THE BRIDGE HOME is a tender, heart-wrenching story of homeless children in India. Author Padma Venkatraman, born in India and raised by a single mother, uses her memories and personal observations to share a story about the plight of children living in poverty, desperately attempting to survive in near impossible circumstances. Despite the struggle, THE BRIDGE HOME children exhibit hope and determination that will inspire its readers.
Viji watches her abusive father strike her mother, and she fears for the safety of her younger sister Rukku. Rukku is special. She isn't able to understand the ways of the world, and she struggles to complete even the simplest tasks. This frustrates their father and makes Viji worry he will take his anger out on the little girl.
In the dark of night, Viji and Rukku run away. They make the frightening journey to the city where Viji hopes they will find a better life. It is immediately obvious that an easy life will prove more difficult than Viji anticipates.
The two girls soon team up with two boys who teach them how to pick through the trash dumps for useable materials to sell to the junk man. It doesn't earn them much, but things get a bit easier when Viji discovers her sister has a talent with stringing beads into beautiful necklaces. The money Rukku earns selling the necklaces helps, but when she falls ill, Viji and the boys must resort to seeking help from someone they aren't sure they can trust.
THE BRIDGE HOME should be in every middle grade and high school collection.
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