Lost in the Empire City: A Middle Grade Historical Tale about an Italian Immigrant Boy's Search for Family in 1900s New York

by Avi

This riveting historical middle grade novel from Newbery Medal–winning author Avi follows a young immigrant from Italy who is desperate to reunite with his family.

Santo is a stranger in a strange land. He doesn't know any English, and he gets separated from his mother and siblings at Ellis Island.

Santo’s father left for America a few years before, and he has finally sent word for the rest of his family to come join him in New York. Though Santo has always imagined America as a land of limitless opportunity, when he arrives at Ellis Island, he soon discovers that it’s not what he envisioned. Inspectors separate him from his mother and siblings, and he’s left to fend for himself in Manhattan.

While searching desperately for a clue as to where his family--and his father--have gone, Santo gets caught up with a group of boys who steal. After escaping the police by the skin of his teeth, Santo is taken in by a wealthy man and his wife—but somehow Santo again finds himself on the wrong side of the law. When an unexpected betrayal leaves Santo scrambling, it might just take all the street smarts he’s gained to find a way back to his family.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Fiction, Historical, Childrens, Family, Juvenile

289 pages, Hardcover

First published October 29, 2024

About the author

Avi 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.

Reviews

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3.25 stars ✰

​​ “​I’m in America. I wish we had never come. I​ have lost my family. I’m going to die​.​”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ When eight-year-old Santo's Papa leaves their small Italian town for a chance to make a life for their family in America​, the land of gold, he promises his father to keep his family safe - a vow he promises himself to keep, with every fiber of his being. And when his father sends word for him and his mother & two younger siblings to join him in New York, he intends to live up to that promise even in a city of five million people, the Empire City- 'a never-ending country.'​

​ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ​Poor Santo. The more he tried to do good, he somehow got tangled up in devices and schemes completely not in his control. The sad irony of how his mother made him promise him never to steal in their villag​e, but upon arriving in New York, nearly five years later, that is all that he can do in order for him to survive the dangerous streets, when he's forcibly separated from his family. 😢​ Fearing for the safety of his own life as he braves the perils of threats from those who don't take kindly to immigrants, while also weighed down by his despondent despair of failing to leave up to his promise, Santo will have to trust in his wit, heart, and courage, and most importantly, despite how many moments the desire to end his life prevails, he faithfully repeats his 'Mama’s phrases: God does not hurry. Patience is a kind of prayer.'​ 😔

​​​“Why did I keep meeting thieves?
Was America a land of thieves?​​​​”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ In the early 1900s, New York indeed was a melting point of an array of immigrants from far-reaching points of the globe, each eager to try their fate in the riches that America promised them. But, the trip or the destination is as welcoming as one hopes it to be. And Avi vividly portrayed the frantic frenzy of each immigrant desperate to be accepted into its beckoning arms. 'That phrase, “What if I’m sent back?” was repeated over and over again.'​ 😥 With the echoes of keeping one's health card always on hand to the belligerent dismissal or disapproval of the attendees, it was chaos and desperation, which had their arrival sadly met with separation, thus leading thirteen-year-old Santo trying to find a way to survive, only to find himself in the clutches of Willie, the cruel leader of a kids' street gang, the Downtown Dukes, who cared less than squat of the kids under his wing save for whatever riches of grandeur they could scrub up to quench his thirst. And if they didn't meet his satisfaction, it was a trip to the slammer for them.​ 🥺

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I've been reading Avi since my teenage years so it is nice to see that he's still writing middle grade books. The idea was an appealing one; well-fleshed out and creative. I felt for Santo that despite his efforts to do good, by being Lost in the Empire City, he somehow always ended up in hot waters. Hot waters that brimmed with darkness towards the end, where Avi really let loose that evil doesn't stop at any costs till - well, it meets that end. Santo repeatedly expressing his desire to die seemed a bit too morbid, if not excessive; but then I feel like I'm disregarding the feelings of a lonely and alone young boy who sees no safe way out for himself and death seems like the most fitting option. 😟​ So while it may be difficult to read, it is also still an honest realistic depiction. Even as he got caught up in thievery and schemes against his will, he never gave up hope that he would be reunited with his family again - 'miracles come to those who don’t ask for them.'

​​​“They call America the Land of Promise. There’s plenty of good. But as I once heard someone say, ‘The only thing free in America is a promise.’​”

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I liked that as Santo spent more time on the streets, keeping busy, he slowly improved his limited understanding of the English language. I liked that he started to discern the difference between those who have and those who have to fight for it. The cast was a colorful and well-rounded sort, one where we get to see both the shady sides of life, as well as the dismal living situations for immigrant families who even if they have to live in squalor, at least they are together. 🫂​ Or those who live a life of theft, and feel no unease or remorse for their ill-gotten means to achieve that wealth. It is an interesting contrast that evenly allows Santo to see both sides of life and decide for himself which one he rightfully and honestly belongs to. For the sake of his family, he would do anything. Mischief and mayhem, using whatever means resourceful to get by - every day of unexpected challenges - it was grueling and gruesome and it was captured with conviction.​ ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ I did feel the ending was a bit anticlimactic; that for all his search and longing for reuniting with his family - there was not much oomph to it, in the end. But, I think that added to the normalcy of it, too; that it was nothing exciting. nothing thrilling; much like the life that they led once he met them again, it was simply family. The best thing in the world. It was a life of simplicity and happiness and love, of those fortunate who braved the seas and survived to reach the land of opportunities and believe in the hope that their humble beginnings of loss and separation would kindle the way for a brighter future.​ 🇺🇸🙏🏻

[Amanda R Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read Avi's The Man Who Was Poe in the fourth grade when I went through a streak of historical fiction. I loved it. Lost in the Empire City is a great middle grade historical fiction piece about immigration, police corruption, and morally troubling decisions made in the face of poverty. The language is simple, yet effective and evocative; the desperation of Ellis Island is palpable. While I expected the predictable feel-good ending, I enjoyed the journey getting there. This is a great book for young readers with very short chapters and clear language. 

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's for this ARC!

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

By this late stage in his career, historical fiction was Avi's primary genre, so fans weren't surprised to see Lost in the Empire City pop up in 2024. Santo Alfonsi is roughly thirteen years old in 1911 when he, his younger sister Francesca and brother Tullio, and their mother board a ship in their home country of Italy to migrate to New York City. Several years ago Santo's father traveled to America to stake a claim and eventually have the family join him, and recently he sent word for Santo and the others to come. The journey by ship is arduous, and warnings abound that anyone who falls ill will be refused entry in New York, but Santo hopes it will work out.

The Alfonsis' arrival in America goes badly. Santo, his mother, and siblings are immediately separated. Santo's father isn't there to welcome them as promised, and Santo finds himself on the streets with no idea how to reconnect with his mother, Francesca, or Tullio. He could starve in this city of five million people...until he meets a teenager named Willie. Willie has a place for Santo to stay, and having no better option, Santo goes with the older boy, hoping to survive until he locates his family.

Impoverished immigrants do what it takes to survive. Willie introduces Santo to his gang of kid thieves, the "Downtown Dukes": Toby, Anton, and Louie. They're all tough, but Toby is a friend to Santo even as Willie acts as a mean taskmaster, demanding the boys scout out new places to steal from. Staying in Willie's good graces for long is impossible, but a twist of fate places Santo in an improved position. Can he use the reprieve to track down his mother, father, Francesca, or Tullio? Santo will have to make painful decisions about right, wrong, and loyalty to family if he's to live through this defining juncture of his life. America is the land of opportunity, but Santo never guessed how hard it would be to claim a piece of the pie.

"Mix laughter and tears and you have glue that binds forever."

—Lost in the Empire City, P. 287

Avi does a good job recreating New York City of the time period. Some characters are memorable, in particular Toby, the serving girl Nora, and Tullio. I'm nearly rounding my rating up to three stars, but at times the narrative feels slow and unwieldy. Avi is excellent at spinning a story with intricate detail, but that can come at expense of the human touch. Lost in the Empire City isn't gripping historical fiction like the author's The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle thirty-four years earlier, but it warrants a fair amount of praise. You can always count on Avi to come up with something interesting.

[Marnie Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year is 1905, and wanderlust for America has bitten a small Italian family. Dreams of streets paved with gold lure them across the Atlantic, a sentiment that's hard to resist for any history buff (and educator) like myself. Fictionalized journeys like these become portals to a bygone era, and Avi's "Lost in the Empire City" is no exception.

The adventure truly ignites at the end of chapter one, with a sentence that sparks pure intrigue: "That's the story I'm about to tell," declares eight-year-old (or maybe nine?) Santo. From here on out, each chapter concludes with a cliffhanger guaranteed to leave you scrambling to turn the page.

"Next to me, someone muttered, 'The island of tears!'"

"Barely noticing where we were going, I just followed."

"I didn't say anything. Because I couldn't speak."

"Everything was ordinary. Until it wasn't."

Avi's captivating prose whisks you away at lightning speed. Sure, there might be a lull here and there, but the overall experience is a thrilling one. Following young Santo's quest to find his Papa after their harrowing journey through Ellis Island is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. The bustling streets of New York City become a landscape of challenges, from navigating gangs of young thieves to witnessing the crimes of the privileged. Yet, Santo's unwavering love for his family propels him forward, never letting go of hope for a reunion.

[Tamanna Sahni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadder than I thought it would be. Very dry in the middle. I did learn a bit more about 1900s NY city.

[Gabby Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good Avi book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this one surprised me. If I hadn’t been interrupted, I would have read this in one sitting. Avi is a good writer and almost everything he writes has been stellar.

Santo has to grapple with who he is and who he has become (a thief) and it asks great questions but in a way a middle grader can understand. He struggles through his trials through the whole book, but it never gets to be overwhelming.

The lives of these boys on the street is very difficult and it can be sad. The head of the gang, Willie is a big bully and either hits the other boys (he punches one boy in the face), or threatens to hand them over to the police. But other than that, there aren’t too many other considerations.

Found in L4M YT Family Membership Bundle

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Santo Alfonsi, born in 1896 or 1897, lives in extreme poverty in Baracca, Campania, Italy with his mother, siblings, and grandfather. His father travels to the US because there are so few resources for the family, as many men in that time and place did. Things are dire, and Santo occasionally resorts to stealing apples from the padrone's orchard because the family is so hungry. He has no opportunity for education, but does at least have sympathy from the local Catholic church. When the his grandfather died of cholera, and his older sister succumbs to malaria soon after, things look bleak. When the father sends four tickets to the US in 1911, the family walks a good distance from their home to Naples to board the Fulda. It's a perilous and unpleasant journey, and Santo goes to work in the kitchens, earning a little food in exchange for washing dishes and peeling vegetables. When they arrive at Ellis Island, the family is on high alert; they have been told time and again that if their health isn't good, they may be sent back to Italy. Santo manages to hide the limp he has from a badly healed leg wound, and makes it through. He waits, and his mother, sister Francesca, and brother Tullio never get off. He ends up in New York City hungry and despondent. Willie, a slightly older boy, finds him and offers to get him food. He also offers to make him part of his gang, known as the Downtown Dukes, along with Toby, Anton, and Louie. The boys steal food, small items from street vendors, and occasionally larger items like watches, and Willie gives them a cut. It's a hard life, but Santo sees no other way forward, as he despairs of ever finding any of his family again. When a heist goes awry, Willie turns Santo over to the police, who in turn turn him over to Mr. Ashbury. Mr. Ashbury takes him home, feeds him, has the maid, Nora, clean him up, and offers him a deal. Santo can live in the attic and steal for Mr. Ashbury, or he can be turned over to the police. Mrs. Ashbury knows what her husband is up to and doesn't like it, and Nora warns Santo that Mr. Ashbury is involved with Sargeant Becker, a corrupt cop for whom Willie has worked. Santo is to get into houses through the coal chute and open the door for Mr. Ashbury, who then steals paintings and other valuables when families are away from their homes for extended periods. There are some close calls with domestic staff being unexpectedly at home, and one day Santo runs into none of their than his sister Francesca. They arrange to talk, and she tells the tale of how the mother had an eye condition that delayed her entry until after treatment, and that she was sent to be trained as a domestic so that she could earn her living. She doesn't know where Tullio is. Mrs. Ashbury has taken a liking to Santo, and when she finds that he has snuck out, tells him that she will help both him and his sister. When Santo is caught in a house and recognized, he goes back to his gang to try to warn them, but Willie sees him and gives chase. Santo gets away when Willie falls and crushes both of his legs. Before he can get to the person whom Mrs. Ashbury has contacted, he sees his brother Tullio shining shoes on the street, and finds out that his mother is also living in the city. He goes to live with them, and gets a job making wheels for automobiles. He even managed to send Tullio to public school. Things turn out fairly happily, but the family never again see the father.
Strengths: Whew. I started this book a little apprehensively, because it had 123 chapters. Never fear: some of these chapters are just one paragraph, and Avi employs the James Patterson cliffhanger style of narration by ending many of these short chapters with teasers. This is a perfect format for reluctant readers, and really sped the book along. The bare and dire details about how hard life was for Santo are ones that I would like all of my students to read. Yes, things can be hard today, but it is rare that teenagers go days without eating and have to resort to petty thievery for mere survival. Avi has been writing for over fifty years, but has managed to tell this newest story in a way that modern readers will still find engaging. There is a nice historical note at the back about Sgt. Becker, the only actual person described in this fictional tale.
Weaknesses: Santo finding his brother and his sister by happenstance is rather coincidental, but at least he never did find his father. The ending is perhaps happier than reality, but satisfying nonetheless.
What I really think: One of my favorite historical immigration tales is Napoli's 2005 The King of Mulberry Street, and this is an even more exciting tale. Santo would have been about the age of my grandmother, and it's hard enough for me to imagine the trauma that so many in her generation had to endure. Young Readers should know about this period of history, and Lost in the Empire City is a great choice for making this an engaging topic.

[Entrada Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ A Gripping Historical Adventure That Will Stay With You

"Lost in the Empire City" by Avi is a masterpiece that completely swept me away. From the very first page, I was transported to 1890s New York, experiencing every heart-pounding moment alongside Santo as he navigates a foreign land in search of his family.

What I particularly loved about this book was how Avi crafted a story that's both historically rich and emotionally resonant. The pacing is absolutely perfect - there's never a dull moment as Santo moves from one challenge to the next, but the story still allows enough breathing room to fully absorb the immigrant experience and the complexities of survival in a strange new world.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its clean storytelling. Despite dealing with serious themes like family separation, poverty, and survival, Avi handles everything with remarkable sensitivity and age-appropriate content. The moral dilemmas Santo faces feel real and weighty without ever becoming too heavy or inappropriate for younger readers.

The authenticity of Santo's journey through Manhattan's streets kept me on the edge of my seat. His struggles with the English language, the challenge of navigating a massive city alone, and his determination to reunite with his family create a compelling narrative that's impossible to put down.

This is truly a book for all ages. Middle-grade readers will connect with Santo's courage and resilience, teens will appreciate the deeper themes of identity and belonging, and adults will find themselves completely invested in the historically accurate portrayal of immigrant life in turn-of-the-century New York. The layers of storytelling ensure that each reader, regardless of age, will find something meaningful in these pages.

"Lost in the Empire City" is a remarkable achievement that reminds us of the timeless power of hope, family, and perseverance. It's the kind of book that will spark important conversations while keeping readers thoroughly entertained from start to finish. On a personal note, having a great-grandfather who emigrated to the United States from Italy via Ellis Island at a very young age really helped this book to hit home.

[H.R.H. Carpathia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading AVI since I was a child and looking back his are probably my most read books. He knows how to craft a story which nobody can deny. When I saw this book released I was surprised and happy to see AVI still writing and still writing such engaging books.

The story follows Santo who live in a small house in Italy with his mother, grandfather, and three siblings. His favorite of all is Francesca who is his best friend. After a tragedy the family is encouraged to contact the father who has gone to America and in reply they receive money and tickets for travel. The family arrives in New York and this is where the true trouble starts.

I was not sure of how the plot would go from there despite the title. Santo endured a lot alone and the entire time I kept waiting for him to bump into his father. He becomes a thief at the bottom and a thief at the top, all the while hoping against all odds to be reunited with his his family.

While the story did not have the ending I was hoping for it was still an enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in this period of American history. The story reads more like a slice of life than adventure, but it does have its thrilling parts. It is a middle grade book and does not shy away from violence and depravity, but this is presented in an age appropriate way.

[Louis Muñoz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read Avi before and have enjoyed his books very much. This time around, the reader side of me unfortunately can only rate Avi's latest as 2.5 stars rounded down to 2, although my librarian side leans a bit higher, as Avi is a very popular writer for children and many of them will probably like this book. But I could never quite get past Avi's choice regarding much his main character, Santo, be able to understand and speak English after literally coming off the boat from Italy. But among things I DID like in the novel was the harrowing experience for Santo and his family coming through Ellis Island, and I don't think I've ever seen any depiction of this, written or visual, geared for adults or for children, quite as powerful as the one provided by this book. Kudos as well for the great historical context and research provided in the book, and for not making everything turn out rosy and sweet as other authors might be tempted to do.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review of this book. Although this book didn't work for me, I do look forward to reading more from the author.

[Jamie Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santo (13) and his family are finally leaving Italy to join their father in America after five years, but things don't go according to plan. Santo is separated from his mother and siblings as they are detained on Ellis Island and his father is nowhere to be found. Santo finds himself alone on the streets of New York City until he gets pulled into a gang of petty street urchins. He is learning the ropes when the boss of the group turns on him and is going to have him arrested for theft, but a man on the street, an upscale art thief, takes Santo in and uses him case and break into homes where he can take the art to help pay for his more expensive life. Dangers begin to breathe down their necks when Santo is almost caught and he has to run, but in doing so, he might just find what he really needs. This historical fiction dives readers into early immigration and how things don't work the way they should. Santo is a believable character, doing what he has to to survive, and just wants to find his family and be safe again. The secondary character, the other thieves, the Ashbury (art thief) family, and other New Yorkers are well flushed out and play into the historica setting and the danger Santo finds himself in. A great read for those that enjoy historical fiction and mystery.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook on the library's Libby app. Avi succeeds in developing a main character with whom the reader will sympathize. Santo immigrates from his small village in Italy to New York City. The hardships encountered along the way are harrowing, even before he leaves Italy. When he is separated from his family at Ellis Island he finds himself alone in a new country, hoping against hope to find his father, unable to speak English, and completely at the mercy of strangers--most of whom are unwelcoming to immigrants. Forced to resort to thievery to stay alive, he nevertheless continues to hope he will find his family. The level of violence portrayed may be hard to read, but does inform the reader about the desperation faced by impoverished immigrants in the early 1900's.

The ending was unsatisfactory. It seemed that Avi had reached the length required of a middle grade novel (or ran out of time or ideas?) and therefore abruptly finished the book without the detail and emotional heft of the rest of the story. Very disappointing after all the build up to that point.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: The promise took a second to make but became the story of my young life. I made the promise in Italy in 1905.

Premise/plot: COULD A BOOK BE MORE PERFECTLY PACED?!?!?! Seriously, Avi could teach a master class on how to make a book IMPOSSIBLE to put down.

The premise is simple enough, Santo, our hero, makes a promise to keep his family together always and forever. This promise becomes a challenge once the family immigrates to America. The family is separated at Ellis Island. Santo finds himself ALONE in a foreign country where he knows only the tiniest amount of English and he is essentially without resources. Every single day is focused on surviving--living long enough to keep that promise and reunite the family, somehow someway. This book chronicles that dangerous journey.

My thoughts: I LOVED this one. I didn't know if I would or not. (Though Ms. Yingling's review led me to believe that I would.) I loved the pacing, the suspense, the characterization, the story itself. It was SO good.

[Cailin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very excited to read this book as I was a huge fan of Avi's books as a child! And as a mother of a young son, I'm always pleased to find contemporary books that have boy protagonists. I love any story that speaks to the American dream and this didn't disappoint. The writing is clear but not boring. Some scenes were reminiscent of the setting in The Godfather II (one of my all-time favorite movies), but obviously this is a middle grade book and has an age-appropriate plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the historical elements of this book to be really interesting, but did not like how everything was magically resolved in the last twenty pages of the book and really did not like how poorly constructed the main character's mother was, truly a non-entity in the story. I did like how the morally ambiguous characters did not necessarily get their come-uppances and that there was a certain Robin Hood aspect to the thievery.

Really interested to see if this connects with any of my students.

[Clarissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining story of a young Italian immigrant boy in New York city in 1911. Santo is separated from his family at Ellis Island, and falls in with petty thieves in order to survive. It's always fascinating to read about old New York, and the harsh life that poor people experienced in those days. Throughout the book you are rooting for Santo to find his family and reach a place of safety and security.

[Debby Tiner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story definitely feels middle grade. The chapters are nice and short too.

Favorite character: probably Francesca, although none of the characters were very developed.

The story sort of reminded me of Oliver Twist.

The harsh treatment of immigrants to America was given a platform that is approachable for children, and I think it is important that children are aware of issues like these. So often, stories about immigrants glorify America without showing its cruel underbelly.

[Holly Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5*

What I Loved: The only reason this book is 4.5 stars instead of 5, is because I was directly comparing it to another book written by Avi set in NYC in this general time period. The City of Orphans is an all-time favorite of mine and while this one was great, it didn't quite live up to City of Orphans. Avi has a fantastic way of transporting the reader to New York City in the early 1900's. This book had elements that reminded me of The Thief Lord, Annie, and Nickel Bay Nick (all favorites for me!) Santo was a perfect character to root for. He is so earnest and lovable. I loved the scene where he saw himself in a mirror for the first time! The short chapters made this an engrossing story.

What I Didn't Love: There is a bit of violence that some younger middle grade readers may find too much.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santo’s bravery in difficult situations and his relentless pursuit of family are themes all throughout this book.
Avi’s story of a boy who is told of America’s wealth, dreams all the American dreams, and then realizes the reality of early 20th century immigration, is one I’ll definitely recommend to my students.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed this audiobook from the library's Libby app. I always enjoy a good middle grade book, especially historical fiction, because the books can teach kids about events in history in an entertaining way. Avi has done a very good job of portraying a young immigrant boy who is separated from his family on Ellis Island and is left on the streets to fend for himself. Lots of good lessons here.

[Jami Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Santo's story of the journey to America and all that happened once he and his family arrived at Ellis Island. I know that his experience was true for a lot of immigrants, and I felt that Avi did a great job of capturing the emotions that Santo was feeling. I'm glad the story had a happy ending (mostly), but I do wish that there was more to the reunion of the family.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book before handing it over to my kids, and I found it to be a page turner for me! I became wrapped up in the storyline of Santo being asked to go against his conscience to survive after being separated from his family in New York City after arriving on Ellis Island as immigrants.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fast-paced, adventurous, and I loved every minute! The characters (which per the author were completely fictional except for Officer Beckett) felt very real. I only wish Santos dad was able to find the family so they could all be reunited…nonetheless the ending was nice

[Stephanie Pratt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle grade, historical fiction, New York City, immigrants, boy gang

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I started this one and got to the part where they got on the boat for America, but I didn't love the writing, and it just felt like any other old-timey immigration book. Decided to abandon it.

[SOYAMRG · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost in the Empire City by Avi is a historical fiction middle grade book about Santo, a 13-year-old immigrant from Italy in the early 1900s.

The story hits many aspects of entering a new country – language barriers, meeting unkind people, finding lost loved ones, and more. You can really feel Santo’s confusion in the midst of New York City, encountering criminals and other hardships while trying to survive. However, the writing was confusing and didn’t relay the feelings it intended.

Ending every chapter with something along the lines of “it’s about to get worse” was an odd way to create tension since the action didn’t always match. The ending was unsatisfying and quick to conclude what should’ve been the best part of the story.

Fans of Avi and historical fiction might still enjoy the book. There is a bit of adventure, interesting foes, and chase scenes.

This book would be an optional purchase for grades 3-5.

J.G.
YS Librarian

[sincerely · Rating 5 out of 5]

rating from 9 year old
recommendation from redeemed reader

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

New (2024) historical fiction.
Great story.

[Margaret McGuire · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting and historical background of this book are spot – on. I enjoyed the adventurous nature of the story, but the ending came up way too fast.