The Bridge Home

By: Padma Venkatraman

Narrated by: Padma Venkatraman

"Readers will be captivated by this beautifully written novel about young people who must use their instincts and grit to survive. Padma shares with us an unflinching peek into the reality millions of homeless children live every day but also infuses her story with hope and bravery that will inspire readers and stay with them long after turning the final page." (Aisha Saeed, author of The New York Times best seller Amal Unbound)

Four determined homeless children make a life for themselves in Padma Venkatraman's stirring middle-grade debut.

Life is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, 11-year-old Viji discovers how vulnerable they are in this uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter - and friendship - on an abandoned bridge. With two homeless boys, Muthi and Arul, the group forms a family of sorts. And while making a living scavenging the city's trash heaps is the pits, the kids find plenty to laugh about and take pride in, too. After all, they are now the bosses of themselves and no longer dependent on untrustworthy adults. But when illness strikes, Viji must decide whether to risk seeking help from strangers or to keep holding on to their fragile, hard-fought freedom.

©2019 Padma Venkatraman (P)2019 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"Venkatraman’s middle-grade debut tackles sisterhood, chosen families, and loss.... Viji’s narration is vivid and sensory.... The novel also touches on social justice issues such as caste, child labor, and poverty elegantly, without sacrificing narrative. A blisteringly beautiful book.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

"Exquisitely narrated novel set in Chennai, India.... Venkatraman vividly sketches the group’s precarious economic situation.... This is a poignant portrait of love, sacrifice, and chosen family in the midst of poverty.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“The four individual children and their tightknit relationship are portrayed with conviction and finesse. Written in the form of a letter from Viji to her sister, the affecting narrative transports readers to a faraway setting that becomes vivid and real. While the young characters face unusually difficult challenges, together they find the courage they need to move forward. The author of A Time to Dance, Venkatraman offers an absorbing novel of love, loss, and resilience.”(Booklist, starred review)

“In her stellar middle grade debut, Venkatraman brings compassionate attention to the plight of India’s homeless children... Venkatraman’s depiction of the streets of Chennai is a sensory experience. Her elegant prose tells a heartfelt, wholly captivating story while encouraging readers to consider larger issues including religion, poverty, and the caste system. An unforgettable tale of families lost, found, and moving ahead without leaving those they love behind.” (School Library Journal, starred review)

Young learning

My son is reading this for school and I want to be part of the conversation, I love this book. It teaches so much about just being human and wanting a better life and the uphill battle it can be.

How powerful it is and how amazing the overall pint was

I loved every thing it was so amazing and powerful and real because of the amazing accents

'The Bridge Home ' filled with beauty & heart.

I adored this book. it touched me, it flowed, I highly recommend it. Grateful to Ms. Venkatraman for writing it!

SAD

It is supper sad and supper buttiful and nice I liked it even though it was sad

Sad..beware

So I read this as part of my middle schooler’s book club where every student reads the book and families read it too. Then we come together as a community to discuss it. It wouldn’t be a book I choose but I’m glad I read it. Solid children’s literature with a fast paced and compelling story. But it’s sad and that took some joy away from reading it. It takes place in India and that was a great cultural perspective and it also deals well with domestic violence. Nothing too gritty or explicit but the reader is still able to grasp the severity.

A great book but just keep some tissues handy. Oh and I listened to the audible version which is read by the author and she does a great job!

slow but great

this story started out slow and I struggled to listen to it. But in the right mood and when I had the attention to devote to it, I loved the story.

The settings and themes of abuse and homelessness were too rough for my 4th grader, who I'd bought the audio book for. This would better fit a more mature listener wanting and ready to explore these topics. I'd gotten the book because she told me her 3rd grade teacher was reading it. And sure enough, she had a picture of the book displayed by her door with the caption "I am currently reading..." I just assumed this meant it was appropriate for my daughter's age group. Maybe it is, but my daughter is into lighter material.

I love having the book narrated by the author. Her accent lent an authenticity to the story. I also appreciated the glossing over of gory details or specifics. The story tied up loose ends and addressed questions I had. I recommend this book.

Beautiful Story

The Bridge Home is sad yet amazing Padma is an amazing author I hope you read this book and experience the sad and the happy to this book

- Cirque age 10

The emotions throughout this book

I liked how they turned to love appa and change their hearts and how the book was Christian based

Grips the heart!

I had read this book in paperback form as an advanced copy. After reading the advanced copy I was excited when I saw it on audible AND read by the author when published! I have worked in India some and have a real heart for the country's people-particularly the children facing unimaginable hardships. Hearing the author read the book was wonderful after having read the advanced copy. The book is so good and so relevant to the situation facing so many children in India and I encourage people to read/listen to this book.

What a fabulous read!

This book touches on the tender subjects of loss, forgiveness, friendship and perseverance. I will recommend it to all of my middle school students. The subtle hints of child abuse as well as immersion into the Indian culture is a way to teach children about empathy and emotional IQ. I think that exposing our children to the vast economic disparity is imperative to help them understand people who are different from themselves!