realizes that her sister is not in culinary school as she already dreamed, but instead doing work for a gala organized by her mother-in-law. Three, Hafsa soon learns that the camp's theme of medical studies is actually for next summer, not this one. Instead, she will be studying climate change.
It is interesting to read the book to find out how Hafsa ends up having a different, but still transforming summer. It is also interesting to see how her relationships with both her sister and her parents unfold.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Whomever designed the cover of this book, did an excellent job. All the images featured arise in the novel. The largest image may be the elephant which certainly plays a large part of the storyline but so too does the stethoscope, bike, pages in a book, earth and cupcake. Seemingly, there is no connection between these items. The author, however, ties it all together.
There's also a full circle to the story given how and who is present at the start as well as the end. The reader will discover depth to the story as we see Hafsa pivot from her intended goal to something a bit adjacent. She's a force to be reckoned with and her strength of character is challenged by societal norms as well as a parental beliefs.
This story opens a door to life in a Pakistani village vs. city. This story reminds children that their age is not an impediment to being a voice for animals.
#HafsasWay #NetGalley
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Penguin Young Readers Group | Nancy Paulsen Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There's also a full circle to the story given how and who is present at the start as well as the end. The reader will discover depth to the story as we see Hafsa pivot from her intended goal to something a bit adjacent. She's a force to be reckoned with and her strength of character is challenged by societal norms as well as a parental beliefs.
This story opens a door to life in a Pakistani village vs. city. This story reminds children that their age is not an impediment to being a voice for animals.
#HafsasWay #NetGalley
This ARC was provided by the publisher, Penguin Young Readers Group | Nancy Paulsen Books, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2026
Hafsa’s Way by Aisha Saeed follows Hafsa, a determined girl who dreams of becoming a doctor and attends a summer science camp in Lahore—even when her family is unsure about supporting her ambitions. When she accidentally ends up in the wrong program, Hafsa must find her own path while learning about independence, community, and staying true to her goals.
This was such a sweet story. I especially loved that it was set in Pakistan— a place I deeply love. Hafsa is smart, confident, and determined not to be defined by societal expectations, and the book offers a wonderful window into the culture and beauty of Pakistan. I also appreciated the emphasis on climate change and how human practices can contribute to harsh weather conditions. Even though my children are grown, I’ll still be buying them this book so they can have a glimpse into their Pakistani culture. I can’t wait to read the companion books.
Thank you NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a sweet story. I especially loved that it was set in Pakistan— a place I deeply love. Hafsa is smart, confident, and determined not to be defined by societal expectations, and the book offers a wonderful window into the culture and beauty of Pakistan. I also appreciated the emphasis on climate change and how human practices can contribute to harsh weather conditions. Even though my children are grown, I’ll still be buying them this book so they can have a glimpse into their Pakistani culture. I can’t wait to read the companion books.
Thank you NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I recently read Hafsa's Way by Aisha Saeed and loved it so much!
Hafsa's way follows the titular character a preteen girl who lives in Pakistan and dreams to going to medical school one day. When She is accepted into a special camp that is a mini-medical program, and one that her favourite teacher recommends, Hafsa is desperate to find a way to convince her parents that she should attend. Things don't go quite as planned, but Hafsa does get the chance to spend the summer learning a lot about the world around her, and meets an elephant who is being neglected and mistreated at a zoo. Hafsa connects with the elephant in an unexpected way and wants desperately to help her find her way to a sanctuary. Hafsa teaches readers that not everything needs to be done exactly the way you planned or in the way that is expected (especially if we worry too much about what others will think of us), but when you care about something and you work really hard to make it happen, there is often a way to make our dreams come true.
I read Amal Unbound by the same author and in this novel, Hafsa is Amal's friend, but this story works totally fine as a stand alone. I also think that while the themes in Amal might be a little scary or confusing for younger middle grade readers, I think my current class of grade 3/4s would love Hafsa's story.
Hafsa's Way comes out in March and I am 100% buying a copy for my classroom library! Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher @penguinclassroom @penguinteen for giving me the chance to read and review this awesome book!
Hafsa's way follows the titular character a preteen girl who lives in Pakistan and dreams to going to medical school one day. When She is accepted into a special camp that is a mini-medical program, and one that her favourite teacher recommends, Hafsa is desperate to find a way to convince her parents that she should attend. Things don't go quite as planned, but Hafsa does get the chance to spend the summer learning a lot about the world around her, and meets an elephant who is being neglected and mistreated at a zoo. Hafsa connects with the elephant in an unexpected way and wants desperately to help her find her way to a sanctuary. Hafsa teaches readers that not everything needs to be done exactly the way you planned or in the way that is expected (especially if we worry too much about what others will think of us), but when you care about something and you work really hard to make it happen, there is often a way to make our dreams come true.
I read Amal Unbound by the same author and in this novel, Hafsa is Amal's friend, but this story works totally fine as a stand alone. I also think that while the themes in Amal might be a little scary or confusing for younger middle grade readers, I think my current class of grade 3/4s would love Hafsa's story.
Hafsa's Way comes out in March and I am 100% buying a copy for my classroom library! Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher @penguinclassroom @penguinteen for giving me the chance to read and review this awesome book!
January 7, 2026
This is a stand alone companion book to Amal Unbound, which I loved. I also loved the character Hafsa, with her stubborn and kind mannerisms. Hafsa manages to get her strict parents to agree to a summer school program staying with her newly married older sister in a large city. It’s a learning curve, but exciting, and frustrating too, as she learns to navigate some mean girls at school. She also learns about an elephant treated poorly at the city’s zoo and sets out to do something about it.
Kids ages 9+ would enjoy this story, and you do not have to have read Amal Unbound to appreciate it. Definitely recommend for school or classroom library purchase!
Kids ages 9+ would enjoy this story, and you do not have to have read Amal Unbound to appreciate it. Definitely recommend for school or classroom library purchase!
March 4, 2026
Hafsa just wants to help people. Her big dream…to become a doctor. But that goal feels even bigger when she doesn’t have full support at home, especially from her father. And whew… that part was frustrating, but I can admit the cultural dynamics really shape the story in an important way. Once she gets into a summer learning program, her focus starts expanding, climate change, animal welfare, real-world issues that actually matter. And because she’s outspoken and refuses to take “no” for an answer, she pushes not just her peers but adults and influencers too to step up and support a greater cause.
March 31, 2026
ALC provided by Libro.fm. Themes include advocacy, bravery, and speaking up for yourself and others. Juvenile readers will be inspired by the story of Hafsa, who must constantly struggle to assert her independence and overcome the conservative/traditional path for girls that her parents want to keep her in. After working so hard to be allowed to attend a summer camp for future doctors, she is shocked to be instead enrolled in a climate change and advocacy camp. While attending the camp she encounters an abused elephant in a dangerously neglectful zoo. Hafsa is determined to use her bold voice to make a difference. HIghly recommended for middle grade readers.
April 15, 2026
The third book in this author's loosely-connected middle-grade series about the lives of tweens in Pakistan who face challenges dictated by family, society, and cultural traditions. (#1 Amal Unbound, #2 Omar Rising). While the novel explores universal themes of overcoming challenges, coping with parental expectations, and finding one's voice, it also offers a window into Pakistani culture, wildlife conservation, and climate change. I'd say 4th-6th grade is the sweet spot for target readers.
A potential companion read suggestion: Saving H'Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen. Both books were inspired by real events related to elephants and wildlife conservation in Asia.
A potential companion read suggestion: Saving H'Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen. Both books were inspired by real events related to elephants and wildlife conservation in Asia.
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January 20, 2026The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of Hafsa's Way
‘An inspiring story showing the power of one person’s voice to make a difference.’
Kirkus Reviews
‘The development of Hafsa’s passions evolves naturally and credibly, and her achievements feel well-earned.’
Publishers Weekly
‘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
‘An inspiring story showing the power of one person’s voice to make a difference.’
Kirkus Reviews
‘The development of Hafsa’s passions evolves naturally and credibly, and her achievements feel well-earned.’
Publishers Weekly
‘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
November 4, 2025
A delightful, multi-layered middle grade novel about a Pakistani village girl attending science camp in the city. I loved how Hafsa is strong and yet her independence is deeply rooted in her culture. I also loved how she gathered a community to help her rescue the elephant being mistreated in the zoo. Loosely linked to "Amal Unbound" and "Omar Rising", fans of those books will definitely want to read this one.
Review based on a DRC received through NetGalley.
Review based on a DRC received through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a nice story but I felt it was just a little slow and took me just a little bit to get into. The setting was written well and the camp was interesting but the dialogue felt a bit to simple even for a middle grade book. I would say that kids on the younger side would like it but kids at the top of the range would find it a bit boring. The themes were great and the story was okay but the characters were just a bit lacking for me and if felt like Hafsa didn't listen or pay attention to others at all.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy.
March 16, 2026
This was a good book about a girl fighting against the strict guidelines put on her. I appreciated that Hafsa was from a different culture. It made me think of things from a different perspective. I loved Hafsa’s determination and her drive to do the right thing. It was interesting how the author took you on a journey of what you thought was going to happen, to what really did happen. Hafsa learned more about herself along the way.
March 20, 2026
Very good! A lot of misogyny and gender inequality to deal with. I felt for Hafsa all throughout ♥️ (and Shabnam, too! I’m the oldest in my family as well. So I get exactly what she’s talking about. People like me are also grateful for the standing-up Hafsas of the world, though!) We need people who care about the individuals and the “small things” even in the face of other headlines like natural disasters.
March 25, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Hafsa’s Way is a great middle grades book. It’s current and relatable, and the story was very inspiring. I would’ve loved to have seen a little more growth for Hafsa.
The chapters are very quick, and it’s a quick read overall. The one medical incident wasn’t quite accurate but that’s a personal thing.
Overall, I loved this story from a young Pakistani girl with big dreams!
Hafsa’s Way is a great middle grades book. It’s current and relatable, and the story was very inspiring. I would’ve loved to have seen a little more growth for Hafsa.
The chapters are very quick, and it’s a quick read overall. The one medical incident wasn’t quite accurate but that’s a personal thing.
Overall, I loved this story from a young Pakistani girl with big dreams!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hafsa won’t take no for an answer and pushes for what is right always. She stands up for those she loves, makes her dreams happen and advocates for a very special elephant. Even when she doesn’t fit in at her summer camp, she brushes it to the side and vows to do the right thing and ignore the others.
March 9, 2026
Loooove this book on so many levels. Hafsa is a strong and likeable main character who dreams of being a doctor. She lives in a small village in Pakistan but convinces her stuck-in-their-ways parents to let her attend a medical summer camp in the big city.
This would be perfect for a classroom because of its STEM topics, animal advocacy, and fish-out-of-water relatability.
This would be perfect for a classroom because of its STEM topics, animal advocacy, and fish-out-of-water relatability.
March 18, 2026
4.5
This is a really special story about family, following your dreams, and how sometimes dreams can take different forms. I really enjoyed seeing Hafsa and her sister interact and seeing Hafsa's time at camp, especially helping the elephant. A great addition to the series.
Thank you Libro.fm for a copy of the audiobook through their librarian ALC program
This is a really special story about family, following your dreams, and how sometimes dreams can take different forms. I really enjoyed seeing Hafsa and her sister interact and seeing Hafsa's time at camp, especially helping the elephant. A great addition to the series.
Thank you Libro.fm for a copy of the audiobook through their librarian ALC program
April 16, 2026
This heartfelt story is about a young girl who struggles with change when her best friend moves away. As Hafsa tries to control her world, she learns important lessons about patience, friendship, and accepting differences. These themes are presented in a relatable way that resonates with younger readers. Overall, it’s a warm and thoughtful book that encourages empathy and personal growth.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E-arc provided by Netgalley
This was a really short/quick read. I think the themes in here are important and that making a difference even for one creature is better than not doing anything at all. Very sweet read.
This was a really short/quick read. I think the themes in here are important and that making a difference even for one creature is better than not doing anything at all. Very sweet read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC at NCTE 2025. Hafsa wants to go to a summer camp for aspiring doctor's and medical workers. After advocating for herself to attend, it turns out that this summer camp session ended up being about environmental issues. Good things she's good at advocating!
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