Homeless Bird
by Gloria Whelan | Grades 6-8
Homeless Bird by Gloria Whelan is a coming-of-age novel that follows the life of 13-year-old Koly, an Indian girl who is married off to a sickly boy in a traditional arranged marriage. After her husband's untimely death, Koly is left to fend for herself in a society that offers little support for widows. Through her resilience and determination, she navigates the complexities of loss, societal expectations, and self-discovery, ultimately finding her own path to independence and hope. This touching story explores themes of tradition, identity, and the quest for personal freedom in the face of adversity.