Padma Venkatraman (@padmatv) shares THE BRIDGE HOME, a 2019 Global Read Aloud choice. The story centers on two sisters, Viji and Rukku, who are orphaned at the hands of an abusive father and a mother who is too afraid to leave him. Viji is the caretaker of her sister, and in no small way these girls are survivors. Padma writes from a place of experience, strength, and survival herself and she shares a sentiment on recording that I want you to listen for because I think it’s such an important and powerful phrase. About being a survivor she says, “You are not going to shape who I am.” This conversation is just for you, dear listeners. You can access even more information about this book and its author and illustrator by visiting www.matthewcwinner.com/podcast. Thank you to this week's sponsors: Storyteller Academy Bharat Babies And to the generous support from our Patrons. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/childrens-book-podcast/message