City of Orphans

by Avi

2011

As I’ve mentioned (see here), I love reading middle grade novels.

Without fail their vivid descriptions, fast moving storylines and fully developed characters grab hold of my attention and give it a ride.

City of Orphans is a middle grade novel. 

Honestly, I only pulled the book off the shelf because the author, Avi, is a star in my eyes. 

He's still shining.

City of Orphans takes place in New York City during the late nineteenth century and tells the story of Maks Geless, his family, a homeless girl named Willa, and a trouble-making street gang called the Plug Uglies.

Maks is a “newsie”. 

He sells newspapers from the street corner.

And if he doesn't make enough money, his family doesn't survive. 

That's where the Plug Uglies come in, and an unfortunate incident where his sister is accused of stealing a gold watch from a patron at the Waldorf Hotel.

This book was an interesting read, capturing the life and hard times of New York City in 1893. And it certainly held my interest with the tension and unbelievable generosity woven into the family ties of Maks’ home life.

It's amazing how even a middle grade novel can make one think.

Maks’ family made me question the level of my generosity.

Am I willing to give when I have enough?

Am I willing to give when I only have a little?

Am I willing to put the needs of another before my own?

Reading on...