60 pages • 2 hours read
The Bone Sparrow
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Book Brief
293
Novel • Fiction
Immigration Detention Center • Contemporary
2016
YA
12-15 years
840L
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.
Emotional
Dark
Hopeful
Mysterious
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
5,990 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
5,990 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eli
Eli
An older boy and Subhi’s closest friend in the detention center, known for his storytelling and leadership among the younger kids, who takes risks to help his community.
Jimmie
Jimmie
A young girl from the outside world, grieving her mother’s death, who forms a deep friendship with Subhi, sharing stories and finding solace together.
Queeny
Queeny
Subhi’s older sister, who takes on a protective role for her family while becoming increasingly concerned about the injustices within the detention center.
Harvey
Harvey
A guard at the detention center who tries to show kindness and make life better for the detainees, despite working within a flawed system.
293
Novel • Fiction
Immigration Detention Center • Contemporary
2016
YA
12-15 years
840L
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