Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (use of drugs and alcohol, physical fighting); Violence: PG-13 (human sex trafficking mentioned, not described)
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Living in Bihar, India, 14yo Heera and her family are living in poverty. Heera is lucky that she has been able to continue to go to school. Most girls her age are not able to continue their education. School is one place where she is guaranteed to have a daily meal. Heera’s parents and Heera are faced with the reality of having to sell Heera to a sex traffic trade in order to repay loans. Heera is presented with an opportunity to continue schooling and learning sport of martial arts. It is an opportunity for her to learn how to protect herself. Kung Fu also teaches Heera the value of herself and her body. Her friend is not so lucky.
Ruchira Gupta, an advocate for human and sex trafficking, portrays an incredible story of a young, determined, strong, and heroic character. The book raises awareness and reality of human sex trafficking. Gupyta’s draws the readers into the life of Heera in India. Although, it is unfortunate that Heera’s character and her family experience of life in poverty, I enjoyed reading how Heera is able to hold on to hope and self empowerment.
Story takes place in Forbesganji, Bihar, India. The characters in the story represent a family of Eastern Indian culture.
Laura Trujillo 5th Grade DLI English Teacher
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