I am in fifth grade and I am reading this book for my AR reading. My fifth grade teacher gave me a goal of 20 points. I choose this book because it looked very interesting. I read the back of the book and the genre was mystery and drama, which are my favorite types of genres. I give this book a five star rating because I liked the way it was written and the suspense the book offers. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery and excitement.Summary:This story is about a boy named Maks and his adventures in New York City in 1893, which is the most dirtiest and dangerous place at that time. His family lives in the Lower East Side and he sells papers to make money and support them. As a newsboy, or 'newsie', he sells a newspaper called ''The World" on the streets of NY. He has to face a gang, "The Plug Uglies," that is after every newsie to take away their money and papers. One day while Maks is running away from ''The Plug Uglies'' he comes across a dark alley and can't get out. There is a wooden gate in front of him. Then, as soon as "The Plug Uglies" come he yells for help and on the floor under the trash is somebody that jolts straight up, like a person getting electrocuted, It turns out it is a girl. Her name is Willa and she she lives on the mean streets. She grabs a stick from the ground and starts beating the gang away. Finally, they leave and Maks thanks her and as a reward for her helping him, he takes her home and she meets his family. She eats and gets clean. Maks also has a sister, Emma, who works at the hotel called "The Waldorf Hotel," a very luxurious hotel. Later on in the book she gets arrested because she was accused of taking a golden watch from one of the rooms guests stay in. Willa and Maks are trying to free Emma because he thinks she didn't steal anything. So, the kids find a detective and then Maks starts working at the hotel to find clues so he can help his sister and his also trying to stay away from the gang. You'll have to read the entire book and to find out what will happen to Maks and his family. It is full of mystery, suspense, and drama - but no spoilers here! The lives of the children of immigrants in New York City at the end of the 1800's were filled with dangers, poverty, sickness and suffering. And yet children's lives were also filled with adventure, love, and a sense of pride, commitment and work ethic. Avi brings these facets to life through his principal characters, Maks (a Danish immigrant) and Willa (born here of German stock). City of Orphans packs a punch - and will have young readers at the edge of their seats by its conclusion. Avi is a master storyteller. The pacing is superb. The historical details are meticulous and rich, both from the poverty stricken tenaments of the lower east side to the glitzy new Waldorf hotel. Maks isa lively, likable and authentic character. The character of private detective Donck is my favorite and almost Dickensian. This would make a fantastic classroom text, especially those immersed in studying Ellis Island and immigration.
What do You think about City Of Orphans (2011)?
Very gritty historical fiction set in NY. Pace was at times a little slow and then neck breaking!
—Austin
Great children's historical fiction. Enjoyed reading at some time as my daughter this summer.
—belle22
