The Bone Sparrow

Jimmie arrives home late in the night, and her father and Jonah are asleep, so she climbs the ladder into the attic to look through her mum’s belongings. She finds the garden gnome called “Old Gnome” (191), which reminds her of how her mother used to sing to the plants. Suddenly, Jimmie is filled with memories of her mother and can even smell her familiar scent. Without realizing it, Jimmie begins to sing. As she climbs down the ladder, she scratches her arm on a piece of metal. She carries the gnome to her bed and plans how she will ask her father to purchase seeds and supplies so she can plant a garden.

Still full from the lavish meal, Subhi sits in his tent and works on a drawing for Jimmie of a girl born out of an egg. Subhi often creates drawings for the oldies in camp so they can have pictures of their stories and memories. Hearing and telling stories is the most important part of Subhi’s life and the only thing that keeps him mentally healthy. He describes people’s stories like quilt squares that, when stitched together, make up a beautiful blanket that covers and comforts everyone.