Homeless Bird

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a sense of powerlessness or is questioning the fairness of the paths others have chosen for them. It is an essential choice for middle grade readers who are ready to explore how personal resilience can bloom even in the most restricted circumstances. The story follows Koly, a thirteen year old in India whose arranged marriage leaves her a young widow in a household that does not want her. While the themes of grief and systemic injustice are heavy, the narrative is ultimately one of triumph. It is a graceful exploration of how creativity and inner strength can help a young person reclaim their identity and forge a destiny that is entirely their own. Parents will appreciate the way it introduces complex global issues through a lens of hope rather than despair.