Homeless Bird: A National Book Award Winner

A ten der book of a girl child trying to make through only to have hardships.. there is always hope in life

Quiet little story without a lot of drama, but filled with hope during the down times. I only wish it would have ended with her marriage and being in her new home.

The majority of the book is sad, full of terrible twists of fate and caused by the custom-laden culture of India. I knew/know little about the Hindu traditions and learned quite a bit. While some might view HOMELESS BIRD as too simple of a story to tell such a complex tale of cultures steeped in tradition, I do think this would make a great intro to younger readers. There is much to discuss, and it would make a great lit circle book. Fair warning: marijuana is mentioned at a party and a provocative painting suggests that the subject knew her painter intimately. The latter would probably go over younger readers' heads, but not the drug reference. Again, though, I believe it was an essential part of the story and will provide important discussion with a mature reader.

I love this book

Got this one for my 11 year old. It is important for children to be aware of different cultures and situations that children around their age face in different parts of the world. My daughter felt engaged and wanted to find out what happens to Koly. She couldn't believe that at 13 kids can have an arranged marriage. She loved it. You don't have to be liberal or progressive to be grateful that in our culture children still get to be children and make their own decisions when it comes to love and marriage. She got to reflect on the value women have and that's worth every penny I paid for the book.

Wanting more from this author. I could not stop reading. Thank you goes to the author for filling my heart with joy.

I buy this book over & over to help naive American kids understand how some people in other places or Social Strata live. I taught this book to 6th & 7th Graders for years & it was always a big hit.

Dear Gloria Whelan.... I love you. I read this book in middle school in my english class, and fell in love with it. Years later, I purchased the book, and I still enjoy it as an adult. Koly is a very brave, gutsy heroine and I feel that I relate to her. I honestly wish the book was longer, and I was disappointed when I came to the end. I wanted to read more about Koly's life with Raji on their farm :). I like the many details that were used, and I felt that the way Koly's Sass was described, that *I* was being scolded in the story if that makes sense lol. Anywho, I honestly hope that this book would make a great movie one day. I really think it would. So Mrs. Whelan, if you ever read this, can you PLEASEEEE make a part two??? I'd be the first to buy it and the last to put it down! I've read 'Homeless Bird' over 80 times within the last few years seriously. Very talented author, and I'm a big fan. I love you Gloria!!!!!

Livre accessible à lire en anglais quand on n'est pas anglophone. Une langue imagée, un récit où se mêlent une réalité de l' Inde et la fiction.

This was a wonderful book. It takes you on journey. I cried and laughed but mostly this has opened my eyes and heart to the life of Koly. It is great for any age.

As a teen in India, 'Homeless Bird' was not a reading priority for me as I thought it was basically another book making a big deal of issues.(I've read too many of that kind) However, it turned out to be about facing the situation head-on and dealing with each problem on its merits. Unlike so many other novels I've read, the protagonist doesn't ponder pathetically sad thoughts about her life and situation; she acts on the problem. In spite of being in truly difficult situations were having negative thoughts would be natural, she accepts her situation and acts on it, which I think is very important.So, I'd recommend this book for anyone who wants a realistic touch and insight into the lives of people facing various social issues.

good

Nice story ....quite interesting