Gay-Neck: The Story of a Pigeon

First published in 1927, Mukerji's charming historical fiction novel was designated a Newbery Honor book in 1928. It follows the north-India and Himalayan adventures of a young boy and of a prized pigeon that he bonds with. We follow them through separations and reunions as they get lost and reunited and wander very far from home. These adventures are far-ranging, encompassing stays with Buddhist monks and a stint as a World War I messenger pigeon. Mukerji created a story that is entertaining for adults as well as the children it was intended for, and it remains so a century later. - Summary by Lynette Caulkins