"Haveli" by Suzanne Fisher Staples, tells the story of Shabanu, whose husband, Rahim, is the descendant of a rich family. Set in Northern India, the story focuses on both the cruelty endured by Shabanu at the hands of Rahim's three other wives and her struggle to relive the free life she used to know as a child living in the Cholistan Desert. When she finds that Rahim will let her and her daughter reside in 'Haveli', an old home of the family far removed from the hassles of her present life, she feels almost as though all her worries have been wisked away, however, with life in the city comes the city's people, and she soon finds herself falling in love with another man.
"Haveli" is a unique story that neither compromises detail for action nor action for detail and takes care to let the reader explore even the miniscule pleasures and hassles of Indian rural life while providing an engrossing tale that will be enjoyed by anyone who has interest in other cultures.

Fish

'Fish' by L.S Matthews tells the story of Tiger, a child whose parents have devoted their lives to the liberation of the poor in a war-ravaged country. As Tiger, Tiger's parents, a donkey, a guide and a fish, whom Tiger rescues from a drying puddle, embark on a journey to travel to safety, we have a story about struggle and survival.
The book is written from Tiger's point of view and uses simple language that younger readers can understand as well. As the group travels along a harsh path, several lessons are learned by readers about the difficulties in a poverty stricken country and the importance of life.

The Kite Rider

The "Kite Rider" by Geraldine McCaughrean is a beautiful book that encompasses probably all aspects and emotions of life; luxury, happiness, downfall, despair, hope, revival and spirituality. Set in 13th Century China, when the Mongols invaded and overthrew the Sung empire, it tells the story of a 12 year old boy and the hardships he faces after the death of his father and his conquest to restore wealth to his family by joining a circus as a kite rider; soaring high above on a kite to bring back messages from the dead.
What makes this book a wonderful read is that not only is it a story of redemption but has elements of ancient Chinese beliefs such as the world of spirits in the sky. The entire tale is a journey for each character as well as the reader, in which they and us both change, and to some degree, undergo enlightenment.