{"title":"Padma Venkatraman","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the captivating world of Padma Venkatraman's literature, where stories transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with readers of all ages. An acclaimed author renowned for her skilful storytelling, Venkatraman brings to life poignant tales that reflect her rich heritage and experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of her notable works, \u003cem\u003eBorn Behind Bars\u003c\/em\u003e, invites readers into the heartwarming yet challenging journey of a young boy navigating life in India, highlighting themes of resilience and social justice. Another bestseller, \u003cem\u003eThe Bridge Home\u003c\/em\u003e, is a compelling narrative of friendship and survival, capturing the indomitable spirit of children facing adversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePadma Venkatraman's books are perfect for young readers and those young at heart, uniquely blending educational elements with engaging narratives. Her stories not only entertain but also offer readers profound insights into diverse cultures and universal themes of hope and courage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDive into the enchanting worlds Padma Venkatraman creates, and allow her words to inspire and educate through every page you turn.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-bridge-home-by-padma-venkatraman-9781524738136","title":"The Bridge Home","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReaders will be captivated by this beautifully written novel about young people who must use their instincts and grit to survive. Padma infuses her story with hope and bravery that will inspire readers.\u003c\/em\u003e -- Aisha Saeed, author of the New York Times Bestseller \u003cem\u003eAmal Unbound\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReaders 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.\u003c\/em\u003e -- Aisha Saeed, author of the New York Times Bestselling \u003cem\u003eAmal Unbound\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFour determined homeless children make a life for themselves in Padma Venkatraman's stirring middle-grade debut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLife is harsh in Chennai's teeming streets, so when runaway sisters Viji and Rukku arrive, their prospects look grim. Very quickly, eleven-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46503526793452,"sku":"9781524738136","price":19.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/23974663482730.jpg?v=1748633776"},{"product_id":"born-behind-bars-by-padma-venkatraman-9780593407646","title":"Born Behind Bars","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Venkatraman has never met a heavy theme she did not like.... Borrowing elements of fable, it's told with a recurring sense of awe by a boy whom the world, for most of his life, has existed only in stories.\" - \u003cem\u003eNew York Times Book Review\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe author of the award-winning \u003cem\u003eThe Bridge Home\u003c\/em\u003e brings readers another gripping novel set in Chennai, India, featuring a boy who's unexpectedly released into the world after spending his whole life in jail with his mom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKabir has been in jail since the day he was born, because his mom is serving time for a crime she didn't commit. He's never met his dad, so the only family he's got are their cellmates, and the only place he feels the least bit free is in the classroom, where his kind teacher regales him with stories of the wonders of the outside world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThen one day a new warden arrives and announces Kabir is too old to stay. He gets handed over to a long-lost \"uncle\" who unfortunately turns out to be a fraud, and intends to sell Kabir. So Kabir does the only thing he can—run away as fast as his legs will take him. How does a boy with nowhere to go and no connections make his way?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFortunately, he befriends Rani, another street kid, and she takes him under her wing. But plotting their next move is hard—and fraught with danger—in a world that cares little for homeless, low caste children. This is not the world Kabir dreamed of—but he's discovered he's not the type to give up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKabir is ready to show the world that he—and his mother—deserve a place in it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46506870145260,"sku":"9780593407646","price":17.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/7066253482399.jpg?v=1748706146"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/padma-venkatraman.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}