I was given The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon to read at the CBCA conference
this year. There was something about it that compelled me to start reading it
as soon as I had the chance. As I started reading I realised this was an
important, powerful story and before long I couldn’t put it down, even though
every couple of pages my eyes were welling so full of tears I had to look away
and regain my composure before I could read anymore.
The Bone Sparrow tells the tale of a boy, Subhi, born in detention, his daily life and
how, through his imagination and spirit, he finds colour in a very bleak
existence, the only existence he's ever known. This story parallels the story
of Jimmie, a young girl dealing with the crippling loss of her mother and shell
of a father. One night Jimmie ventures "down" to find out about the
detention camps she’s always hearing stories about, lies it turns out, and
meets Subhi. A meeting that will change both their lives forever.
In current times this book captures
the devastating reality of people living and growing up in detention. Through
strong, rich, powerful characters the story is told with emotional honesty and
hope. Any human "worth a salt" can't help but be moved beyond their
core reading this book.
I highly recommend this book to every
adult and any child 9 plus but much more than that, this is a book I strongly
recommend adult and child read together. It’s not an easy book to read but you
will grow as a person and find levels of compassion you didn't even know
existed.
This book will change attitudes. It is
courageous and raw and beautiful.
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