Dodger: The Story of a Victorian Pickpocket

My Story: Boys

by Jim Eldridge

Henry Moss soon discovers that crime is the only thing that pays, and in the tradition of Oliver Twist he becomes swept up in the dangerous world of pickpockets and fences, haunting dark alleys and unspeakable slums. But even for the most juvenile offenders the law is strict and the penalties harsh.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

Jim Eldridge is the author of many books for children, including titles in the My Story series, the Warpath books, and How to Handle Grown-Ups. He has had 250 TV scripts broadcast in the UK and internationally for children's and teen television, and is also the creator and writer of Radio 4's long-running comedy-drama series, King Street Junior.

Reviews

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just started to read the My Story series and I think this book is great because it is all set in the Victorian era and it is very interesting learning about what life was like back then and seeing how life has changed.

I would recommend this book to children and young adults .

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dick has unrealistic expectations of adulthood and a desire for instant gratification, making him opposed to any kind of work that requires long hours or getting dirty. He also cannot learn a lesson. Therefore it's hard to feel sorry for him the many times he gets arrested.

[Ille · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Dodger: The Story of a Victorian Pickpocket' by Jim Eldridge is a very good book in the My Story series. Each book in the My Story series is written in diary format, with the author writing as though they are the main character.

In this book, a young boy runs away from home and survives in London for the next few years by pickpocketing.

A very interesting story that I recommend to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction books.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children's book, describing the life of a child in Victorian London.

I found the book to be more of a social comment, rather than a story of a child of this period.

Overall enjoyable - a great introduction to the life of a poor child in a large city of the 1840s.

[Jen]

this is the 2nd time Ive read this book
forgotten Id read it before

an interesting contrast to the way Charles Dickens portraits Dodger in Oliver Twist