Padma Venkatraman Book order (chronological)

Kabir has been in jail since the day he was born because his mom is serving time for a crime she didn't commit. Their cellmates are his only friends, and he's never even met his dad. The one place he feels a little bit free is the prison classroom, where his teacher delights him with stories of the outside world's wonders. When the new warden announces that Kabir is too old to stay, he's suddenly released--without his mom--to fend for himself on the city streets of Chennai. Fortunately, Rani, another street kid, takes him under her wing and helps him eke out a living, even sharing the tree she calls home. Plotting their futures is difficult and dangerous in a world that doesn't value low-caste kids like them, but Rani has enough confidence for two, plus a trusty slingshot that comes in handy for hunting meals and handling bullies. This isn't quite the life Kabir dreamed of; still, he's discovered he's not the type to give up. Justice needs to be served, and he's determined to show the world that he--and his mom--deserve a place in it. -- From dust jacket

Life is tough on the teeming streets of Chennai, India, as runaway sisters Viji and Ruku quickly discover. For cautious-minded Vinji, this is not a surprise - but she hadn't realized just how vulnerable she and her sister would actually feel in this uncaring, dangerous world. Fortunately, the girls find shelter - and friendship - on an abandoned bridg that's also the hideout of Muthi and Arul, two homeless boys. The four of them soon form a family of sorts, sharing food and supplies and laughing together about the absurdities of life. And while making their living scavenging the city's trash heaps is the pits, the kids find plenty to take pride in, too. After all, they are now the bosses of themselves - and are truly hoping to keep it that way. Padma Venkatraman's moving survival story brings to light the obstacles faced by young people n many parts of the world, and is inspired by the children she met during her years in India. Her heroic characters will touch readers with their perseverance and unwavering love for each other.