60 pages • 2 hours read
293
Novel • Fiction
Immigration Detention Center • Contemporary
2016
YA
12-15 years
840L
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.
Emotional
Dark
Hopeful
Mysterious
Heartwarming
5,990 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
5,990 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
293
Novel • Fiction
Immigration Detention Center • Contemporary
2016
YA
12-15 years
840L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.