BEYOND the BORDERS
While my son was in school I read everything he brought home, so I could discuss it with him, in fact, I continue to read some of his assigned books now that he is in college, for the same reason. HOMELESS BIRD was a story he read in middle school.
Homeless Bird by GLORIA WHELAN takes place in India in modern times, and gives us a look into cultural norms there, such as arranged marriages for the extremely young, and how that culture views women's roles. The story also makes us aware that many things we consider necessities in our Western World, like electricity, phones and computers in schools, are considered luxuries. The story centers around Koly, who is 13 at the beginning of the novel, and is being given in marriage to lighten the financial burden on their family. This book also shows us what can be accomplished when women bond together.
Although this story is aimed at the Middle Grade group it would be thoughly enjoyed by most YA and Adult readers.
