60 pages 2 hours read

Zana Fraillon

The Bone Sparrow

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon, nine-year-old Subhi, born in an Australian immigration detention center, befriends an outside girl named Jimmie, who sneaks into the camp with stories from her mother's notebook. Subhi and Jimmie’s friendship opens Subhi's eyes to the world beyond the fences, igniting hope and illuminating the dire conditions inside the camp. This book depicts human suffering, violence, and trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon has been praised for its poignant portrayal of refugee life, capturing emotional depth and resilience. Its poetic language and compelling narrative resonate with readers. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and feel that secondary characters lack development. Overall, it's a powerful, thought-provoking read with impactful themes.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Bone Sparrow?

Readers who appreciate poignant, socially relevant narratives will enjoy The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon. Fans of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas or Inside Out & Back Again will find the heart-wrenching and hopeful tale of a refugee child's resilience compelling and emotionally resonant.

Recommended

Reading Age

12-15years

Lexile Level

840L

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Topics

Immigration / Refugee

Education

Themes

Relationships: Family

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger