‘The Blue Bead’ by Norah Burke: Summary, review notes

A significant percentage of the world population lives in extreme poverty, and children born in such families are often forced to work right from a young age in order to support their family. ‘The Blue Bead’ by English novelist Norah Burke is about a poor, yet fearless 12-year old girl whose only wish is to own a simple necklace made of beads.

In “The blue bead”, the girl Sibia only wore rag, didn’t have enough to eat, and had to cross crocodile-infested waters daily to go to work. Even though she adored the various necklaces that were on display at the market, which she passed by every day, she could not afford any of those. Her family could not even afford a new needle which she could have used to sew a necklace out of glass beads (which were freely available in the forests). Towards the end of the story, Sibia comes across a pretty blue bead that is already pierced; ready to be used, and her joy knows no bounds.

There are still many children who, instead of getting education, have to toil hard to support their family. Their families live in hostile environments and life is a struggle for survival on a daily basis. Children born in such families are marked for work, right from a young age. While life is better for some fortunate ones, there are many who live in abject poverty.

In “The blue bead”, the girl Sibia belongs to a poverty-stricken family; they cannot afford to wear decent clothes, don’t have enough to eat, and have to cross crocodile-infested waters to earn their living. Sibia fancies the various clothes and necklaces that are on display at the market that she passes by every day, but cannot afford any of those. Her family cannot even afford a new needle that she needs to sew a necklace out of glass beads. Towards the end of the story, Sibia comes across a pretty blue bead that is already pierced; ready to be used, and her joy knows no bounds.

These stories encourage children to be empathetic towards others, and to be more charitable. Opportunities to teach empathy are everywhere; parents should use them to teach empathy to their children. For example: give respect to those who seem different & less privileged, in front of kids. On their birthdays, visit an orphanage and share sweets/gifts. Children who are empathic are more likely to grow into well-adjusted, responsible adults who treat other human beings with respect and compassion.