I normally enjoy middle grade novels in verse, but this one just didn't click for me. Maybe it's the writing, or maybe it's because I don't know anything about cricket.

An interesting and affirming story set in Pakistan by an author of that nation. Written in English and in verse, Aarzu All Around focuses on topics as wide ranging as feminism, organ failure, gendered violence, classism, and the loss of parents. It's ultimately hopeful, but does not flinch away from depicting the many barriers that Aarzu and indeed all young girls in Pakistan face, particularly if they are not wealthy, from a society that can be patriarchal and weaponize religion to defend the status quo.