Homeless Bird: A National Book Award Winner

Koly’s story is a pretty sad one as she’s barely a teenager, her parents arrange her to be married to a young man she barely knows instead of letting her go to school and learn how to read. Now married and living with her in-laws, she will learn a shocking truth about why she was to become a bride while dealing with her mother-in-law treating her like she’s nothing.Bittersweet throughout, it felt like a sad Cinderella story where she wanted freedom, not a prince. The last few chapters do bring a new sign of hope and happiness for Koly. Honestly harsh yet still touching. <b>A- (91%/Excellent)</b>

I read this book because I loved Listening for Lions. It is hard to believe she knew the spirit of Kenya, and knew so much about India. I was sad, anxious, dismayed,and finally happy with the content of this wonderful story.

I know you should never judge a book by its cover, but this time I did. I thought that this book would not be that great. In fact I thought it would be the normal clichéd stupid female-plagued romance book that you can find in the corner of any dollar store.I WAS WRONG!!! This book was not even remotely close to that. I had to read this for a college class that I am in and it was worth it. I am thinking about buying myself another 3 copies so I can give them out as gifts. This book is a look into the culture of India and the plight faced by young brides and widows. The way it is written you will believe that this book could have been at any given time in India, but the more you read on the more you come to realize that this book is a lot more recent then you would want to believe.An excellent must read for any age group....well maybe not for kids, but that would be because they would not understand a lot of the content or its significance....so if you are 16 and older go for it! Have fun.

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.

This story is amazing! While I read it, I felt it was happening to me all the way through. ♥

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!!!!!

This was a chapter book at school. My fourth grader and I loved reading it.. we used to read one chapter every night before bed and we were so thrilled to come back and read every day. The one thing we didn't like in the story was how Koly never got to see her parents till the end, not even when she became a widow. I felt that that was one loose end that the author didn't do a good job of tying. This was also majorly my son's opinion and also his disappointment concerning the story. But overall, very interesting read and a page turner !!

I use this story as part of a thematic unit for sixth graders in California. The story line is so realistic and things look dismal for the teen aged main character. The main character overcomes adversities. She manages to find a way to educate herself. She uses her skills as an embroider to create a living for herself. My students are captivated every year I read this.

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.

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.

Nice story ....quite interesting

An interesting light read.

good