Parents need to know that the minute details introduce American readers to India's complex system of social levels. Principles of Hinduism (simply explained) pervade in this well-written story.
Positive messages:The life of village women in India is not the same as that of most women in the United States. The reader may question the difference. One girl talks of running off with an outlaw; one teenage male defies his royal father and outdated tradition by leaving
Violence:A band of robbers is heard shooting. A girl is carried off by the outlaw she loves. Characters fear violence; a tiger carries off two children; a tiger attacks an elephant driver. Deaths during a cyclone; the protagonist's father is crushed by elephants.
Confusing for younger girls, but addictive and thought-provoking
It descibes the menstrual period, and has breif, minor violence, but overall it's very well written, and in complete detail. Perfectly addictive! Some Indian words are confusing though, but the book I read had a glossary(extremely helpful!)