Scholastic Asha & the Spirit Bird

Very strangely written book --too much superstition with a few rip off chapters from Dickensian stories!!

While I was reading it, I was imagining the different settings, the scenes with the lamagaias or bearded vultures and their magical powers of trickery and caring protection of Asha and her friend. I later looked up lamagaias and they wee exactly as I had imagined! The scenes were so vivid. My imagination even produced music to go along with the story. The scenes were vivid in power and color. The scenes of the children be locked and used as trash pickers reminds me of a non-fiction book of children who trash pickers too, they were not held captive except by extreme poverty,The friendship between Asha and Jeevan, enduring horrible adventure with dangers, but they always came through for each other. Family is very important to this story. The story of the author's own love for her grandmother is evocative of Asha's love for her grandmother.I loved this book so much and think it is suitable if read to children in the third grade and read by middle grade children and up.

Quality of the book really good.... my daughter always enjoys the books ordered from amazon.... thank you amezon

I loved this book and was immediately drawn into Asha's story. The author paints a rich and detailed picture of life in a village in the foothills of the Himalayas, describing the landscape, the flowers, the trees, birds, scenery - even evoking the smell and taste of delicious-sounding food! I felt as if I was there, living and breathing the story (and smelling the food, my stomach was rumbling a lot!). Asha is a very likeable heroine, as is Jeevan, her best friend. Their adventures are believable and I loved the mystical thread skilfully woven throughout. I won't give the plot away but will just say that this is a really great read for (I would say) 8-12 year olds with a taste for a multi-faceted adventure story set in a distant land.

My 13 year old daughter really enjoyed Asha and the Spirit Bird! She has always been a fan of mystical, spiritual and cultural themes, so this book was right up her alley! Asha and the Spirit Bird touches on many important themes including family, friendship, perseverance, and culture. At times it was reminiscent of Moana. My daughter enjoyed learning some Hindi and Punjabi words, there is a glossary of some of the more frequently used words in the book. Asha is trying to sort out her families money troubles and keep them together in their homeland, while still holding on to, and learning from, her past. Asha and her best friend embark on an epic journey to find Asha's father and bring him home. Along their journey through the foothills of the Himalayas, they are guided by a Bearded Vulture that is the reincarnation of Asha's grand mother. Asha and the Spirit Bird is a great book for exposing your child to pieces of Hindu culture in an interesting and adventuresome way. All in all, a well written book my daughter enjoyed and we look forward more works from Jasbinder Bilan.

My Year 5 and 6 class loved the adventure that Asha went on, she crossed India and did incredible things! Asha is a brilliant character; caring for her family admist all of the troubles they are facing. The spiritual and magical elements of the story make it come to life, creating a fascinating journey for Asha. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves adventures, is interested in India but also are intrigued by other cultures.