Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan

India’s rich history and colorful culture is a fascinating subject for a novel – this reader is always hoping to find a book that describes exactly how Indian women are able to manage their saris so gracefully. Although she does not directly address this curiosity, acclaimed author Gloria Whelan does an excellent job of combining culture, history, and character in her award-winning young adult novel Homeless Bird.

          Koly is thirteen years old, bright, curious, and about to be married to a man she’s never met. When they do meet on their wedding day, it’s too late – Koly discovers that her bridegroom is a sickly boy whose parents are primarily interested in her dowry money as a means of paying his medical bills. When their marriage abruptly ends and she is cast off by her resentful in-laws, Koly summons all her courage to meet a precarious future and to use her talents to make her way.

          Although spirited-girl-forced-into-dreadful-betrothal/marriage is a fairly common plot nowadays, Gloria Whelan keeps this storyline nicely fresh. Neither downtrodden nor inaccurately feminist, Koly’s perspective is open and courageous. Although she has much reason to feel misused, she blessedly does not allow musing about her wrongs to take precedence over her imagination and prospective plans. Additionally, this National Book Award winner offers a captivating look into the life of an “ordinary” Indian girl, giving readers an enhanced appreciation of life in a different country.