"Cultural Perspective" refers to a book that is from a culture different to your own. These cultures often have different roles for women than European cultures, eg. Stories set in Afghanistan, India, China. Books set in Maori culture are also relevant if you are not Maori.

Those denoted with an * are suitable for level 1 wide reading only.

Slave- a true story of a girl's lost childhood and her fight for survival by Mende Nazer

Story of a young Sudanese girl kidnapped and sold into slavery.

My Forbidden Face by Latifa
When Latifa was 16 the Taliban seized power and her life became restricted.

Parvana and Parvana's Journey by Deborah Ellis *

Parvana's life in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule.

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Tells the extraordinary story of a geisha from 1929 to post-war years.

Desert Flower by Waris Dirie
Biography of a model who at the age of 12 was offered in marriage to a 60 year old man in exchange for 5 camels.

Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera
Story of a young Maori girl struggling for acceptance from her grandfather.

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
A love story across races that don't mix.

Sold by Patricia McCormick
Story of a girl sold into prostitution by her parents.

Walk in my Shoes by Alwyn Evans

A family escape from Afghanistan to Australia where they are confined in a detention centre.

Does My Head Look Big in This by Ronda Abdel-Fattah
A Muslim girl in an Australian school decides to start wearing the veil to school.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
The love and endurance of two women is tested in Kabul under Taliban rule.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
A story of two boys in Afghanistan explores the issues of friendship, betrayal and loyalty

Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah
Adeline struggles as an unwanted Chinese girl but moves on to become a successful doctor.

Forbidden Love by Norman Khouri
An honour killing of a Jordanian Muslim.

Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunzin
A tale of the path from unbelievable poverty to international stardom.

A Little Piece of Ground by Elizabeth Laird
Set in Palestine, about boys who just want somewhere to play soccer.

Looking for Alibrandi by Melina Marchetta
A teenager's search for identity.

Under the Persimmon Tree by Suzanne Fisher Staples
A story of survival in war-torn Afghanistan.

Throwaway Daughter by Ting-xing Ye
Portrait of a family and a girl coming to terms with her own roots.

For more titles visit your library.