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emduff's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Child death, and Child abuse
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
jenmangler's review against another edition
3.0
A tough read. Viji can't go on without her dreams, while the thought of holding onto dreams makes Arul's day-to-day life unbearable. I really loved this found family.
aclopez6's review
4.0
Intended for a middle-grade and younger audience, but I think this is a book that would benefit from conversation or instruction. Rukku, the older sister, is described as having a developmental disability, and if read without additional conversation, she comes across as simply inspiring, and not a full part of her found family. Worthwhile story to add to your classroom bookshelf.
elizabethmcspencer's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bibliobrandie's review
2.0
This was our book club selection this month and the reviews were mixed. Most students liked it but didn't love it. I asked them, "Why do you think this book was picked as a Maine Student Book Award nominee?" They all agreed that it is an important window into a life they know nothing about, and this is why I ultimately liked this book.
The subject matter is important, but I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
Spoiler
This is the story of two sisters, Rukku and Viji. Rukku has a developmental disability one night and Viji takes Rukku and runs away from home because of their abusive father. Rukku never got to consent to this choice. They live on the streets of India where they meet up with two boys and they become ragpickers in the dumps. The friendship they develop is the best part of the book. The characters were good but the pacing was off. You jump into the story and don't get a sense of the abuse. This was a depressing middle grade read. Rukku dies at the end and that felt like a gut punch. She could have survived and it would have been a better story. Also, where was the mom in the end? We all wanted to know that. Even though there was hope at the end it just felt too sad and we felt like Viji will forever feel guilty about taking her sister to live on the streets, which is what caused her illness and death.forlornromant1c's review
5.0
I didnt know middle grade books were allowed to be this sad I am in shambles I am distraught
lanica's review
4.0
I really like books that make me feel as though I have visited a location, which this book did for me. It is a kids' book, but there are a lot of scenes here that could lead to in-depth and 'big-kid' discussions. I highly recommend it for a book club, all levels of libraries.
thirdtimesacharm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Grief, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death