The Bone Sparrow is one of those rare, special books that will break your heart with its honesty and beauty, but is ultimately hopeful and uplifting. The resource explores the key themes of the book, and offers a range of activities that have been designed to link these to specific learning spaces, curriculum areas and outcomes.

And then there’s the story of the Bone Sparrow itself, and all the little stories and imaginings that bind these two characters together.The story of Subhi, sensitively told and immensely moving, gives us a glimpse of what homeless, imprisoned existence life feels like. There are activities for the library/resource centre, assembly and tutor time as well as lesson plans for English and Citizenship/SMSC. But once Eli is sent away to live with older single men in a different part of the camp, Subhi found yet another friend in his rubber duck that one of the guards brought for him and surprisingly he shared about his day with the duck and that duck advised right back him.

This is the kind of book that helps all our hearts grow bigger - big enough to make sure that no one in this scary world is forgotten. She keeps that wire up, letting the wind feel its way over my face, letting me taste the air on the other side. I did reread sections because I was just astounded with what Zana Fraillon could do with a sentence.As he reads aloud the tale of how Jimmie's family came to be, both children discover the importance of their own stories in writing their futures.

Subhi's relationship with the girl he meets, Jimmie, serves to give Subhi hope and a glance at the outside world. Born in a refugee camp, all Subhi knows of the world is that he’s at least 19 fence diamonds high, the nice Jackets never stay long, and at night he dreams that the sea finds its way to his tent, bringing with it unusual treasures.The story is unraveled without much layers yet it aspires for a slow pace, so impatient readers must look away, whereas this turns out to be a perfect read for all those who love to enjoy a novel gradually through its folds and progression. The characters are well developed, complete with realism to make them look believable in the eyes of the readers. Lack of enough food, clothes, water, places to bath, a school, or even a home (they live in tents) is all part of Sushi's life. The most vivid story of all, however, is the one that arrives one night in the form of Jimmie—a scruffy, impatient girl who appears on the other side of the wire fence.