The Bridge Home

Book cover of The Bridge Home

Book description

"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…

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Why read it?

4 authors picked The Bridge Home as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Lisa Lewis Tyre

Author

I’ve been to India three times and I love to share books that show its complex, beautiful, and sometimes brutal culture. When sisters Viji and Rukku leave home to escape their abusive father, readers are given a detailed look at what living on the streets of India is like for many children. It’s a realistic lesson on the caste system and abject poverty, all wrapped in a compelling story; and I am always a fan of books that show siblings that care deeply for one another. I also hope it sparks an interest in that amazing country and its inhabitants.

From Lisa's list on to help kids build empathy for those in need.

Maria Kiely

Author

I love crying over a good book and The Bridge Home was the best cry I’ve had in a while. Eleven-year-old Viji and her mentally disabled older sister Rukku have a strong and beautiful bond. After running away from their abusive father, they struggle to survive on the streets of Chennai, scavenging in trash heaps and seeking shelter on an abandoned bridge. When they meet two homeless boys, Muthi and Arul, they form a new type of family, working together to protect and provide for each other. I sobbed through the whole book; for joy when the children escaped dangers…

From Maria's list on highlight the importance of trust and friendship.

Mahtab Narsimhan

Author

Four homeless kids find their way to each other, learn to live in harmony, and make a home for themselves on the streets of Chennai. With underlying themes of abuse, mental illness, and poverty, this rich and nuanced story made me laugh and cry. Kids have so little agency in the world but these four; sisters Vijji and Rukku, and friends, Muthi and Arul, navigate whatever life throws at them with courage, humour, and ingenuity. Readers will not only fall in love with the main characters but will enjoy exploring Chennai, India in all its authenticity.

From Mahtab's list on to travel the world without leaving home.

Elly Swartz

Author

The Bridge Home is a powerful story of friendship and resilience. It shines a light on the heart-wrenching decisions people must make to take care of those we love the most. And while this story brilliantly shares the challenges of homelessness, and the trepidations, fears, and despair that often accompany it, it also conveys the courage and love that finds us in the most unsuspecting places. The Bridge Home embraces what home truly means.

From Elly's list on courage, friendship, and social anxiety.