PENGUIN Born Behind Bars

A stunningly gorgeous novel about Kabir, a nine-year-old boy born while his mother is in prison in Chennai, India. When the new warden decides he's too old to still be living there, Kabir ends up living on the streets. The friendship between Kabir and an older Roma girl, Rani, is inspiring. The ending is heartwarming and beautiful.I have read and loved everything Padma Venkatraman writes. May she continue to grace us with her talent!

Ms. Venkatraman has written a beautiful and relevant novel about the lives of brave young children struggling to find their way home. It was a page turner, and I found it moving and realistic, as it depicts the injustices of the criminal system, the longing for freedom and the determination in reaching that goal. The characters are portrayed with love and sensitivity, as they come to life, and I felt I was in their world and could see the world through their eyes. It is a wonderful read, for all ages!

I read this book to my students and they begged for me to keep reading!