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Oliver Twist meets Slumdog Millionaire in this tale of four determined homeless children making a life for themselves in Padma Venkatraman's stirring middle-grade debut. "Readers will be captivated by this beautifully written novel about young people who must use their instincts and grit to survive. Padma shares with us an unflinching peek into the reality millions of homeless children live every day but also infuses her story with hope and bravery that will inspire readers and stay with them long after turning the final page."--Aisha Saeed, author of the New York Times Bestselling Amal Unbound Cover may vary. Four determined homeless children make a life for themselves in Padma Venkatraman's stirring middle-grade debut. Life is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, eleven-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter--and friendship--on an abandoned bridge. With two homeless boys, Muthi and Arul, the group forms a family of sorts. And while making a living scavenging the city's trash heaps is the pits, the kids find plenty to laugh about and take pride in too. After all, they are now the bosses of themselves and no longer dependent on untrustworthy adults. But when illness strikes, Viji must decide whether to risk seeking help from strangers or to keep holding on to their fragile, hard-fought freedom.

Reviews

* Venkatramans middle-grade debut tackles sisterhood, chosen families, and loss. . . . Vijis narration is vivid and sensory. . . . The novel also touches on social justice issues such as caste, child labor, and poverty elegantly, without sacrificing narrative. A blisteringly beautiful book.Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Exquisitely narrated novel set in Chennai, India. . . . Venkatraman vividly sketches the groups precarious economic situation. . . . This is a poignant portrait of love, sacrifice, and chosen family in the midst of poverty.Publishers Weekly, starred review

* The four individual children and their tightknit relationship are portrayed with conviction and finesse. Written in the form of a letter from Viji to her sister, the affecting narrative transports readers to a faraway setting that becomes vivid and real. While the young characters face unusually difficult challenges, together they find the courage they need to move forward. The author of A Time to Dance, Venkatraman offers an absorbing novel of love, loss, and resilience.Booklist, starred review

* In her stellar middle grade debut, Venkatraman brings compassionate attention to the plight of Indias homeless children. . . . Venkatramans depiction of the streets of Chennai is a sensory experience. Her elegant prose tells a heartfelt, wholly captivating story while encouraging readers to consider larger issues including religion, poverty, and the caste system. An unforgettable tale of families lost, found, and moving ahead without leaving those they love behind.School Library Journal, starred review

* "Hopeful yet heartbreaking. . . . Venkatraman weaves a breathtaking story which takes the reader to the streets of India, where millions of homeless children fight to survive each day. . . . It is a story that must be told, and Venkatraman does a beautiful job describing everyday life and showing that a 'home' and 'family' doesnt always correspond to a house with a white picket fence. This is a story that must be shared."School Library connection, starred review

An authors note attests to the reality of all of the situations described in the book as having been drawn from first-person accounts; the tenderness of Vijis love for her sister and her new brothers will break hearts and inspire activist longings.The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books

Readers will be captivated by the message of love and the true meaning of home and family. The book demonstrates how people, even if they are not related, can form a family.Voice of Youth Advocates

Author Bio

Padma Venkatraman was born in Chennai, India, and became an American citizen after attaining a Ph.D. in oceanography from The College of William and Mary. She is also the author of A Time to Dance (IBBY selection, ALA Notable, CCBC Choice, Notable Books for a Global Society winner, and South Asia Book Award Honor Book), Island's End (ALA Best Book of the Year, ALA/Amelia Bloomer List selection, and CCBC Best Book), and Climbing the Stairs (Julia Ward Howe Award, Bank Street Best Book, YALSA BBYA selection, Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, and CCBC Choice).