4. Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan

This is the mother-daughter book club selection for this month. At first I was a little nervous about it because the library lady said it was about a young girl in India that is forced into an arranged marriage and then, through some crazy circumstances, ends up living on the street. That doesn't exactly sound like something I want my 10 year old reading. But I read the book, and although that is an accurate depiction of the storyline, I didn't find anything offensive in the story. It is beautifully written and very hopeful. It reminds me a little of Shannon Hale's writing, but set in real world circumstances. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone. It may not be for young readers, but the age on the book says 10 and up and I agree. There are some sticky situations but they are told in a very non-graphic, non-shocking way. It probably will lead to some good discussions about different cultures and situations, but I think that is productive. It is a National Book Award winner and I would encourage anyone to read it.