Asha and the Spirit Bird

by Jasbinder Bilan

Asha lives on a family farm with her mother in rural India in the foothills of the Himalayas. Life would be perfect if her father were with them instead of working at the factory in the faraway city. But she knows they wouldn't be able to afford their home without the money he sends home.

When four months go by without a single letter, a ruthless debt collector arrives with a warning, and soon the entire world that Asha has known is threatened. Determined to save her home, Asha and her best friend must swallow their fears and set out on a dangerous journey across the Himalayas to find her father.

As desperation turns to peril, Asha will face law enforcement, natural disaster, and the wild dangers of the Himalayas. But with a majestic bird and a green-eyed tiger as her guides, who she believes to be the spirits of her ancestors, she's determined to keep faith in order to save her family.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Magical Realism, Adventure, India

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2019

About the author

According to family stories, Jasbinder was born in a stable in the foothills of the Himalayas. Until she was a year and a half, she lived on a farm inhabited by a grumpy camel and a monkey called Oma.

Jasbinder graduated from Bath Spa University where the seeds of her story were nurtured, but it was the incredible bond with her grandmother which was the inspiration for Asha & the Spirit Bird.

She lives with her husband, two teenage boys and dog Enzo in a man pad and splits her time between teaching and writing.

Reviews

[Jade Ratley · Rating 3 out of 5]

6.86 on CAWPILE, so a very high 3 stars!

This was a really cute read that definitely tugged in the heartstrings at moments! I thought this had a really strong atmosphere and a compelling plot, however I didn’t feel very attached to the characters unfortunately.

I would for sure recommend if you’re after a quick read with an adventure and a sense of magic in the form of ancestral reincarnation!

[Athena (OneReadingNurse) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asha and the Spirit Bird is a wonderful middle grade adventure story about a young girl on a journey to reunite her family.

I just thought this was a great story, focused on friendship, family, and Faith.  Little Asha is unshakeable in her beliefs and convictions.  It was touching watching her learn to trust herself, her friend Jeevan, and her spirit bird, as they journey across the Himalayasl together.

When debt collectors come crashing through their small Himalayan farmhouse, Asha knows her mama is in trouble. Her Papa left for the city months ago but stopped writing and sending money – where could he be? Is he alive?

With the help of her best friend, Jeevan, she runs away to find her father. Asha is a terrifically brave little girl, with the magic power to sense and be guided by her ancestors. I loved the Nanijee storyline, and how Asha learned to trust herself and her intuitions as well as embrace her family’s heritage.

There is plenty of danger and action in the plot too, from wolves to kidnappers.  I read the whole book in one sitting and think that kids will definitely enjoy this one from cover to cover.

The setting is well done too, with beautiful descriptions of the mountains, scenery, animals.  Weather and smells and sounds are also described.  I think my favorite parts were at the temple in the mountains, and how Asha’s little mango tree symbolized her faith and hope as well.

One HUGE thing that the book did well, and I think is absolutely essential in an ethnic book published in North America … is a glossary of foreign words and phrases. I hate feeling alienated when authors throw foreign terms and words in without translating.  Bilan not only translates but offers explanations, which is absolutely amazing and so much appreciated.

Overall: With clean content, no language and only one suggested hint as a possible future crush, this is a great story of friendship, faith, and family. Fully recommend for any young reader!

[Lio · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! :')

This is a gorgeous little book set in the Himalayas. Asha's father works far away in the city to provide enough money for his family to live, but he hasn't sent them a letter or any money for several months now and they've been trying not to worry. With a moneylender threatening her mother and things getting desperate, Asha and her best friend Jeevan set off on an adventure under the wings of a beautiful bird (who's possibly the spirit of Asha's Nanijee) to go to the city and bring back her father in time to save the family home. It's an adventure full of wonder and hope, friendship and determination, spirituality, and just a little bit of magic.

I adored this book right from the start. It vividly introduces us to both the setting and the characters, and their difficult situation, making it easy to root for them from the very first page. Asha is an adventurous and headstrong kid, who loves her home and her family more than anything. She's determined to prove not only to herself but to her family that she can make this journey and bring her father home. That wonderful sense of self-belief and assurance that she's being watched over by her Naniji drives her throughout the story. Not conceited or egotistical, but a heartwarmingly healthy self-confidence that I feel is quite rare in protagonists, especially in children's books. Usually, the protagonist begins with low self-esteem and has to develop that self-confidence by the end of the book, but Asha's journey is more about her learning to trust and understand others, especially her friend Jeevan. Her faith and spirituality are very central to this story, too, which was lovely to read. When juxtaposed with Jeevan's more atheist/Science-as-explanation-for-everything views, they had a really fun dynamic that made each of their personalities shine through the pages. Jeevan could be quite mean and dismissive sometimes, and in comparison, Asha sometimes came across as rash and naive, but his character development led him to become a much more open and empathetic person and hers allowed her to learn to see from other people's perspectives and consider the impact of people's actions. I loved them both and how they learned to respect and trust each other despite their differences.

The plot was a pretty simple journey story, but the pacing kept the stakes high and the moments of wonder plenty enough to carry the story and the characters without ever losing my attention. Sensory detail makes this story a feast for the imagination. All the settings are enchantingly described, making it easy to picture and transport the reader to this beautiful landscape. One of my favourite scenes was the children's visit to a Hindu temple, which held so much importance to Asha on her journey and introduced me to some Hindu beliefs and pilgrim traditions. Asha's spirituality was an integral part of both her character and this story, and it was fantastic to see a religious character be so pragmatic and self-confident, without falling into tropes.

I really can't recommend this book enough - it has stayed with me since I finished it, and its uplifting ending and fiercely courageous protagonists' personal journeys are certainly the stuff for inspiring young minds and making them think beyond their own experiences. It's certainly a feast of opportunity for the classroom!

[Ris Sasaki · Rating 2 out of 5]

My main issue with this book was not even the writing itself (that I particularly didnt like), but the fact that like SO MANY other books that I've been reading lately, the author wanted to put so many things inside the story but didnt have the time to fully develop them.

And then the plot seems like time jumps. From this you go to there and oh let's add this and bang here we go to another scenery, another problem, another concern.

So, suffice to say, I didnt enjoy this.
This book had a lot of potential that, unfortunately, wasn't fulfilled.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a middle grade fantasy, which I don’t read much these days, but I couldn’t resist picking this one up because of the lovely cover! Really this book is worth having just for the cover art alone, but it also has a great story to go with it, so yay! 🙂

Asha & The Spirit Bird follows Asha and her friend Javeen as they go on a journey to find Asha’s missing father. When her mother, forced to borrow money to save their family farm, can’t pay back the loans begins contemplating moving the family to England where her brother lives, leaving India, and Asha’s father, behind. This is devastating to Asha so she decides to take matters into her own hands and find her father. Though she encounters many obstacles, she’s helped along the way by her friend Javeen, some other friends she meets along the way, and a bird which she believes is the spirit of her grandmother.

In some ways this story put me in mind of A Little Princesss by Frances Hodgson Burnett (except withoutall the colonialism and racism). The missing father, children having to band together to take down the evil adults, the wonder of magic and Asha’s unwavering belief in it while others have to be brought around, all of these things felt familiar in the most delightful way. I love stories when ‘children know best’. That is, the adults in the story, and their failure to act, spurs the children into taking on things they normally wouldn’t because, well, they’re children. I know when I was a kid, I never felt like I was incapable of an anything, and I think that’s part of being a kid, thinking that you can do everything. So, I love stories like these because they show that, well, yes, you can do everything. But they also show kids the perils you encounter along the way. The path through life isn’t an easy one–sometimes you’ll have hardships and failures, but you have to keep trying.

The setting, in particular, is not something we see much of in fantasy, especially not children’s fantasy, and I really loved reading about it. I had a great time exploring this world with Asha, and learning more about her culture. You really get a sense of country life in a smaller village, especially when its contrasted against the parts that take place in the city later in the story. I also really loved Asha as a character, even when she was being too stubborn for her own good. It’s clear that her heart is in the right place, but she definitely needed some of the lessons she learns on this adventure. Asha and Javeen’s friendship was a real highlight of the story for me. They’ve been best friends for years, but they still go through some rocky times. I think at times Asha takes Javeen for granted, and this is one of the things she has to learn along the way–not to be so focused on herself and her own problems that she overlooks when a friend is in need.

Asha & The Spirit Bird was a delightful adventure, full of hope and wonder. Had a really fun time with this one. 4/5 stars.

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story of believing and how our ancestors are always with us. As a person who was raised Hindu, I enjoyed the familiar ideas of karma and animals being family members. This one was a bit slow for me, but I think most kids would like the pacing. For me, there were 2 main things. One, there are something called bakul flowers, and my father’s childhood nickname was Bakul. I always thought it was like buckle, but now realize how sweet that nickname was, and wish I had asked my grandparents where it came from, as I have never heard any of our history being part of the Himalayas or mountain areas of India where bakul flowers grow. The second thing that stood out to me was how the story reminded me of the book, Holes by Louis Sachar. The circular story of a curse or blessing and the rituals that need to be completed to break the curse. And how both ended in abundance.

[Cress · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept, but the beginning 200 pages and the last 100 pages felt oddly disconnected. Things felt like they just happened without that much reason, or the reasoning wasn’t explained in as much detail I would have liked. I liked many of the elements of this novel but I wish they had been developed more. Along with that, some issues were brought up at the very end about child labor and the issues with the textile industry but these things were hardly explored at all and felt kind of shallow to me. I did enjoy some of the characters, some of the writing I thought was good and brought up an emotional response, and some of the ideas were brought up, even if they weren’t explored that well, in my opinion.

[Judith Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointingly, I found this a real slog.

[Phoebe Blunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book with a great sense of togetherness and resilience. Pre reading to teach with my kids. Loved the cultural links alongside the moral messages!

[James Horsley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will start by admitting that this isn't the type of novel I would normally read. This was read for work as part of a reading scheme with year 7 students.

The premise of this text is ok. It isn't anything groundbreaking but is a narrative arc we have seen in numerous texts and fairy tales. A young child has to go on a journey to save their parent and ultimately the family.

The setting of Moormanali with the journey to Zandapur has the potential to be interesting especially for Western readers and is clearly well-researched and takes knowledge from the writer's own life.

The issue I have with this text is that I never felt any sense of danger or jeapordy for Asha or Jeevan. When Asha leaves a wounded Jeevan in the woods as she goes to find help, it is no surprise that he is fine upon her return. He in inexplicably saved from wolves by a tiger... a strand that is not revisited throughout the rest of the novel. Even when Asha and Jeevan were abducted and taken to work as child slaves on a trash heap it was obvious they would escape quickly. I would also suggest that the episode in the trash heap was used to pad the story and make a nod to a societal issue in parts of Aisa. I feel however that if you are going to address this it should be a much greater focus or at least have some consequences for even a minor character.

Things just seemed to happen and appear when needed. As soon as Asha had a problem someone would appear and help her selflessly. Characters were used as convenient plot devices throughout.

The ending of the novel felt rushed with many of the narrative threads all grouped together and the discovery of the treasure which was mentioned at the start and seemingly forgotten about until the final pages very contrived.

An award winning book, I'm just unsure as to why.

[Lata · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited a long time to read this book, then was somewhat underwhelmed. It’s got great elements: a quest for a missing father, a staunch friend, numerous hurdles and dangers along the way, and a possible mystical connection with a now dead elder. However much I wanted to love this story of how Asha travels a long distance to find her missing father so he can pay off a greedy, evil moneylender who has threatened to take away the family farm if she’s not paid, I never, sadly, really got into this story.

[Charley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite good but a little scary

[Capn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oof. Already well-reviewed, but - the author wrote this as her MA dissertation. It was probably great by that standard, but I genuinely hope she became a better writer over time. Clunky.

Basically Slum Dog Millionaire x Life of Pi, and I didn't enjoy either of those, soo... 2.5 rounded up.

Wasn't terrible, but probably won the Costa for content rather than artfulness, because it was an ethnic minority heroine, set in India (why I read it!*), and had child slave labour (trash heap scavenging) and unsafe working conditions in sweatshops (textile industry). Only, as other reviewers have stated, if you're going to go off on the child labour or sweatshop tangent, you really need to develop it more.
*Seriously, if you know of some awesome India-based juvenile fantasy, you'll let me know, right? I have The Magicians of Madh queued up - looks good

Again, once you see that this was her MA thesis, you start to see it in a less critical light.

(I also spent a long time on the internet trying to make sense of a "black elephant Kali" devotional ornament, and came up blank. If there was some joke or hidden meaning there, like the trucker had no taste or was irreverent or just a twit who bought an improbable goddess tchotchke, then I missed it. Again, not an expert on Indian mythology. But still - I kept wondering if that was a deliberately strange icon, or if the author just doesn't know Kali well, or what). Shrugs.

[Lauli · Rating 4 out of 5]

La protagonista de la novela, Asha, vive en la India, en una aldea al pie de la cordillera del Himalaya. Su padre, que fue a trabajar a cientos de kilómetros a la ciudad, ha dejado de escribir y de mandar dinero, y su madre ha tenido que endeudarse para afrontar los gastos de la granja. Cuando los prestamistas de su madre irrumpen violentamente en su casa y se llevan todo lo que encuentran, amenazando con confiscar la casa si no cobran, Asha toma una decisión enorme para sus cortos once años: escapar de su aldea e ir a buscar a su padre para evitar el desastre, pasando primero por un templo en las cumbres de los Himalayas para encomendar su misión a los dioses. En el viaje irá acompañada de su mejor amigo Jeevan, y del espíritu de su abuela reencarnado en una lamagaia (un águila de montaña).

Bilan nos lleva a recorrer la India en todo el esplendor de su naturaleza y su espiritualidad, creando una historia mágica pero en base a las creencias hindúes como la reencarnación y los ancestros como espíritus protectores. Pero también nos muestra el lado oscuro de las ciudades indias: la explotación infantil, la precarización laboral y los peligros que acechan en cada esquina. No hay referencias a situaciones de abuso, pero sí a violentas redes de trata de trabajo infantil. Sin embargo la historia se concentra en las redes de solidaridad y el valor que permite a Asha y a Jeevan perseverar en su camino frente a las adversidades. Es una historia recomendable para trabajar en la escuela, quizás para chicos de 12 o 13 años, ya que permite acceder a una cultura y a subjetividades que vale la pena conocer.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asha’s father had to go and work in the city to provide for his family. However, months with no contact meant that Asha’s mother had to borrow some money and the lenders are ready to take everything from Asha’s family. Asha and Jeevan set off on a journey to find out why letters from Asha’s father stopped.
This book explores a variety of themes, friendship, money, family, journeys, rights and religion. As the pair travel across hundreds of miles, Asha is followed by her nanijee’s spirit, a lamagaia (the spirit bird), who keeps Asha focused on the tasks ahead of her, including making sacrifices, treating Jevaan’s fever, surviving and escaping a work camp for street children, helping her father overcome amnesia and also travelling across the high Himalayas.
This book offers plenty of opportunities to explore the curriculum as there are links to religious education, PSHE and British values, geography, art, and science.
A lovely touch is that before the story has even begun there is a glossary of Hindi and punjabi words which enables the reader to learn more about a culture straight away and be able to understand this specialist vocabulary used throughout the text.

[Reba GG · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magic bird, girl born in a thunderstorm, and quest with a friend to save her family across N India. You will enjoy this weave of middle grade story and myth.

The best thing about this book is the Himalayan and Indian symbols and backdrop brought into the story. You use your senses throughout. I liked the main character Asha, her friend Jevan, and the clarity that drove her quest. Their trials are interesting metaphors testing their inner resolve, character, and friendships.

The girl’s grandmother in a magic form, guides her way.

I found the writing itself a bit rudimentary, sometimes the dialogue was not smooth. The writing was good, but not great. But…don’t give up on it. The story and it’s energy are definitely inspired. This story came from somewhere special, and the author conveys a genuine magic that needs to be read. I love this emerging space of middle grade cultural mythology adventures.

Unique and stays with you.

[Alex Peachman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cracking, old fashioned, mystical adventure story set in the Himalayas.

When moneylenders threaten to repossess Asha's family farm she sets off to find her missing father with her best friend, Jeevan. The adventure takes her into forests, over mountains, to holy shrines and eventually to the city. They encounter tigers, near-death, and evil slave masters along the way.
The spirit bird of the title refers to the spirit of her Hindu ancestors who help her overcome many dangerous situations.

Like all adventures, it starts quite slowly, but the pace builds and ratchets up right to the very end. I liked how the relationship between Asha and Jeevan changes over the course of the journey and they both have to learn how to be more open-minded...

Fans of Katherine Rundell will love this book!

[liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this a lot! Parents don't deserve how cute children are. I liked the message of hope and a prayer, but I did find the sudden overcoming of brain injury a bit difficult - but then I guess that is the ultimate fantasy.

[Shannon]

DNF

[Miranda Debenham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely gorgeous little children's book. I love the adventure in this story. I love the animals. I love Asha. Buy this to read with any kid age 5-12.

[Kirsty Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that is worth for the cover art alone. A beautiful story about a girl trying to discover herself in an adventure to find her missing father.

[Rachael ༊·˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down - even for one second - and finished more than 3/4 of the book this morning! Anyways, I really admire Asha, the protagonist in this book - she is really cool, determined to find her Papa no matter what, and always looking out for her friend Jeevan. It's a really heart-breaking but epic adventure - how much she and Jeevan struggled to get her Papa back, and all the challenges and obstacles she faced (from Jeevan's fever, to the lady in the taxi that sold them [this shows that climbing into a random taxi with a stranger who tries to literally stuff your face with burfi is a definite no-no and a sign you should just open the door and run for your life], the dump and the eventual realisation that her Papa might never remember her ever again). I really hope the author makes a sequel to this book - it would be cool if there is a continuation (probably with Asha needing to visit different parts of India to find Jeevan or her Ma or something).

P.S. who knew that a thirteen-year-old with no driver's license drives almost like a pro?!?

[Sienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book, per se, but definitely one that could use some improvement. The story line is OK, if a little unrealistic . . . and that's where the problems begin. This book is rife with unrealistic events - I mean, can a character seriously aggravate a tiger and not be harmed? It also has a concerning amount of plot holes, loose ends, and undeveloped threads that pile up the curiosity in a bad way.

[ThatBookGal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Asha & the Spirit Bird has plenty of magic, and the setting was breathtakingly beautiful. Not too mention how utterly stunning the cover is, and the chapter headings, props to whoever designed it. I felt the writing was a lacking at times, there are passages where a lot happens in just a few words, and I felt like the book could have done with maybe 50 more pages just to expand a little.

[Lo Trask · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asha and the Spirit Bird is the debut book of author Jasbinder Bilan, an OwnVoices Indian writer. The book was published in the Uk/Australia/New Zealand in 2019, but just had its North American release in June 2020. It is a lovely book with quite beautiful prose. It never gets too wordy, but has a great lyrical quality to it. Combined with a fast pace and strong sense of urgency woven into the narrative, the book manages to be both reflective and adventurous. Moments of sanctuary and spirituality are believably followed by the next harrowing experience the kids face.

The story really does get harrowing. Spoiler warning for this paragraph, but in the last third of the book Asha and Jeevan are kidnapped off a city street and sold into child slavery, living in a dump for several weeks until they are able to free themselves and all the other children. While the book has struggles and close calls before this event, I was surprised by the very dark, if not realistic, turn it took.

Thankfully, the core of the story is one of hope. That thread of hope was really woven through Asha’s magical abilities. The magic in this book is quite soft, with no explicitly spelled out powers, and is rooted in Bilan’s own culture and spirituality. While Asha is confident in her magic and the magic around her, it takes Jeevan and the other characters in the story much longer to share her belief. But as other’s belief in Asha grows, so grows the magic, until it culminates in a few very satisfying ways. Out of the traumatic events of the long journey comes a happy ending that ties up all loose ends in a way that is positively joyous. Perhaps the ending is a little too perfect, considering the dark realism of other parts of the book, but I’m a sucker for a happily ever after.

My quibbles with Asha and the Spirit Bird are very few. I found that the third act flew by a bit too fast, but the solidness of the ending mostly made up for that. Also, and this is completely personal preference, I had hoped that there would be no romance hinted at between Asha and Jeevan. Their friendship is amazing — loving, imperfect, and unbreakably strong. They had such a lovely friendship I hoped this story wouldn’t do the usual Middle Grade trope of pointing boy-girl friendship towards romance, but it did. Then again, a trope is a trope for a reason. A lot of 11-year-old boy-girl friends do start crushing on each other, and with a bond like Asha and Jeevan, I really can’t blame them.

This was a heartfelt and fast-paced read. I would recommend Asha and the Spirit Bird to anyone (a mature) 8+

eARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss+ in exchange for my honest review. This did not affect the contents of my review.

The review can be found on my blog Happy Ever Everyone: https://happyevereveryone.com/2020/07...

[Alex Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: "Asha and the Spirit Bird" by Jasbinder Bilan

Jasbinder Bilan’s debut novel, Asha and the Spirit Bird, is a mesmerizing tale that captures the essence of courage, friendship, and the unbreakable bond between a girl and her heritage. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas, this story takes readers on a journey that is as much about self-discovery as it is about adventure.

Plot Summary:
The story follows Asha, a young girl living in rural India, whose family is struggling with financial difficulties. Her father, who left for the city to earn money, has stopped sending letters and money, causing her family to teeter on the edge of despair. Asha, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and love for her family, embarks on a perilous journey with her best friend, Jeevan, to find her father and bring him home. Along the way, she is guided by a mysterious spirit bird, which she believes to be the reincarnation of her grandmother.

Themes and Characters:
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its rich portrayal of Indian culture and the seamless integration of spiritual elements into the storyline. The spirit bird serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, embodying the connection between Asha and her ancestral roots. Bilan masterfully weaves themes of faith, bravery, and the power of belief into the narrative, making Asha's journey both a physical and a spiritual quest.

Asha is a compelling protagonist – determined, resourceful, and deeply empathetic. Her relationship with Jeevan adds depth to the story, showcasing the strength of friendship in the face of adversity. The characters are well-developed, each contributing to the tapestry of Asha's world, from her supportive yet struggling mother to the various people she meets along her journey.

Writing Style:
Bilan’s writing is vivid and evocative, painting a lush picture of the Himalayan landscape. Her descriptive prowess brings to life the vibrant colors, sounds, and smells of India, immersing readers in a setting that is both enchanting and perilous. The narrative is well-paced, balancing moments of tension with reflective passages that explore Asha’s inner thoughts and emotions.

Critique:
While Asha and the Spirit Bird is a captivating read, some readers might find the plot somewhat predictable. The reliance on the spirit bird as a guiding force may also feel overly convenient at times, potentially detracting from Asha’s own agency. However, these minor issues do not overshadow the novel’s overall impact.

Conclusion:
Asha and the Spirit Bird is a beautifully crafted tale that will resonate with readers of all ages. Jasbinder Bilan has created a memorable heroine in Asha, whose journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. This novel is not just an adventure; it is a celebration of cultural heritage, family bonds, and the enduring power of hope. Highly recommended for those who enjoy stories that transport them to far-off places and leave them with a sense of wonder and inspiration.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up when I was on holiday and bought a physical copy, despite limited space in my suitcase. Yes, I had heard good things about this but this was almost completely a cover buy. It is so gorgeous.

This book is about Asha, who lives in India with her parents and her two younger brothers. Her father is in the city earning money but they haven’t heard from him in a while. When a moneylender comes around and threatens their home, Asha feels like she is the only one who can do something so she goes on a journey.

This is a book that is a classic quest book. Asha is a heroine who is confident in herself and her goal, though her strength in her faith wavers at time. She goes on a journey to find her father, help her family and save her home. There are many ups and downs on the journey and I did like how this was paced – I was quite happy to sit down and read this whole book. I read this in one sitting.

The magical realism in this book is delightful to read because there is the real sense that Asha’s faith in her grandmother watching over her is not only a comforting fiction for her, but an actual truth. It made the story far more interesting as we saw how Asha’s spirit bird helped her out at times.

I love the characters in this. Asha and her best friend, Jeevan, go on these adventures but Asha is the driving force behind the journey and the end goal. She is confident in what she is doing and she learns when to rely on other people (and spirits) and when to do things for herself. When she falters, Jeevan is there to help her refocus and she is there to give Jeevan new purpose when he falters as well. They make a good team and I found Jeevan a good side character, he was his own person but he never took over the main plot of the book.

I will say that this book is middle grade and you do see it quite a lot. The writing, plot points and character reactions can be overly simplistic at times, but I found it easier to read because of this and I am not the intended age range so I would not consider this something which affects the rating.

4.5 stars!

[Alison Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would be really cool to imagine my spirit coming back as a gorgeous bird, but I feel like I'd end up as a bedraggled feral hamster or something.

I really enjoyed the spiritual aspect of this one and the magical elements of it, too, and how well those were blended together. Because there is a bit of magic in faith and vice versa. I also thought the author did a great job with the setting and scenery, and really gives the reader a sense of the characters' surroundings and daily lives. And I appreciated the urgency involved in Asha's quest -- she's incredibly worried about her father, and also about the rest of her family because of her father's communications and money suddenly stopping. She knows something needs to be done, and she's determined to make it happen.

However, I did think that led her to act quite petulantly and in a very self-centered manner at times. As she and Jeevan are on their journey and he is clearly very ill and in pain, she mostly just gets annoyed with him and ignores his pleas, and then when he's at death's door, she's suddenly worried and starts paying attention. But of course, she also begs his forgiveness, once again centering herself. I get frustrated with how often middle grade authors have their young protagonists acting so poorly. Sure, some of it is understandable because of their age, but at times Asha was acting like a 6-year-old, not an almost-12-year-old. I also thought it went a bit off the rails after the cab lady shows up in the story. I don't doubt this kind of thing happens in many parts of the world, but it just felt a little over the top.

But it was a quick and interesting read for the most part, and definitely reaffirmed for me that I could never, even in my younger days when I was a decrepit invalid, have completed any kind of trek longer than about two miles on even pavement in moderate weather. If anyone had been relying on me to come rescue them, they would've been SOL.

[Justine Laismith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This middle-grade book is the winner of The Times 2017 Children's Fiction competition. It is about a girl on a journey to find her lost father.

Asha's father is away working. She has not heard from for months and decides to go on a journey to find him after speaking to a fortune teller. A bird appears periodically throughout her travels. Asha believes her grandmother has reincarnated into this bird and is guiding her on her perilous journey. Her journeys up the mountains remind me very much of Running on the Roof of the World, also another middle grade book about a journey across the Himalayas.

This books whisks you away to India. The author give a flavour of the place by peppering her flowery language with Hindi and Punjabi words. If you enjoyed the Newbury winner The Night Diary, you'll like this one too. What I also like about this book is the gentle way she introduces the ugly side of India by way of child labour, no too dissimilar to Boys Without Names. She also touches on the harsher facts of life where parents have to go away to work in order to support the family, very similar to Secrets of the Great Fire Tree.

If you've enjoyed any of the books I've listed in this review, you'll enjoy this one too.