nikireads100's review against another edition
4.0
A real look into like in India. I love that she did not shy away from good the bad and ugly. All of it was their in this story about two sisters who are homeless. They later make some friends who become family and the story goes on from their. If you want a book with a real view into India for upper elementary or middle schoolers this book is for you.
gallagherc11's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
lmessex's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jkribbit's review against another edition
5.0
Oh wow. This book got me in all the feels! This powerful story follows two sisters who run away from an abusive father and end up living on the streets in a city in India. They team up with two boys and form their own family. Scavenging for glass and metal to sell to the waste man, and always on the hunt for thrown out food that is still edible, life is heartbreakingly rough for these street children. This book broke my heart over and over again. And it also gave me hope and lifted me up. The unity and loyalty these children show for each other is absolutely beautiful. And the strength and self respect the main character, Viji, shows is inspiring! I also love the title which has two different meanings, in my opinion. I always read it as the bridge home as in the children are striving to get back home. And in a way, that meaning is beautifully accomplished, just not how I envisioned. The title can also refer to the bridge that the children made their home. Where they felt safe and became a family together. Such a perfect title! This is a beautiful book and I highly recommend it!
barnettbunch's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
roaringmamalion's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This is truly an excellent book, with a few flaws. The text is clearly meant for younger readers (grades 4-6), but the content is intense. Trigger warnings for domestic violence, child death, and unhoused, runaway children. This is A LOT for younger readers to take in - I can see some kids I know left sobbing. It’s a beautiful story with redemption, but the reader must wade through deeply traumatic text first.
Content Warnings
Child death, domestic violence, unhoused youth
jeanettesonya's review against another edition
4.0
A window book. Written well enough that it made me cry. It deals with some tough stuff, but you know what? Kids can handle tough stuff and more often than not, know better how to solve it than adults do. The ending was perfectly hopeful but bittersweet.