60 pages • 2 hours read
Zana FraillonThe Bone Sparrow
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon, nine-year-old Subhi, born in an Australian immigration detention center, befriends an outside girl named Jimmie, who sneaks into the camp with stories from her mother's notebook. Subhi and Jimmie’s friendship opens Subhi's eyes to the world beyond the fences, igniting hope and illuminating the dire conditions inside the camp. This book depicts human suffering, violence, and trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon has been praised for its poignant portrayal of refugee life, capturing emotional depth and resilience. Its poetic language and compelling narrative resonate with readers. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and feel that secondary characters lack development. Overall, it's a powerful, thought-provoking read with impactful themes.
Who Should Read The Bone Sparrow?
Readers who appreciate poignant, socially relevant narratives will enjoy The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon. Fans of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas or Inside Out & Back Again will find the heart-wrenching and hopeful tale of a refugee child's resilience compelling and emotionally resonant.
RecommendedReading Age
12-15yearsLexile Level
840LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Historical Fiction
Children's Literature
Immigration / Refugee
Education
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger