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6 books with a mental health theme 03/02/25
The Truth About Peacock Blue
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Aster is a 15-year-old schoolgirl living in rural Pakistan, who gets the unexpected opportunity of a proper education at the local high school. Far from being the joyous experience she had hoped for, the fact that she is a Christian in a Muslim school singles her out for the worst kind of special treatment.
When Aster is accused of blasphemy by a vindictive teacher, her world collapses and she is swallowed up by a judicial system in which her 'crime' is punishable by death.
Part testament of faith and part exposure of prejudice and discrimination, this is an interesting story of intolerance and injustice. Although readers may find it difficult to make an emotional connection with Aster, her experience is inspired by real-life events and highlights some truly disturbing aspects of a brutal judicial system.
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The Girls of the Crescent booklist
American teenagers Mena and Zena were tired of never finding books featuring characters like them, so they started a campaign. Here are some titles they recommend.