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City of Orphans
The streets of 1893 New York are full of life: crowded, filthy, dangerous. If you are a newsboy like thirteen-year-old Maks Geless, you need to watch out for Bruno, leader of the Plug Ugly Gang whose shadowy, sinister boss is plotting to take control of all the newsies on the lower East Side. With Bruno’s boys in fierce pursuit, Maks discovers Willa, a strange girl who lives alone in an alley. It is she, stick in hand, who fights off the Plug Uglies--but further dangers await.
Maks must find a way to free his sister Emma from The Tombs, the city jail where she has been imprisoned for stealing a watch at the glamorous new Waldorf Hotel. Maks, believing her innocent, has only four days to prove it. Fortunately, there is Bartleby Donck, the eccentric lawyer (among other employments) to guide Maks and Willa in the art of detection.
Against a backdrop alive with the sights and sounds of tenement New York, Maks, as boy detective, must confront a teeming world of wealth and crime, while struggling against powerful forces threatening new immigrants and the fabric of family love.
Maks must find a way to free his sister Emma from The Tombs, the city jail where she has been imprisoned for stealing a watch at the glamorous new Waldorf Hotel. Maks, believing her innocent, has only four days to prove it. Fortunately, there is Bartleby Donck, the eccentric lawyer (among other employments) to guide Maks and Willa in the art of detection.
Against a backdrop alive with the sights and sounds of tenement New York, Maks, as boy detective, must confront a teeming world of wealth and crime, while struggling against powerful forces threatening new immigrants and the fabric of family love.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 29, 2012
133 people are currently reading
2879 people want to read
About the author
Avi
346 books1,716 followersAvi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle,
Nothing but the Truth,
and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
December 15, 2022
I'm always excited to begin reading a new historical fiction novel from the prolific pen of the inimitable Avi. Few authors among his contemporaries are able to capture a particular time in history so well, complete with authentic characterizations that ring true down to the smallest detail and accurately nuanced language that fits in perfectly with the time period being represented. City of Orphans, as with most of the author's other historical stories, effectively evokes a time and place now lost to the shadows of history, but which comes alive all over again as we become engrossed in the plot.
In City of Orphans, it's not only the characters that speak in broken, under-formed English. The third-person narrator gets in on the act, too, lacing the spinning of this tale with "aint's" and "'tween's" and plenty of other examples of nonstandard language. While this is a notably unorthodox hook, Avi uses it well, and in my opinion it only adds to the story. Thirteen-year-old Maks Geless, one of six children in a Danish immigrant family barely managing to survive on the dirty streets of 1893 New York City, hawks newspapers on the street corner every day while trying to avoid being beaten up by a nasty gang of teenagers called the Plug Uglies. Circumstances turn much worse for Maks and his family, though, when his eldest sister, Emma, is accused of theft while working her regular job at the posh new Waldorf hotel. Emma is locked away in a filthy, tightly crowded tower along with every other presumed criminal in the city, and her poor family hasn't the means to obtain her release. In a matter of days she is set to appear in court, where nearly all cases result in guilty verdicts, and even though she passionately insists that she is not guilty of the crime with which she has been charged, there is little hope that her innocence can be proven.
Meanwhile, Maks has joined forces with a girl from the streets who owns a stick (though little else) and knows how to use it to fend off the Plug Uglies, and the two of them have decided that it is up to them to obtain help for Emma. The retention of a lawyer would require funds that his family doesn't have, Maks knows, but perhaps the assistance of a detective can be purchased at a more reasonable price. Maks looks into the possibility with no idea of what he's doing, but soon finds himself right smack in the middle of the case himself, a boy detective in a huge city, with everything in regard to his family's future riding on his shoulders. But what can a poor boy with a limited education and absolutely none of the "right" connections do to solve a criminal case all on his own?
Avi has written all kinds of books: historical fiction, like City of Orphans, but also comedic stories, fantasy, holiday tales, and basically any other kind of books for young readers that one could mention. His versatility is impressive, but I think it is in the area of historical fiction that his writing skills shine brightest, in books such as Crispin: The Cross of Lead and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, the latter of which is my personal favorite among all that he has written. City of Orphans is a novel in the tradition of those two award-winning tomes, if not quite of their lofty caliber, a story that strikes a good balance between historical detail, content that emotionally involves the reader and well-crafted adventure sequences. City of Orphans is a book that I'm sure will be entertaining to readers of all ages for a long time to come, and I, for one, would not object to seeing Maks the detective eventually show up again in a sequel to this story. I'm confident that Avi would do a good job with it.
In City of Orphans, it's not only the characters that speak in broken, under-formed English. The third-person narrator gets in on the act, too, lacing the spinning of this tale with "aint's" and "'tween's" and plenty of other examples of nonstandard language. While this is a notably unorthodox hook, Avi uses it well, and in my opinion it only adds to the story. Thirteen-year-old Maks Geless, one of six children in a Danish immigrant family barely managing to survive on the dirty streets of 1893 New York City, hawks newspapers on the street corner every day while trying to avoid being beaten up by a nasty gang of teenagers called the Plug Uglies. Circumstances turn much worse for Maks and his family, though, when his eldest sister, Emma, is accused of theft while working her regular job at the posh new Waldorf hotel. Emma is locked away in a filthy, tightly crowded tower along with every other presumed criminal in the city, and her poor family hasn't the means to obtain her release. In a matter of days she is set to appear in court, where nearly all cases result in guilty verdicts, and even though she passionately insists that she is not guilty of the crime with which she has been charged, there is little hope that her innocence can be proven.
Meanwhile, Maks has joined forces with a girl from the streets who owns a stick (though little else) and knows how to use it to fend off the Plug Uglies, and the two of them have decided that it is up to them to obtain help for Emma. The retention of a lawyer would require funds that his family doesn't have, Maks knows, but perhaps the assistance of a detective can be purchased at a more reasonable price. Maks looks into the possibility with no idea of what he's doing, but soon finds himself right smack in the middle of the case himself, a boy detective in a huge city, with everything in regard to his family's future riding on his shoulders. But what can a poor boy with a limited education and absolutely none of the "right" connections do to solve a criminal case all on his own?
Avi has written all kinds of books: historical fiction, like City of Orphans, but also comedic stories, fantasy, holiday tales, and basically any other kind of books for young readers that one could mention. His versatility is impressive, but I think it is in the area of historical fiction that his writing skills shine brightest, in books such as Crispin: The Cross of Lead and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, the latter of which is my personal favorite among all that he has written. City of Orphans is a novel in the tradition of those two award-winning tomes, if not quite of their lofty caliber, a story that strikes a good balance between historical detail, content that emotionally involves the reader and well-crafted adventure sequences. City of Orphans is a book that I'm sure will be entertaining to readers of all ages for a long time to come, and I, for one, would not object to seeing Maks the detective eventually show up again in a sequel to this story. I'm confident that Avi would do a good job with it.
October 15, 2024
re-read 2024: yep. still one of the definitive books of my reading journey. kinda feels like maks and willa were my best friends at age 13 lol.
re-read 2019:
"My Lord," he suddenly shouts, "the question before the heavenly court today is this: Do You wish any children to survive in this miserable city, this - this city of orphans?"
Oh my WORD I love this book. I'll admit, I was nervous to do a re-read. I've adored this book since I was twelve-ish. It was the first book to make me cry, my first real experience with this turn-of-the-century setting, one of the first mysteries I'd read outside of The Boxcar Children. And I kept checking it out of the library, over and over; it was steady and comfortable and always there when I needed it. So what if, now that I'm grown, it didn't live up to that love?
I'm happy to report that it is just as wonderful now as it was then. Oh, it's hard to read. The conditions that children like Willa had to live through are horrifying. The kids had to fend for themselves whether or not they wanted to and it breaks my heart. But the Geless family is one of the purest fictional families ever. The way they just take her in and don't question it, I just *melts into puddle of feels*
Tbh, I want to see this as a movie. Like, it'd be a harsh look at the realities of the times, but I can just imagine Mark Hamill as Donck and Colin Firth as Packwood and three unknown but incredibly talented kids as Maks, Willa, and Bruno and it would be amazing. Please? Someone make this happen?
All in all, I just adore this book. It's truly one of my all-time faves. It's not perfect, but it's perfect for me. The writing style is unique, the story is heart-warming, and gosh Maks and Willa are two of the cutest little found-family friends I've ever read and I love them so much ;-;
Like, this quote:
So Maks reminds himself that he's not really a hotel employee. That Willa's what's real. She's what's important. He won't budge.
don't mind me i'll just be over here with my emotions.
So as of now, it's my favorite Avi book. It's so pure. I'm so glad I decided to re-read it. Five stars.
"We're traveling from our home to an unknown land. What will be there, sadness or peace, we don't know. Only God knows."
re-read 2019:
"My Lord," he suddenly shouts, "the question before the heavenly court today is this: Do You wish any children to survive in this miserable city, this - this city of orphans?"
Oh my WORD I love this book. I'll admit, I was nervous to do a re-read. I've adored this book since I was twelve-ish. It was the first book to make me cry, my first real experience with this turn-of-the-century setting, one of the first mysteries I'd read outside of The Boxcar Children. And I kept checking it out of the library, over and over; it was steady and comfortable and always there when I needed it. So what if, now that I'm grown, it didn't live up to that love?
I'm happy to report that it is just as wonderful now as it was then. Oh, it's hard to read. The conditions that children like Willa had to live through are horrifying. The kids had to fend for themselves whether or not they wanted to and it breaks my heart. But the Geless family is one of the purest fictional families ever. The way they just take her in and don't question it, I just *melts into puddle of feels*
Tbh, I want to see this as a movie. Like, it'd be a harsh look at the realities of the times, but I can just imagine Mark Hamill as Donck and Colin Firth as Packwood and three unknown but incredibly talented kids as Maks, Willa, and Bruno and it would be amazing. Please? Someone make this happen?
All in all, I just adore this book. It's truly one of my all-time faves. It's not perfect, but it's perfect for me. The writing style is unique, the story is heart-warming, and gosh Maks and Willa are two of the cutest little found-family friends I've ever read and I love them so much ;-;
Like, this quote:
So Maks reminds himself that he's not really a hotel employee. That Willa's what's real. She's what's important. He won't budge.
don't mind me i'll just be over here with my emotions.
So as of now, it's my favorite Avi book. It's so pure. I'm so glad I decided to re-read it. Five stars.
"We're traveling from our home to an unknown land. What will be there, sadness or peace, we don't know. Only God knows."
July 29, 2013
This.
I'm not usually one to be so wholly satisfied with a book as I was with City of Orphans. I'm also usually not one to gush about my satisfaction. But I. Love. This. Book. I have not yet found another to equal it in overall satisfied-ness. The protagonist was multi-faceted and not a goody-two-shoes, the narration pleased me (especially the slangy way Avi did it), and the plot was engrossing. I have read it over a good three times and haven't found anything I was dissatisfied with.
I do so wish there were more books out there like this. They're nearly perfect. No cussing, no shmaltzy junk, and nothing really graphic. I wish there were more of these. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with this book. Thank you, Avi, for making my reading experience so much more pleasurable!
I'm not usually one to be so wholly satisfied with a book as I was with City of Orphans. I'm also usually not one to gush about my satisfaction. But I. Love. This. Book. I have not yet found another to equal it in overall satisfied-ness. The protagonist was multi-faceted and not a goody-two-shoes, the narration pleased me (especially the slangy way Avi did it), and the plot was engrossing. I have read it over a good three times and haven't found anything I was dissatisfied with.
I do so wish there were more books out there like this. They're nearly perfect. No cussing, no shmaltzy junk, and nothing really graphic. I wish there were more of these. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with this book. Thank you, Avi, for making my reading experience so much more pleasurable!
November 16, 2011
Richie's Picks: CITY OF ORPHANS by Avi, Atheneum/Richard Jackson, September 2011, 368p., ISBN: 978-1-4169-7102-3
"Twice before in American history, powerful corporate interests dominated Washington and brought America to a state of unacceptable inequity, instability and corruption. Both times a social and political movement arose to restore democracy and shared prosperity.
"The first age of inequity was the Gilded Age at the end of the 19th century, an era quite like today, when both political parties served the interests of the corporate robber barons. The progressive movement arose after the financial crisis of 1893. In the following decades Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson came to power and the movement pushed through a remarkable era of reform: trust busting, federal income taxation, fair labor standards, the direct election of senators and women's suffrage."
-- from the op-ed piece "The New Progressive Movement" by Jeffrey D. Sachs, The New Times, 11/12/11
"'A swell mobsman, that's all yous are,' Bruno says with a sneer. 'Where do yous come from?'
"'I was born here.'
"'Yeah, But all yous got is a pistol. And connections.'
"The man nods. 'And a photo of you.'
"Bruno, feeling hatred, clenches his fists.
"'I don't care if you like me or not,' the man says. 'Just keep doing what I've told you to do. And if you don't...' He spreads his jacket, revealing the pistol.
"'Aw, never mind,' says Bruno, wishing, not for the first time, he had that pistol and the photo in his own hands.
"'Good,' says the man. 'Now, how did things go today?'
"'Fine,' Bruno says. Reaches down, sets a small sack on the table. Coins clink.' 'From four newsies.'
"'Four is a sad number, Bruno. You need to work harder.' says the man. 'Faster.'
"'Don't know why yous bother,' says Bruno. 'Shagging pennies from mugs.'
"'I don't care about the pennies. The point is, newspapers in this city are powerful. They have a lot of influence. Don't they?'
"'I don't know. I just like the Sunday funny pages.'
"'But to get their influence, they must sell the papers to people, correct?'
"'Suppose.'
"'How do they sell them?'
"'Newsies.'
"'Hundreds of them.'
"'So what?'
"'Bruno, for once, think,' says the man. 'If someone could control those newsboys, keeping them from buying and selling papers, that person would control that newspaper.'
"'What you're always saying.'
"'Because you don't seem to grasp it. That boss of mine, the man I work for, want to control The World and what it says about him. It's as simple as that. So, Bruno, we start by controlling those boys. I've made sure the police won't interfere. So just harass those boys. Hound them. Make them fear you. Don't let them slip from your grasp.'"
On the streets of New York in 1893, the year of the aforementioned landmark financial panic, thirteen year-old newsboy Maks Geless does not have the luxury of waiting for a social movement to make things better. He is living in a tiny, crowded tenement flat on the Lower East Side with his Danish immigrant parents, his three younger brothers and his smart older sister Agnes who -- despite clearly showing signs of tuberculosis -- toils all day at the factory with Papa and then attends classes at night. Oh, and also a single guy who boards with them, providing income that helps keep the family financially afloat.
Maks's other older sister, Emma, has been employed, cleaning rooms at the new Waldorf Astoria and living in the worker's dormitory there. But on the same day that Maks escapes a robbing and beating at the hands Bruno and the rest of the Plug Uglies Gang -- thanks to the intervention of a homeless, rag-picker orphan girl named Willa who, with her big stick, comes to his aid -- he arrives home with Willa in tow to discover that his sister Emma has been arrested and sent to The Tombs for allegedly stealing a gold pocket watch.
"Now, this jail, what they call 'The Tombs,' it takes up a whole city block. Built of stones so huge and heavy, it's partly sunk into the ground. Means you have to walk down a slope to get to the main entrance steps. Fact, people say going to The Tombs is like taking the first steps to Hell."
In this Gilded Age, in this City of Orphans, where common folks are like ants to be stepped on by the privileged and the powerful, where his parents are essentially paralyzed in their reaction to the arrest, Maks is inspired by a boy detective story and goes in search of a real-life investigator to help free Emma. So it is that he and Willa are taken under wing by the decrepit, idealistic, down-on-his-heels private detective Bartleby Donck who is damned near deaf and damned near death (thanks to tuberculosis). It is under Donck's tutelage that Maks and Willa, themselves, will have to do the dangerous legwork that will hopefully, somehow yield the clues necessary to prove Emma's innocence.
"'Therefore!' cries Donck, pointing a dirty, fat finger at Maks, 'you can be my farewell gift to this doomed city. A boy detective! Pha!'"
Like the intricate inner workings of a fine gold watch from a bygone era, Avi crafts a not-to-be-missed mystery/thriller yarn featuring a colorful cast of mugs and swells and set amidst the opulence and the poverty of nineteenth century Manhattan.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_...
http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
"Twice before in American history, powerful corporate interests dominated Washington and brought America to a state of unacceptable inequity, instability and corruption. Both times a social and political movement arose to restore democracy and shared prosperity.
"The first age of inequity was the Gilded Age at the end of the 19th century, an era quite like today, when both political parties served the interests of the corporate robber barons. The progressive movement arose after the financial crisis of 1893. In the following decades Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson came to power and the movement pushed through a remarkable era of reform: trust busting, federal income taxation, fair labor standards, the direct election of senators and women's suffrage."
-- from the op-ed piece "The New Progressive Movement" by Jeffrey D. Sachs, The New Times, 11/12/11
"'A swell mobsman, that's all yous are,' Bruno says with a sneer. 'Where do yous come from?'
"'I was born here.'
"'Yeah, But all yous got is a pistol. And connections.'
"The man nods. 'And a photo of you.'
"Bruno, feeling hatred, clenches his fists.
"'I don't care if you like me or not,' the man says. 'Just keep doing what I've told you to do. And if you don't...' He spreads his jacket, revealing the pistol.
"'Aw, never mind,' says Bruno, wishing, not for the first time, he had that pistol and the photo in his own hands.
"'Good,' says the man. 'Now, how did things go today?'
"'Fine,' Bruno says. Reaches down, sets a small sack on the table. Coins clink.' 'From four newsies.'
"'Four is a sad number, Bruno. You need to work harder.' says the man. 'Faster.'
"'Don't know why yous bother,' says Bruno. 'Shagging pennies from mugs.'
"'I don't care about the pennies. The point is, newspapers in this city are powerful. They have a lot of influence. Don't they?'
"'I don't know. I just like the Sunday funny pages.'
"'But to get their influence, they must sell the papers to people, correct?'
"'Suppose.'
"'How do they sell them?'
"'Newsies.'
"'Hundreds of them.'
"'So what?'
"'Bruno, for once, think,' says the man. 'If someone could control those newsboys, keeping them from buying and selling papers, that person would control that newspaper.'
"'What you're always saying.'
"'Because you don't seem to grasp it. That boss of mine, the man I work for, want to control The World and what it says about him. It's as simple as that. So, Bruno, we start by controlling those boys. I've made sure the police won't interfere. So just harass those boys. Hound them. Make them fear you. Don't let them slip from your grasp.'"
On the streets of New York in 1893, the year of the aforementioned landmark financial panic, thirteen year-old newsboy Maks Geless does not have the luxury of waiting for a social movement to make things better. He is living in a tiny, crowded tenement flat on the Lower East Side with his Danish immigrant parents, his three younger brothers and his smart older sister Agnes who -- despite clearly showing signs of tuberculosis -- toils all day at the factory with Papa and then attends classes at night. Oh, and also a single guy who boards with them, providing income that helps keep the family financially afloat.
Maks's other older sister, Emma, has been employed, cleaning rooms at the new Waldorf Astoria and living in the worker's dormitory there. But on the same day that Maks escapes a robbing and beating at the hands Bruno and the rest of the Plug Uglies Gang -- thanks to the intervention of a homeless, rag-picker orphan girl named Willa who, with her big stick, comes to his aid -- he arrives home with Willa in tow to discover that his sister Emma has been arrested and sent to The Tombs for allegedly stealing a gold pocket watch.
"Now, this jail, what they call 'The Tombs,' it takes up a whole city block. Built of stones so huge and heavy, it's partly sunk into the ground. Means you have to walk down a slope to get to the main entrance steps. Fact, people say going to The Tombs is like taking the first steps to Hell."
In this Gilded Age, in this City of Orphans, where common folks are like ants to be stepped on by the privileged and the powerful, where his parents are essentially paralyzed in their reaction to the arrest, Maks is inspired by a boy detective story and goes in search of a real-life investigator to help free Emma. So it is that he and Willa are taken under wing by the decrepit, idealistic, down-on-his-heels private detective Bartleby Donck who is damned near deaf and damned near death (thanks to tuberculosis). It is under Donck's tutelage that Maks and Willa, themselves, will have to do the dangerous legwork that will hopefully, somehow yield the clues necessary to prove Emma's innocence.
"'Therefore!' cries Donck, pointing a dirty, fat finger at Maks, 'you can be my farewell gift to this doomed city. A boy detective! Pha!'"
Like the intricate inner workings of a fine gold watch from a bygone era, Avi crafts a not-to-be-missed mystery/thriller yarn featuring a colorful cast of mugs and swells and set amidst the opulence and the poverty of nineteenth century Manhattan.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.com
BudNotBuddy@aol.com
Moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/middle_...
http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/people/facult...
June 5, 2012
Back in fifth grade, I had read some Avi. What Do Fish Have to Do With Anything? being my current favorite. But City of Orphans has given Fish a run for its money.
Life is hard for Maks Geless, son of Danish immigrants (he came at the age of two). Money is tight, his sister is sick, and trying to sell newspapers is double hard what with Plug Uglies roughing newsies up. Then life gets extra hard when his sister Emma is accused of stealing a watch from the fancy shmancy Waldorf hotel. She wouldn't steal anything, right? With the help of homeless girl Willa, and an array of other interesting mugs, Maks could possibly prove Emma's innocence. If there is any innocence to prove.
The narration of this book, told in present tense, was unique. The way it was written was written with the same dialect as the characters, but the narrator was outside of the story. It reminded me some of The Book Thief, actually (and I know which really came first, I just read TBT first).
The characters were fun. I usually don't read books with kids younger than me as the main character, but Maks' age just left my mind. It didn't matter. Donck was fun (I kept picturing Pistel from Pirates of the Caribbean, though...) Willa was an enigma, but still a great character.
Overall, City of Orphans was highly enjoyable. No cautions except for some violence sprinkled here and there. Recommended for: 12+
Life is hard for Maks Geless, son of Danish immigrants (he came at the age of two). Money is tight, his sister is sick, and trying to sell newspapers is double hard what with Plug Uglies roughing newsies up. Then life gets extra hard when his sister Emma is accused of stealing a watch from the fancy shmancy Waldorf hotel. She wouldn't steal anything, right? With the help of homeless girl Willa, and an array of other interesting mugs, Maks could possibly prove Emma's innocence. If there is any innocence to prove.
The narration of this book, told in present tense, was unique. The way it was written was written with the same dialect as the characters, but the narrator was outside of the story. It reminded me some of The Book Thief, actually (and I know which really came first, I just read TBT first).
The characters were fun. I usually don't read books with kids younger than me as the main character, but Maks' age just left my mind. It didn't matter. Donck was fun (I kept picturing Pistel from Pirates of the Caribbean, though...) Willa was an enigma, but still a great character.
Overall, City of Orphans was highly enjoyable. No cautions except for some violence sprinkled here and there. Recommended for: 12+
September 1, 2013
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.
January 29, 2012
In my ongoing research into this era, I picked up this YA book, but I was put off by two things:
1) The point of view in this book is completely puzzling to me. For some reason it starts with a first person narrator that basically says, "I have a story about this kid Maks". Then the entire book is the story of Maks, which is essentially in third person ("Maks did this", "Maks went there") and the narrator doesn't mention himself again until the last pages, where he say, "Yup, that's my story about Maks". Who is this narrator? What is his relation to Maks? You never find out. Why bother with this first person?
2) The vernacular of this book drove me crazy. It's all, "Maks don't know what to do" and "Maks says he ain't done". Again, it's the voice of the nameless narrator who evidently has bad grammar. But why? It was a very annoying distraction.
1) The point of view in this book is completely puzzling to me. For some reason it starts with a first person narrator that basically says, "I have a story about this kid Maks". Then the entire book is the story of Maks, which is essentially in third person ("Maks did this", "Maks went there") and the narrator doesn't mention himself again until the last pages, where he say, "Yup, that's my story about Maks". Who is this narrator? What is his relation to Maks? You never find out. Why bother with this first person?
2) The vernacular of this book drove me crazy. It's all, "Maks don't know what to do" and "Maks says he ain't done". Again, it's the voice of the nameless narrator who evidently has bad grammar. But why? It was a very annoying distraction.
February 19, 2015
This young adult novel is set in 1893 New York City – a world with child labor, wooden buildings that burn quickly, tenement housing and immigrants trying to find their way in the New World. The story follows a 13-year-old boy, Maks, who works as a newsie to help his family pay their rent.
My daughter was reading City of Orphans for school and I was interested in reading it, too; not just because I like to read what she’s reading, but because I recently read Orphan Train, which is set around the same timeframe and around the same issue. (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
Maks faces trouble with a gang called the Plug Uglies while selling newspapers since there is fierce competition between papers. Many of the children who sell papers or are part of the gang are orphans or have to work to help their families. At times, you can’t help but feel sorry for the gang members because they are orphans living on the streets of New York, hoping to have enough pennies to pay for a warm place to sleep at night. Maks meets a girl named Willa who was sleeping on the streets and she saves him from the Plug Ugly gang. He takes her home for a hot meal to thank her and the family ends up taking her in. They all pull together when Maks’ sister gets arrested for stealing a watch at the Waldorf Hotel, although she swears she didn’t do it. With the help of a dying detective (tuberculosis was rampant at that time, Maks and Willa work to solve the case.
This was an enjoyable book and I think any child ages 10 and up would enjoy it. They would learn about U.S. history while reading the book, too. The author weaves a good story; however, it gets tied up quickly at the end. Both my daughter and I would like to read more of Avi’s books after reading this one.
For more information, visit http://www.avi-writer.com.
My daughter was reading City of Orphans for school and I was interested in reading it, too; not just because I like to read what she’s reading, but because I recently read Orphan Train, which is set around the same timeframe and around the same issue. (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
Maks faces trouble with a gang called the Plug Uglies while selling newspapers since there is fierce competition between papers. Many of the children who sell papers or are part of the gang are orphans or have to work to help their families. At times, you can’t help but feel sorry for the gang members because they are orphans living on the streets of New York, hoping to have enough pennies to pay for a warm place to sleep at night. Maks meets a girl named Willa who was sleeping on the streets and she saves him from the Plug Ugly gang. He takes her home for a hot meal to thank her and the family ends up taking her in. They all pull together when Maks’ sister gets arrested for stealing a watch at the Waldorf Hotel, although she swears she didn’t do it. With the help of a dying detective (tuberculosis was rampant at that time, Maks and Willa work to solve the case.
This was an enjoyable book and I think any child ages 10 and up would enjoy it. They would learn about U.S. history while reading the book, too. The author weaves a good story; however, it gets tied up quickly at the end. Both my daughter and I would like to read more of Avi’s books after reading this one.
For more information, visit http://www.avi-writer.com.
August 31, 2019
This was written in an odd way. I usually don't like or appreciate that because it can get confusing. However the narrator was able to tell the story in such a way that I actually enjoyed the shifting view points. It allowed me as the reader to fully understand what was going on in the story. Not only that, but the characters were compelling and I was rooting for the good guys and bad guys. Something I rarely do. Though hope seems to slip away from Maks and his family (Spoiler removed) in the end Willa joins the family and not all hope is lost.
August 30, 2021
It was a great book because Avi really painted the pictures for the books
February 12, 2015
AVI’s adventurous story, “City Of Orphans” takes place in New York, 1893, which is full of life, crowded, filthy and dangerous. Maks Geles, a 13 newsboy needs to watch out for the Plug Ugly gang, or they will beat him up and take away all his money. One day, Willa has saved Maks from the gang once, and they promise each other for their own advantages, and then become best buddies. A lesson that this story wants to tell us is that even if two people are taking benefits from each other to fulfil their own needs, this could lead to a life-long healthy relationship.
While some might argue that probably Maks actually likes Willa at the beginning and then afterwards wants to be her friends and at the same time getting some benefits from her, which is somehow kind of true. However the consequences is quite wrong. You have to remember that in the part when Willa climbs up on the fence to show where she lives, the author again says that, “ Maks gets so interested in her climbing that he forgets to escape.” which can show one part that he is somehow frightened of her. And after that, when he says thank to Willa for his help and Willa says back sure, the author shows Maks’s inner thinking, “ Relieved that Willa ain’t gonna hold on to him, Maks heads down the alley trying to act easy.” This shows that he feels happy to get out of that place and specifically, from her, he wants to get out there as fast as he could, however, he tries to act as cool as possible not to show that he is afraid of her. At this point, you can see that Maks absolutely really wants to get out of her very much, it is just when he thinks what if the Plug Uglies are waiting to ambush me when I step onto the street?, “ He can’t help asking himself if she and the stick might be willing to defend him a second time. He starts to say something, but it ain’t easy to ask a girl for help.” In this scene, he needs help from her again, he just feel he needs it, but as long as he is a boy, it seems not too cool to ask a girl for help, that makes him feel bad for himself. And that when he offers her some food if she goes with him again. To cut down his bad feeling, he just realised that according to the newsies rule, he owes her. So giving her food is actually good for both side-for her and for him.
So why does he choose to offer her food? If we look back at the beginning of the story, when Maks realises that the one who helps him is Willa, the author really focus on how Maks sees Willa likes, he uses many short and long, descriptive words and sentences to describe her. “ Her hair is dirty, gnarled, and twisted into greasy knots. She’s wearing a faded green shirt, which must have been some lady’s cause bits of lace, like tattered spider’s web, are curled round the collar…”, which shows obviously that Maks is studying from her by her appearance. He could tell that Willa is much worse than him. She is way more desperate, poorer, and even sadder than his family does. Also, he knows later on that the girl lives on the street and at least he has a home. With that, he can say that the girl might need some food. That’s why he uses food to attract her. Also, it makes him feel like he is offering some benefits to her while he is also getting benefits from her as well.
Moreover, at this scene, why does Willa accept the invitation? Did she know that Maks try to take her as a protection by convincing her the food? Of course, she knows it, later on, on the street walking to Maks’s house, Willa asks Maks, “ They( referring to the Plug Ugly Gangs) really make you nervous, don’t they?” So she knows what is happening, she knows the reason, but why does she still go there? So the answer is the business. It is like the trending in the market, I give you oranges, and I give you money. The same thing happens here, if Willa goes with him which makes Maks feels safer, than Maks would give Willa food back in a return.
However, this is just a short business only, Maks actually doesn’t want to be with her that much. Another detail that shows that Maks doesn’t want to be with her that much is when they walk on the street and another newsies walks past by and says, “ Hey, Maks mug, find ya girlfriend from the dump?” And it says that “Maks isn’t too happy being seen with this dirty girl.” And later on, “ Maks wants nothing more than to get this girl in and out - fast.” So Maks doesn’t want to be with her that long. He arrives home safely, and the next thing he promises is to give her food, and their goal afterwards is to get her away again.
It is not until the situation again changes when Ema, Maks’s sister was sent to prison because she was accused of stealing a gold watch. And then everyone is suffering. And that’s when Maks truly wants Willa to stay in his house.
From that day, Maks and his family gives love both mentally and physically to Willa, they give them food, bath, and act like she is one of the member of the family as well. On the other side, Willa tries to think of an idea to help Maks’s sister from the prison, she goes to sell the newspaper instead of Maks and takes care of his younger brothers. They show their loyalty on each other. When Willa is being kidnapped by the gang, he hurried quickly to help her. An later on, at the end of the story, Willa decides to give her new family her gold ring which she gets it from her dead mother, to sell it for Agnes, Maks’s another sister who is having wasting disease, for a medication treatment.
So, sometimes, two people are acting like they are friends, or going out with them, not because they are the real friends,but because of there’s something from the other side that can benefit us to let us fulfil our own needs. However, this can lead to a very happy ending relationship. No one knows. And this is the nature of friendship. Things could change at any time!!!
While some might argue that probably Maks actually likes Willa at the beginning and then afterwards wants to be her friends and at the same time getting some benefits from her, which is somehow kind of true. However the consequences is quite wrong. You have to remember that in the part when Willa climbs up on the fence to show where she lives, the author again says that, “ Maks gets so interested in her climbing that he forgets to escape.” which can show one part that he is somehow frightened of her. And after that, when he says thank to Willa for his help and Willa says back sure, the author shows Maks’s inner thinking, “ Relieved that Willa ain’t gonna hold on to him, Maks heads down the alley trying to act easy.” This shows that he feels happy to get out of that place and specifically, from her, he wants to get out there as fast as he could, however, he tries to act as cool as possible not to show that he is afraid of her. At this point, you can see that Maks absolutely really wants to get out of her very much, it is just when he thinks what if the Plug Uglies are waiting to ambush me when I step onto the street?, “ He can’t help asking himself if she and the stick might be willing to defend him a second time. He starts to say something, but it ain’t easy to ask a girl for help.” In this scene, he needs help from her again, he just feel he needs it, but as long as he is a boy, it seems not too cool to ask a girl for help, that makes him feel bad for himself. And that when he offers her some food if she goes with him again. To cut down his bad feeling, he just realised that according to the newsies rule, he owes her. So giving her food is actually good for both side-for her and for him.
So why does he choose to offer her food? If we look back at the beginning of the story, when Maks realises that the one who helps him is Willa, the author really focus on how Maks sees Willa likes, he uses many short and long, descriptive words and sentences to describe her. “ Her hair is dirty, gnarled, and twisted into greasy knots. She’s wearing a faded green shirt, which must have been some lady’s cause bits of lace, like tattered spider’s web, are curled round the collar…”, which shows obviously that Maks is studying from her by her appearance. He could tell that Willa is much worse than him. She is way more desperate, poorer, and even sadder than his family does. Also, he knows later on that the girl lives on the street and at least he has a home. With that, he can say that the girl might need some food. That’s why he uses food to attract her. Also, it makes him feel like he is offering some benefits to her while he is also getting benefits from her as well.
Moreover, at this scene, why does Willa accept the invitation? Did she know that Maks try to take her as a protection by convincing her the food? Of course, she knows it, later on, on the street walking to Maks’s house, Willa asks Maks, “ They( referring to the Plug Ugly Gangs) really make you nervous, don’t they?” So she knows what is happening, she knows the reason, but why does she still go there? So the answer is the business. It is like the trending in the market, I give you oranges, and I give you money. The same thing happens here, if Willa goes with him which makes Maks feels safer, than Maks would give Willa food back in a return.
However, this is just a short business only, Maks actually doesn’t want to be with her that much. Another detail that shows that Maks doesn’t want to be with her that much is when they walk on the street and another newsies walks past by and says, “ Hey, Maks mug, find ya girlfriend from the dump?” And it says that “Maks isn’t too happy being seen with this dirty girl.” And later on, “ Maks wants nothing more than to get this girl in and out - fast.” So Maks doesn’t want to be with her that long. He arrives home safely, and the next thing he promises is to give her food, and their goal afterwards is to get her away again.
It is not until the situation again changes when Ema, Maks’s sister was sent to prison because she was accused of stealing a gold watch. And then everyone is suffering. And that’s when Maks truly wants Willa to stay in his house.
From that day, Maks and his family gives love both mentally and physically to Willa, they give them food, bath, and act like she is one of the member of the family as well. On the other side, Willa tries to think of an idea to help Maks’s sister from the prison, she goes to sell the newspaper instead of Maks and takes care of his younger brothers. They show their loyalty on each other. When Willa is being kidnapped by the gang, he hurried quickly to help her. An later on, at the end of the story, Willa decides to give her new family her gold ring which she gets it from her dead mother, to sell it for Agnes, Maks’s another sister who is having wasting disease, for a medication treatment.
So, sometimes, two people are acting like they are friends, or going out with them, not because they are the real friends,but because of there’s something from the other side that can benefit us to let us fulfil our own needs. However, this can lead to a very happy ending relationship. No one knows. And this is the nature of friendship. Things could change at any time!!!
June 24, 2024
Pretty good, points because I freaking love Newsies 📰🗞️⭐️
January 26, 2016
Avi, and Greg Ruth. City of Orphans. New York: Atheneum for Young Readers, 2011. Print.
Summary: Maks Geless is a 12 year boy living on the lower eastside of New York City during the turn of the century (19th to 20th). His parents are immigrants from Denmark and are working hard to make a good life for their children including Agnes, Emma, Maks, Ryker, Jacob and Eric. Maks works as a newsie in order to earn money for his family. The newsies are being harassed by the Plug Uglies, a street gang. During one of these attacks, Maks finds himself being defended by a girl named Willa. Willa and Maks become a team and because Willa is homeless, Maks family takes her in as one of their own. The Geless family suffers a setback when Emma, who works as a housekeeper at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria, is accused of stealing a watch. She is being held at the tombs until her trial in a couple of days. Maks and Willa team up to find out why Emma was accused of robbery. They have to accomplish this while evading the Plug Ugly gang who has been threatening them. Along this journey, Maks and Willa make several other discoveries. This is a great book for middle school students. The book delves into the history and characters of the lower east side while adding the excitement of young teens solving a mystery.
Ridiculously Simple Synopsis: Boy detective solves mystery and frees sister from jail during the turn of the 19th century.
Curriculum Connection: Racism, British history.
Reading Level: HigMiddle School
Awards: Newbury Medal
Genre: Historical Fiction
Characters:
Maks: Protagonist of novel.
Willa: Orphaned girl who Maks befriends.
Mama: Maks 19 mother.
Papa: Maks 19 father.
Emma: Maks 19 sister who gets arrested.
Agnes: Maks 19 oldest sister.
Monsieur Zulot: Boarder in Maks 19 apartment.
Bruno: Older boy who is harassing Maks and the other newsies.
Donck: Detective who helps Maks clear his sister of charges.
Brunswick: Man who is blackmailing Bruno and forcing him to harass the newsies.
Jacob: Maks 19 little brother.
Ryker: Maks 19 little brother.
Eric: Maks 19 little brother.
Mrs. Vograd: The Geless 19s landlady.
Summary: Maks Geless is a 12 year boy living on the lower eastside of New York City during the turn of the century (19th to 20th). His parents are immigrants from Denmark and are working hard to make a good life for their children including Agnes, Emma, Maks, Ryker, Jacob and Eric. Maks works as a newsie in order to earn money for his family. The newsies are being harassed by the Plug Uglies, a street gang. During one of these attacks, Maks finds himself being defended by a girl named Willa. Willa and Maks become a team and because Willa is homeless, Maks family takes her in as one of their own. The Geless family suffers a setback when Emma, who works as a housekeeper at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria, is accused of stealing a watch. She is being held at the tombs until her trial in a couple of days. Maks and Willa team up to find out why Emma was accused of robbery. They have to accomplish this while evading the Plug Ugly gang who has been threatening them. Along this journey, Maks and Willa make several other discoveries. This is a great book for middle school students. The book delves into the history and characters of the lower east side while adding the excitement of young teens solving a mystery.
Ridiculously Simple Synopsis: Boy detective solves mystery and frees sister from jail during the turn of the 19th century.
Curriculum Connection: Racism, British history.
Reading Level: HigMiddle School
Awards: Newbury Medal
Genre: Historical Fiction
Characters:
Maks: Protagonist of novel.
Willa: Orphaned girl who Maks befriends.
Mama: Maks 19 mother.
Papa: Maks 19 father.
Emma: Maks 19 sister who gets arrested.
Agnes: Maks 19 oldest sister.
Monsieur Zulot: Boarder in Maks 19 apartment.
Bruno: Older boy who is harassing Maks and the other newsies.
Donck: Detective who helps Maks clear his sister of charges.
Brunswick: Man who is blackmailing Bruno and forcing him to harass the newsies.
Jacob: Maks 19 little brother.
Ryker: Maks 19 little brother.
Eric: Maks 19 little brother.
Mrs. Vograd: The Geless 19s landlady.
October 13, 2014
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!
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!
October 29, 2011
Avi, Newbery award-winning author of more than 60 novels for children and teens, turns once again to historical fiction in his newest novel, set in 1893 New York City. His hero, thirteen-year old Maks, makes a bit of money as a newsboy to help his impoverished immigrant family on the lower East Side. When his older sister, Emma, who works as a maid at the swank Waldorf-Astoria hotel, is falsely accused of theft and imprisoned in the city prison ominously called the Tombs, Maks teams up with a homeless girl, Willa, to try to clear his sister's name and free her from jail. At the same time, he has to avoid landing in the clutches of the Plug Ugly gang, whose boss is trying to take control of all the newsies. Confronted with a mystery whodunit, Maks enlists the help of a dying lawyer to find the true culprit of the theft at the hotel.
Avi knows how to spin a convincing tale, and this book is no exception. In his afterword, he notes that the book is his attempt to "catch a small bit of how New York City kids lived at the end of the nineteenth century." He's particularly adept at evoking the sounds, smells, and look of tenement life in New York, with its mix of poor immigrants from many nations. This poverty contrasts with the swank brand-new Waldorf Astoria, where Maks winds up working under cover to try to clear his sister's name. Avi uses a very colloquial voice to tell the story, with the narrator speaking directly to the reader. While I understand the use of a strong point of view, I was irritated by the way he tries to evoke the dialect of the time, with plenty of dropped letters, i.e. "'cause' instead of "because", 'bout' instead of "about," 'em' instead of "them," etc.
Avi includes an Author's Note with historical details about the period, as well as suggestions for further reading and viewing.
City of Orphans is definitely worth reading, and will be enjoyed by young people who like a historical mystery, but it would not be one of my favorites among Avi's works.
Avi knows how to spin a convincing tale, and this book is no exception. In his afterword, he notes that the book is his attempt to "catch a small bit of how New York City kids lived at the end of the nineteenth century." He's particularly adept at evoking the sounds, smells, and look of tenement life in New York, with its mix of poor immigrants from many nations. This poverty contrasts with the swank brand-new Waldorf Astoria, where Maks winds up working under cover to try to clear his sister's name. Avi uses a very colloquial voice to tell the story, with the narrator speaking directly to the reader. While I understand the use of a strong point of view, I was irritated by the way he tries to evoke the dialect of the time, with plenty of dropped letters, i.e. "'cause' instead of "because", 'bout' instead of "about," 'em' instead of "them," etc.
Avi includes an Author's Note with historical details about the period, as well as suggestions for further reading and viewing.
City of Orphans is definitely worth reading, and will be enjoyed by young people who like a historical mystery, but it would not be one of my favorites among Avi's works.
November 30, 2011
I rather enjoyed this one. I love a good historical novel and this one fit the bill. Whenever I read Avi's work I try to go in with an open mind, but I have not always enjoyed his work so that is usual in the back of my head. But this was different. Taking place in New York when those in power have all the money and those who are trying to struggle through life are barely squeaking by (sounds like today). Newspapers were sold on street corners and kids had to work to help put food on the table. There is a bit of history and a little bit of mystery which will keep you reading. I will warn you if you don't like the newsie type speak for this era, you will not enjoy this book.
A good fairly easy read, perfect for strong and struggling readers. The language is simplistic for struggling, but still engaging enough for stronger readers. I would hand this one strong upper elementary and young teens. Perfect for those who need to read a historical fiction novel for a class assignment.
A good fairly easy read, perfect for strong and struggling readers. The language is simplistic for struggling, but still engaging enough for stronger readers. I would hand this one strong upper elementary and young teens. Perfect for those who need to read a historical fiction novel for a class assignment.
October 1, 2012
it was good
January 21, 2024
It was an okay read!.
June 20, 2013
Excellent historical fiction/mystery set in New York. Good Nutmeg choice
September 30, 2024
Look, this book's pacing is really not great, with a whole lot of exposition that makes the earlier parts drag and an ending that wraps everything up way too abruptly. And I'm not sure the narrator's voice (which is mostly in an approximation of turn-of-the-century New York dialect, but sometimes wavers) totally works. But it's a book about a newsie in 1890s NYC, and that was more than enough to keep my interest (even though there's not nearly enough actual newspaper selling in the book). It's well-researched and well-plotted, and while I'm not sure I'd recommend it enthusiastically to kids in my life, I don't regret reading it.
February 5, 2020
"En America puedes ser mas libre, pero viertes mas lagrimas"...
Que palabras tan ciertas. Una lectura muy bella y recomendable.
Que palabras tan ciertas. Una lectura muy bella y recomendable.
savoring-slowly
December 20, 2021On page 119, taking a break. I intend to read this story to my little brother.
October 2, 2017
For September I read City of Orphans by Avi. City of Orphans follows Maks, a 13 year old who sells papers to contribute to his family. Maks meets Willa when Maks is getting chased by "Plug Uglies" who are a gang who beat up and rob "newsies." Willa lives on her own in a alleyway. Later in the story Maks sister Emma gets arrested for having the chain to a stolen watch. Maks has to find a lawyer before his sister is sent of to jail. I gave this story 4 out of 5 because it has a gripping and interesting plot but gets less interesting towards the end when the story becomes more predictable.
May 2, 2015
The book The City of Orphans is written by Avi and elder man who wrote this book in the genre of nonfiction and fiction. The book is an incredible book that mixes reality into a story.
The City of Orphans is not the first of its kind. There is many kinds of books that talk about the struggle of gangs and how young kids back in the day who had no other options end up having to dig themselves out of these holes that society digs for them. Making a future for themselves out of nothing and turning them into something. Avi has written other books in the past but I personally believe that The City of Orphans is by far the best book that he’s written because of the interesting content. The best part about this book is that it flows very nicely and is just a great novel that gets the readers hooked, it sure got me hooked.
The book the City of Orphans was set in the streets of 1893. The main character is named Maks Geless who is a thirteen year old boy. The other important character in this story is Maks sister Emma Geless. The story is based on the dirty dangerous streets where there is a gang named the Plug Ugly Gang who’s leaders name is Bruno. Throughout the book it shows the struggle between fighting to stay alive between the lack of money, shelter, and food. The story shows the strength that Maks goes through dealing with the horrible gangs and the daily struggle living on the streets in 1893 when orphans didn’t have the option of adoption or foster care like we have today. Another struggle that Maks goes through during this story is the fact that his sister Emma is in jail from stealing from a hotel but Maks thinks his sister is innocent. With Maks thinking his sister is innocent he must try to prove her innocence in 4 days time with the help of a lawyer, maks becomes educated on law.
Before I started reading the City of Orphans I was looking for a interesting book to read that we set back in the day. I was excited to read this book because at the beginning of my sophomore year at Castle View High school the author of The City of Orphans (Avi) did a reading for students in humanities and English classes. When I first started reading this book I was a little indecisive of how I liked it but I decided to wait it out and continue reading the novel. While reading the first few chapters I was intrigued and I liked how the author seemed to go into depth of how each character felt and I thought that was awesome. The book was very interesting and it went into depth which made the reader wanting to read more. Towards the middle of the book It got a little boring for me just because it seemed like a predictable outcome but then the author surprised me and changed it up towards the end. My overall thoughts on the book was pretty great.
The book The City of Orphans was a great intriguing book that put a spin on what life was like in the elder days when orphans ran the streets at night. The author did a great job of what gangs were like back then and what it took to survive in the world as a teen on their own.
I liked the book because the author gave a interesting perspective on reality to what orphans go through on a daily basis back then when they were considered beggars and beneath everyone rather than a child in need who goes through adoption and foster care since there was no such thing back then. I would definitely recommend the book to readers who like an olden day setting and a cross between reality and fairytale. If you prefer a more fairytale based book that involves no truth then this book may be boring for those readers.
The City of Orphans is not the first of its kind. There is many kinds of books that talk about the struggle of gangs and how young kids back in the day who had no other options end up having to dig themselves out of these holes that society digs for them. Making a future for themselves out of nothing and turning them into something. Avi has written other books in the past but I personally believe that The City of Orphans is by far the best book that he’s written because of the interesting content. The best part about this book is that it flows very nicely and is just a great novel that gets the readers hooked, it sure got me hooked.
The book the City of Orphans was set in the streets of 1893. The main character is named Maks Geless who is a thirteen year old boy. The other important character in this story is Maks sister Emma Geless. The story is based on the dirty dangerous streets where there is a gang named the Plug Ugly Gang who’s leaders name is Bruno. Throughout the book it shows the struggle between fighting to stay alive between the lack of money, shelter, and food. The story shows the strength that Maks goes through dealing with the horrible gangs and the daily struggle living on the streets in 1893 when orphans didn’t have the option of adoption or foster care like we have today. Another struggle that Maks goes through during this story is the fact that his sister Emma is in jail from stealing from a hotel but Maks thinks his sister is innocent. With Maks thinking his sister is innocent he must try to prove her innocence in 4 days time with the help of a lawyer, maks becomes educated on law.
Before I started reading the City of Orphans I was looking for a interesting book to read that we set back in the day. I was excited to read this book because at the beginning of my sophomore year at Castle View High school the author of The City of Orphans (Avi) did a reading for students in humanities and English classes. When I first started reading this book I was a little indecisive of how I liked it but I decided to wait it out and continue reading the novel. While reading the first few chapters I was intrigued and I liked how the author seemed to go into depth of how each character felt and I thought that was awesome. The book was very interesting and it went into depth which made the reader wanting to read more. Towards the middle of the book It got a little boring for me just because it seemed like a predictable outcome but then the author surprised me and changed it up towards the end. My overall thoughts on the book was pretty great.
The book The City of Orphans was a great intriguing book that put a spin on what life was like in the elder days when orphans ran the streets at night. The author did a great job of what gangs were like back then and what it took to survive in the world as a teen on their own.
I liked the book because the author gave a interesting perspective on reality to what orphans go through on a daily basis back then when they were considered beggars and beneath everyone rather than a child in need who goes through adoption and foster care since there was no such thing back then. I would definitely recommend the book to readers who like an olden day setting and a cross between reality and fairytale. If you prefer a more fairytale based book that involves no truth then this book may be boring for those readers.
September 14, 2024
The cover is what drew me in initially. It just makes me want to know what is happening! I absolutely loved this reading experience though. The writing was incredible. Both the author and the narrator nailed the New York accent slang. I was so invested in this immigrant family that is just trying to survive crime, poverty and corruption in 1893 New York City. Gangs and sickness and orphans are running rampant in New York during this time. So much poverty bc of The Financial Panic of 1893. I love every character and how they contribute to the family. They all need each other to survive this difficult time. I keep saying how difficult their life is, but it really is a happy book. Maks is a very fun, happy, kind hearted, loquacious kid. And Willa is a sweet but tough girl. I felt like l really got a taste of New York during this time. I was immersed. It was a very satisfying story all around. There were good messages, a mystery, action, interesting characters, a little romance, and history. If Newsies is your all time favorite broadway play like me (I’ve seen it 4X) then definitely read this book. Maks works for the world! NEWSIES:
See, the world don't know
But they're gonna pay.
'Stead of hawkin' headlines we'll be makin' 'em today”
SPOILERS and book notes:
New York City 1893
I absolutely love the narrators New York accent. Maks Gellus (pronounced max) what a gangster way to spell your name lol AND he is a Newsie! 13yo. Newsie kids had to buy their papers and then sell them! So what ever they don’t sell they eat. He wants to be famous for making a flying machine. He is very loquacious which makes him a good seller I say. He has a family at least! he is in lower east end selling paps. A “stiff” is a rich guy. Bruno id the leader of the gang “the plug uglies”. Times are hard bc this is what happened: The Panic of 1893
“A financial panic that began in May 1893 and lasted until November. It was triggered by a stock market decline in New York and led to an economic depression that lasted at least three years. The panic caused banks and businesses to fail, and millions of people lost their jobs” The “L” is a train running through NY. The cops are currupt right now until commissioner Teddy Rosevelt bends them straight. A GIRL with a stick is who saves him from being beat up and robbed by the plug uglies gang. Lessss gooo. She was sleeping in the alley and is filthy. He thinks she might be a new immigrant from Elise island. Him and his friends call them “green horns”. Her name is Willa. So pretty. And she has an up town way of talking. Curious. She doesn’t rob him at all. She is so tough. Doesn’t mind living in the alley and doesn’t want to talk about her family. Her parents are missing and she doesn’t know how old she is. He invites her to walk home with him to eat dinner and for protection lol. Maks family: ma, pa, two older sisters and 3 younger bros: dad works at shoe factory builds boats, ma does laundry, Emma (pretty and fun and works at hotel), Agnes (smart one, goes to night classes math and read works daytime in factory with papa and is only 14), Jacob (almost 8), Eric(funny), Ryker (is 6yo) They are immigrants from Denmark and speak danish. But they came when Maks was 2. Emma was accused of stealing a watch so she is in jail! It’s always a battle between being American or Danish. They have a French boarder in their tinsy tiny house!! His name is zulo and he is stalky young man. He bows and has an accent. And he is in looooove with Agnis heheh. But they won’t let her marry him bc he is catholic? Or she’s too young? She has the wasting disease! Which was really tuberculosis, also known as consumption. Oh no! “Tuberculosis was primarily a disease of the city, where crowded and often filthy living conditions provided an ideal environment for the spread of the disease. The urban poor represented the vast majority of TB victims.” And agnis and the papa lose their factory jobs bc the factory don’t need to make as many shoes. Willa can read. But Maks says they can be friends and he lets her stay with the family! Bruno is being blackmailed by a man who is trying to control the newspaper “the world”. He thinks if he harasses the newsies than “the world” won’t be able to sell paps etc. that is why Bruno is targeting them. POWER HUNGRY MEN ARE HORRIBLE. It’s crazy how many people can be crammed into these apartment buildings in New York. the family gives Willa Emma’s old dress and shoes! And she gives him her first shy smile and asks “do I like better?” And he is sooo adorable and says “like queen luis!! (The queen of Denmark) ugh he is adorable. And talks all the time hehe. The family is so wonderful together. I can’t believe how horrible the prison conditions are! Emma didn’t steal no watch! But someone framed her!! The prison is called “the tomb”. “All these bad things are happening but people just keep on working.” Factory conditions are horrible. “But what else are people going to do?” Willa and Maks seek an old lawyer/detective for help solving the mystery of the stolen watch. His name is Donk. He says it’s not “innocence until proven guilty” in this city. It’s innocent if you have money. HE is the one that coined New York “the city of Orphans.” He won’t do the work for them, but he WILL teach him his skills IF: “they willingly became lawyer and detective for the thousands of children in this shameful city.” And they agree!! Agree to help these kids find long lost kin and beat their oppressors. He likes them bc he likes loyal women (Willa) and Maks can use his eyes good (very observant like Shawn Spencer) this detective is so deaf so he yells and uses an ear trumpet. So he gives advice to them only and THEY do the work. I LOVE that Maks family takes in Willa. The first time she uses the word “home” is so special. Awww and when the family welcomes her into their family it is so precious! She is now apart of them and must call the parents momma and papa! And Maks is so proud of them! Electric lights line the streets. Transition from gas. Donk uses a telephone! When was the telephone invented? Alexander Graham Bell was granted the first US patent for the telephone on March 7, 1876. So only very recently. The fancy hotel has an elevator and Maks mind is blown. Bruno takes Willa for ransom when Maks isn’t with her! And as sends Jacob to tell Maks to come get her. MAKS NEEDS TO BE HER KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR. So he goes to his newsies friends and gathers an army of them to march off and save Willa!! They are all wanting to stop Bruno and his plug ugly gang who keep messing with them! All Maks thinks is “Bruno better not hurt Willa.” And then the newsies beat the crap out of the gang!! But the old house is accidentally set on fire! But where is Willa?? So even with the house on fire Maks sprints upstairs and finds her tied to a bed! Then he unties her and the escape the burning building together by holding hands and jumping out the window into a fireman net! Willa’s dad is the one who stole the watch and set Emma up! He is also the one who was blackmailing Bruno! Both he and Bruno get shot. But she has a new family!!! maks’ family!!! And they hug her and take care of her. Emma is set free! And Willa gives up her mom’s old wedding ring to pay for Agnis doctor for consumption! Donk died so sad. But HE was the one that was writing those boy detective stories that the Frenchman was reading to the boys! He called them nonsense but he was the one writing them lol. He wrote his last one on Maks. Maks sells paps one last time and hawks the head like but for once HE is the news. (He works as a bell boy under the hotel detective now) epilogue is Agnis gets better and marries Zulo and becomes a typist! Willa becomes a newsie with Jacob and Emma and mak work at the hotel. And the dad gets a job making barrels and mom laundry. But the family had to take care of each other while the dad looked for work for 13 mo! But the moral is family takes care of each other.
See, the world don't know
But they're gonna pay.
'Stead of hawkin' headlines we'll be makin' 'em today”
SPOILERS and book notes:
New York City 1893
I absolutely love the narrators New York accent. Maks Gellus (pronounced max) what a gangster way to spell your name lol AND he is a Newsie! 13yo. Newsie kids had to buy their papers and then sell them! So what ever they don’t sell they eat. He wants to be famous for making a flying machine. He is very loquacious which makes him a good seller I say. He has a family at least! he is in lower east end selling paps. A “stiff” is a rich guy. Bruno id the leader of the gang “the plug uglies”. Times are hard bc this is what happened: The Panic of 1893
“A financial panic that began in May 1893 and lasted until November. It was triggered by a stock market decline in New York and led to an economic depression that lasted at least three years. The panic caused banks and businesses to fail, and millions of people lost their jobs” The “L” is a train running through NY. The cops are currupt right now until commissioner Teddy Rosevelt bends them straight. A GIRL with a stick is who saves him from being beat up and robbed by the plug uglies gang. Lessss gooo. She was sleeping in the alley and is filthy. He thinks she might be a new immigrant from Elise island. Him and his friends call them “green horns”. Her name is Willa. So pretty. And she has an up town way of talking. Curious. She doesn’t rob him at all. She is so tough. Doesn’t mind living in the alley and doesn’t want to talk about her family. Her parents are missing and she doesn’t know how old she is. He invites her to walk home with him to eat dinner and for protection lol. Maks family: ma, pa, two older sisters and 3 younger bros: dad works at shoe factory builds boats, ma does laundry, Emma (pretty and fun and works at hotel), Agnes (smart one, goes to night classes math and read works daytime in factory with papa and is only 14), Jacob (almost 8), Eric(funny), Ryker (is 6yo) They are immigrants from Denmark and speak danish. But they came when Maks was 2. Emma was accused of stealing a watch so she is in jail! It’s always a battle between being American or Danish. They have a French boarder in their tinsy tiny house!! His name is zulo and he is stalky young man. He bows and has an accent. And he is in looooove with Agnis heheh. But they won’t let her marry him bc he is catholic? Or she’s too young? She has the wasting disease! Which was really tuberculosis, also known as consumption. Oh no! “Tuberculosis was primarily a disease of the city, where crowded and often filthy living conditions provided an ideal environment for the spread of the disease. The urban poor represented the vast majority of TB victims.” And agnis and the papa lose their factory jobs bc the factory don’t need to make as many shoes. Willa can read. But Maks says they can be friends and he lets her stay with the family! Bruno is being blackmailed by a man who is trying to control the newspaper “the world”. He thinks if he harasses the newsies than “the world” won’t be able to sell paps etc. that is why Bruno is targeting them. POWER HUNGRY MEN ARE HORRIBLE. It’s crazy how many people can be crammed into these apartment buildings in New York. the family gives Willa Emma’s old dress and shoes! And she gives him her first shy smile and asks “do I like better?” And he is sooo adorable and says “like queen luis!! (The queen of Denmark) ugh he is adorable. And talks all the time hehe. The family is so wonderful together. I can’t believe how horrible the prison conditions are! Emma didn’t steal no watch! But someone framed her!! The prison is called “the tomb”. “All these bad things are happening but people just keep on working.” Factory conditions are horrible. “But what else are people going to do?” Willa and Maks seek an old lawyer/detective for help solving the mystery of the stolen watch. His name is Donk. He says it’s not “innocence until proven guilty” in this city. It’s innocent if you have money. HE is the one that coined New York “the city of Orphans.” He won’t do the work for them, but he WILL teach him his skills IF: “they willingly became lawyer and detective for the thousands of children in this shameful city.” And they agree!! Agree to help these kids find long lost kin and beat their oppressors. He likes them bc he likes loyal women (Willa) and Maks can use his eyes good (very observant like Shawn Spencer) this detective is so deaf so he yells and uses an ear trumpet. So he gives advice to them only and THEY do the work. I LOVE that Maks family takes in Willa. The first time she uses the word “home” is so special. Awww and when the family welcomes her into their family it is so precious! She is now apart of them and must call the parents momma and papa! And Maks is so proud of them! Electric lights line the streets. Transition from gas. Donk uses a telephone! When was the telephone invented? Alexander Graham Bell was granted the first US patent for the telephone on March 7, 1876. So only very recently. The fancy hotel has an elevator and Maks mind is blown. Bruno takes Willa for ransom when Maks isn’t with her! And as sends Jacob to tell Maks to come get her. MAKS NEEDS TO BE HER KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR. So he goes to his newsies friends and gathers an army of them to march off and save Willa!! They are all wanting to stop Bruno and his plug ugly gang who keep messing with them! All Maks thinks is “Bruno better not hurt Willa.” And then the newsies beat the crap out of the gang!! But the old house is accidentally set on fire! But where is Willa?? So even with the house on fire Maks sprints upstairs and finds her tied to a bed! Then he unties her and the escape the burning building together by holding hands and jumping out the window into a fireman net! Willa’s dad is the one who stole the watch and set Emma up! He is also the one who was blackmailing Bruno! Both he and Bruno get shot. But she has a new family!!! maks’ family!!! And they hug her and take care of her. Emma is set free! And Willa gives up her mom’s old wedding ring to pay for Agnis doctor for consumption! Donk died so sad. But HE was the one that was writing those boy detective stories that the Frenchman was reading to the boys! He called them nonsense but he was the one writing them lol. He wrote his last one on Maks. Maks sells paps one last time and hawks the head like but for once HE is the news. (He works as a bell boy under the hotel detective now) epilogue is Agnis gets better and marries Zulo and becomes a typist! Willa becomes a newsie with Jacob and Emma and mak work at the hotel. And the dad gets a job making barrels and mom laundry. But the family had to take care of each other while the dad looked for work for 13 mo! But the moral is family takes care of each other.
December 5, 2014
Taking place in turn-of-the-century New York City, the story follows Maks, the 13-year-old son of poor Danish immigrants. He and all of his older siblings hold down jobs to take care of the family. Maks is a newsie. He hawks the afternoon newspaper called The World, while his 16-year-old sister works at the brand-new, extremely expensive Waldorf. His 14-year-old sister works in the factory with his father, and their mother takes in laundry. Even his younger brother Jacob, at seven years old, helps Maks out by taking over his newsie job when Maks can’t do it. Seven years old! It’s incredible. Emma, the oldest sister, is put in jail because she is suspected of stealing a very expensive watch from one of the Waldorf guests, and Maks and his brand new friend Willa have to try to help her. They seek help from a dying, washed-up detective to help prove Emma’s innocence. At the same time, Maks and Willa have to evade Bruno, head of the Plug Uglies gang, who is trying to beat up, rob, and take over the newsies of The World. (Unbeknownst to the newsies, Bruno is being blackmailed into doing so by a mysterious Mr. Brunswick, and throughout the story this mystery is interwoven with Maks and Willa’s quest to help Emma.)
One of the things that I liked most about books as a kid (and even now, as an adult) were stories in which kids had a lot of agency. This book portrays that aspect wonderfully. While Maks’s parents are hardworking and loving, they are still too Danish to really understand what is going on in their new American world, especially when Emma is put in jail. They are totally lost, and their fear paralyzes them. The children of the family have to work hard to take care of the whole family, including their parents, both financially and on the streets. It really did portray, as one of the adult characters calls it, a “city of orphans” in which the “immigrant children are all orphans with parents” (p. 154 in my edition), and I found that fascinating.
The book also doesn’t gloss over the nastier parts of living in the late 19th century: horrifyingly crowded jails in which prisoners must buy their own food or starve, a sharp and disconcerting contrast between the rich and the poor, the difficulties of immigrant life, the fact that children couldn’t seek help from authorities because kids’ stuff belongs to the kids, and so on.
Read more on my blog: http://newberyandbeyond.com/book-revi...
One of the things that I liked most about books as a kid (and even now, as an adult) were stories in which kids had a lot of agency. This book portrays that aspect wonderfully. While Maks’s parents are hardworking and loving, they are still too Danish to really understand what is going on in their new American world, especially when Emma is put in jail. They are totally lost, and their fear paralyzes them. The children of the family have to work hard to take care of the whole family, including their parents, both financially and on the streets. It really did portray, as one of the adult characters calls it, a “city of orphans” in which the “immigrant children are all orphans with parents” (p. 154 in my edition), and I found that fascinating.
The book also doesn’t gloss over the nastier parts of living in the late 19th century: horrifyingly crowded jails in which prisoners must buy their own food or starve, a sharp and disconcerting contrast between the rich and the poor, the difficulties of immigrant life, the fact that children couldn’t seek help from authorities because kids’ stuff belongs to the kids, and so on.
Read more on my blog: http://newberyandbeyond.com/book-revi...
December 21, 2011
I often enjoy Avi's books, and this one, set in 1893 New York, has much to offer to readers. The division between classes is clearly delineated here, especially with the juxtaposition of the swanky world of the Waldorf Hotel and the tenements where Maks Geless and many other immigrants manage to eke out a living. The author makes readers feel the hunger that gnaws at the bones of those who haven't eaten for days and the illnesses that often accompany poverty and poor nutrition. Maks is a newsboy, adding pennies to the family's coffers to hawking newspapers on the street. But there is a somewhat ill-defined plot to shut down the newsboys and, in turn, The World, the newspaper Maks is selling, because its headlines have not shown a certain powerful man in a positive light. The storyline is a bit vague here and could have used more explanation to strengthen the story at this point. When Maks is attacked by some thugs, Willa, a homeless girl with no parents, comes to Maks's rescue. A partnership ensues, and the two band together to free Maks's older sister Emma who has been accused of stealing a gold watch from a guest staying at the Waldorf. There are some surprises in store for readers, but most of all, I was moved by the helplessness of the Geless adults, lacking the contacts or financial muscle to help their daughter.
My enjoyment of this intriguing piece of historical fiction was marred slightly by the unanswered questions concerning the attorney/detective/writer Donck and his connection with hotel detective Packwood and Packwood's sister. There were a lot of coincidences that brought resolution to Emma's situation and that of Willa as well. Still, Avi captivated me with the voice of his narrator and the details about the newsboys and newsgirls.
My enjoyment of this intriguing piece of historical fiction was marred slightly by the unanswered questions concerning the attorney/detective/writer Donck and his connection with hotel detective Packwood and Packwood's sister. There were a lot of coincidences that brought resolution to Emma's situation and that of Willa as well. Still, Avi captivated me with the voice of his narrator and the details about the newsboys and newsgirls.
January 31, 2013
Dangers and dilemmas lurk around every turn; great risks come with every move on the mucky and treacherous streets of New York. Maks Geless is a newsboy, wandering the streets, selling his newspapers for 2 cents each. His mere income of eight cents, along with the small amount of money made by his father and sisters is all the family can rely on. Even along with the worries of supporting his deprived family, Mak’s has something greater to worry about: Bruno and his Plug Ugly Gang.
While having the gang in a fierce pursuit, Maks encounters Willa, a girl living alone in the dark, shadowy alleys. By saving Maks from the beating of the Plug Uglies, she became tangled in this situation. As if having the gang on watch at all times isn’t bad enough, Emma, Mak’s older sister is imprisoned for supposedly stealing a watch. Soon Maks and Willa will discover things that they never imagined they would uncover.
Weaving each secret and sacred past together in a way you never would imagine makes City of Orphans anything by predictable. Avi brings all the characters to life as we travel back in time and are introduced to the vivid life of a family living in the 1890’s.
As I read through this book, I could feel the anxiety Maks and Willa were experiencing, their desperation, their determination. The plot in this book didn’t disappoint me and just urged me to read on and on. City of Orphans is a thrilling book of acceptance, love, and coincidences that will leave you breathless and in awe.
While having the gang in a fierce pursuit, Maks encounters Willa, a girl living alone in the dark, shadowy alleys. By saving Maks from the beating of the Plug Uglies, she became tangled in this situation. As if having the gang on watch at all times isn’t bad enough, Emma, Mak’s older sister is imprisoned for supposedly stealing a watch. Soon Maks and Willa will discover things that they never imagined they would uncover.
Weaving each secret and sacred past together in a way you never would imagine makes City of Orphans anything by predictable. Avi brings all the characters to life as we travel back in time and are introduced to the vivid life of a family living in the 1890’s.
As I read through this book, I could feel the anxiety Maks and Willa were experiencing, their desperation, their determination. The plot in this book didn’t disappoint me and just urged me to read on and on. City of Orphans is a thrilling book of acceptance, love, and coincidences that will leave you breathless and in awe.
December 29, 2014
Avi, author of City of Orphans, takes readers away to late 19th century New York immediately from page one. Readers will be captivated as they are thrown into the unforgiving maw of the poor and dirty streets of New York. I was able to glide through the pages, as the language was simplistic but albeit authentic and engaging. Not only does the dialogue of the main characters Maks, Willa, Bruno, and the other array of characters feel genuine, but the voice of the narrator himself (whom we are lead to believe is Maks) feels like he is actually living in that era while he tells his story of survival.
While this book reminded me of a combination of "The Jungle" and "Out of the Dust" I was able to conceptualize and sympathize with children who are working long hours for low wages, living in ramshackle tenements, and constantly being belittled by those of high status. One particular fact that made me appreciate the book even more was the gang that harasses the newsies throughout the story, called "Plug Uglies", was actaully a real gang at that time.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of this novel is the fact that a sub plot transcends with the main one, and our protagonist Maks, winds up being a Jr. detective. Avi, exposes the dark underbelly and the ugly side of the corruption in New York through Maks's sleuthing. The investigation leads up to a spectacular finale that blew me away.
A tale of survival, friendship, loss, and trying to keep an immigrant family together, "City of Orphans" will keep you turning the pages like a Dan Brown novel.
While this book reminded me of a combination of "The Jungle" and "Out of the Dust" I was able to conceptualize and sympathize with children who are working long hours for low wages, living in ramshackle tenements, and constantly being belittled by those of high status. One particular fact that made me appreciate the book even more was the gang that harasses the newsies throughout the story, called "Plug Uglies", was actaully a real gang at that time.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of this novel is the fact that a sub plot transcends with the main one, and our protagonist Maks, winds up being a Jr. detective. Avi, exposes the dark underbelly and the ugly side of the corruption in New York through Maks's sleuthing. The investigation leads up to a spectacular finale that blew me away.
A tale of survival, friendship, loss, and trying to keep an immigrant family together, "City of Orphans" will keep you turning the pages like a Dan Brown novel.
November 14, 2013
Title / Author / Publication Date: City of Orphans/Avi/2011
Genre: Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Plot summary: In 1893 New York, thirteen-year-old Maks, a newsboy, teams up with Willa, a homeless girl, to clear his older sister, Emma, from charges that she stole from the brand new Waldorf Hotel, where she works. Includes historical notes.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Bullying of the two main characters by older individuals. One of the characters abandons his daughter after her mothers death.
Review citation: Diorio, G. (2011). City of Orphans. School Library Journal, 57(8), 94-95.
Miller, J. (2012). City of Orphans. School Library Journal, 58(3), 77.
Jemtegaard, K. (2012). City of Orphans. Booklist, 108(12), 62.
Section source used to find the material: EBSCOhost: Children’s Core Collection (H.W. Wilson) Most Highly Recommended, Monroe County Public Library
Recommended age: 9 and up
Genre: Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Plot summary: In 1893 New York, thirteen-year-old Maks, a newsboy, teams up with Willa, a homeless girl, to clear his older sister, Emma, from charges that she stole from the brand new Waldorf Hotel, where she works. Includes historical notes.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Bullying of the two main characters by older individuals. One of the characters abandons his daughter after her mothers death.
Review citation: Diorio, G. (2011). City of Orphans. School Library Journal, 57(8), 94-95.
Miller, J. (2012). City of Orphans. School Library Journal, 58(3), 77.
Jemtegaard, K. (2012). City of Orphans. Booklist, 108(12), 62.
Section source used to find the material: EBSCOhost: Children’s Core Collection (H.W. Wilson) Most Highly Recommended, Monroe County Public Library
Recommended age: 9 and up
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