Last of the Name

by Rosanne Parry

Twelve-year-old Danny O'Carolan and his sister, Kathleen, arrive in New York City in 1863. Kathleen refuses to be parted from her only remaining relative, so she finds a job in domestic service for herself and her younger...sister. Danny reluctantly pretends to be a girl to avoid being sent to the children's workhouse or recruited as a drummer boy for the Union army. When he occasionally sneaks off to spend a few hours as a boy and share his rich talent for Irish dancing, he discovers the vast variety of New York's neighborhoods. But the Civil War draft is stoking tensions between the Irish and free black populations. With dangers escalating, how can Danny find a safe place to call home?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Ireland, Childrens, Civil War, Chapter Books, Irish Literature

344 pages, ebook

First published April 2, 2019

About the author

Hey there,
I'm the author of several novels for young readers, including the NY Times best seller, A WOLF CALLED WANDER and A WHALE OF THE WILD. There is information about all my books on my website.
I write because I love the power of story to illuminate and uplift our world. I try to write things that are heartfelt and encourage conversation in families and classrooms. If you wanted to ask me a question or invite me to come speak at your school or library, I'd love that. There's a contact me area on my website

When I'm not writing I try to be an advocate for literacy and libraries whenever I can. I like to read (obviously) and hike and dance and go to the beach and play the harp and write in my treehouse.

Reviews

[- The Polybrary - · Rating 5 out of 5]

~*Follow all my reviews over on my blog, The Bent Bookworm!*~

“Always remember who ye are,” Granny says. “Descended of the great bards of old. Honord by princes near and far they were. Sought out for music and for counsel. Keepers of history. Writers of songs.”

I was excited to read Last of the Name, being of partial descent from Irish immigrants myself. It’s not a topic I’ve often seen covered for this age group, and I was thrilled to see it done so well.

Last of the Name is a middle-grade book about the arrival of Irish immigrants to the United States during the time of the Civil War. 12-year-old Danny has lost everyone dear to him except for his sister Kathleen, either to war, famine (by hunger or in attempts to steal enough food for their family to survive), or the crossing to America. He rebels at dressing as a girl to be a maid alongside Kathleen, but since it seems their only hope of staying together and surviving in the bitter, angry stew that was New York City in 1863, he goes along with his sister’s plan.

Kathleen is the sort of believer who believes more the less evidence there is. She could be on her knees for days on end. I’m going to die of hunger while she prays to save me from a bountiful future…If only there was a patron saint of those afflicted by tyrannical sisters there’d be hope for me.

Despite his complaining, it’s clear Danny dearly loves his sister and will do anything for her. As the city grows more and more hateful, both towards free blacks and the Irish (coming to steal jobs, naturally), it becomes almost as dangerous for them as it was at home – except here, people appreciate Danny’s voice and his dancing feet, which maybe – just maybe – might be the key to their survival in New York City. But when the draft is initiated and the Irish immigrants of the city bear the brunt of it (so much for random!), the whole city looks to go up in flames.

I’m not going to lie, I teared up several times reading this story – and I’m not even sure why! It just felt so poignantly REAL. Danny was adorable and I loved Kathleen’s fire and backbone.

“You Irish,” says another [man], just as stern. “It’s your own out there doing the lynching and the burning. What do you have to fear from your own?”

“You fat old men!” Kathleen shrieks. “What do you know of fear, you with your broad shoulders and your full plates! We have to fear what every woman fears her whole life long. Ye heartless men! When have you ever been small or hungry? Would you send a German child out on the streets this night? Aren’t we Catholic like you? Don’t we sit side by side in church?”

As is historically accurate, Danny and Kathleen’s Catholic faith does play a part in the story – but never in a proselytizing way. The story really shows how much conflict was in the United States at this time, not only around color, but around religion, politics, even denominations. It’s rather disheartening to see that we’ve never really moved on, the names of the different factions have just changed. Despite all that, the story is one of beauty and hope and I’ll be adding it to my own library.

5/5 stars. Highly recommend, and it REALLY needs much more attention than it’s getting!

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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[Dana-Adriana B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great historical fiction about Irish immigrants, a touching story.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this nice copy.

[Jypsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last of the Name is a story of Irish immigrants. I found the characters engaging and likeable. This book held my interest. It's a good read overall.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me out of a month-long reading slump. A necessary addition to the middle grade historical fiction shelf, Parry tells the story of Irish immigrants with heart and depth. Set in 1863 New York, she covers the lead-up and subsequent brutality of the Draft Riots with honesty and sensitivity - never straying from the child's point of view. Daniel and Kathleen's sibling relationship is touching and true - complete with loving gestures and not-so-loving big-sisterly corrections. Their hardships are believable and terrible - though not overwhelming - and through it all the hope of a better future carries both the characters and the readers through the difficult time period.

[Shelley Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this book with my 10 year old grandson. He remembered the author, Rosane Parry, coming to his school in Boise, Idaho. It is very well written, a captivating story about two children who immigrate from Ireland to New York City. They've left behind starvation and the loss of all their family and are faced with some real challenges. It sparked an interest in Ireland, so we had a spur-of-the-moment online lesson about Ireland and we also watched a video of the song Danny Boy. Excellent book.

[Karen Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much.
GREAT characters, historical (Irish emigration to New York City during the Civil War), and a page-turner.

Parry writes beautifully, turns a phrase well, and weaves many themes and conflicts seamlessly throughout. People are portrayed as the complex mixture of emotions and morality that we are. What extent will desperate people go to survive? How do we stay "good" while being persecuted. The importance of standing up for others and protecting the weak. And so much more. Yet she does this without sounding preachy or teachy (yes, I made that word up).

She includes an excellent historical recap at the end, as well as a variety of reading suggestions for the same time period from different points-of-view.

The following excerpts demonstrate some of the excellence of this book:
"The pity of folks who've got more than you, it sticks to you like tar. Long after you don't need their charity, you still feel the burn of it."

"How do we know you will ...?"
"Why indeed. We none of us have cause to trust each other.... You might harm us.... Yet I will trust you. Not because I know you to be an honest man, but because I find hope in choosing to trust."

"Through all my sorrows I have been a lover of music. It's a rare gift in a weary world."

"If I have to be the last of the name, I'm going to make it a name to remember."

Did I mention, I love this book?

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a gem. I am always on the lookout for different perspectives on overdone subjects, so I was excited to find a story set during the Civil War that was told from the perspective of Irish immigrants.

In this story we follow siblings, Daniel and Kathleen as they cross the ocean to escape Ireland for a life of freedom in America. But coming to the United States in 1863, things don't seem that much different than they were back at home. They are leaving behind tragedy and starvation in Ireland, only to find prejudice and war in America. Desperate to stay together, Kathleen convinces her younger brother to dress like a girl so they can both get a job in service to a wealthy family.

I adored Danny as a character - he has such a great voice and his observations are so smart and innocent. And Kathleen is such a strong female character. I loved her backbone - she knew what she wanted and stood up for herself and her brother. The sibling relationship is at the heart of the story and I found their interactions to be realistic and endearing.

You can read my full review here: http://historybookbybook.com/Last_of_...

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the author did a pretty good job at showing that history-and life in general- is nuanced and messy. It was also fun to see a historical novel turn around the usual "girl dresses as a boy for more freedom" trope and show how difficult a woman's work could be.

It's also important to note, and I think it was dawning on a few characters: it was difficult to be Irish in the U.S. at the time, but for all their hardships they were just another person of a certain class until an accent or certain name was heard. To be Black was to be hated or at least looked down on from the very first glance.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Last of the Name by Rosanne Perry , 322 pages. Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2019. $18.

Language: G (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (rioting and implied beatings)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When their Grandmother dies on the ship on the way to America in 1863, Kathleen and Daniel are the only two left of their whole family. Kathleen is desperate to keep Daniel out of the hands of the recruiters for the Army, which is fighting the Civil War in the South, and she needs to keep both of them off the streets. Luckily she finds a place as a housemaid, but she can only bring her “sister” as a cook’s helper. Danny is disgusted by the ruse, especially when the mistress of the house hears his singing and insists that “Mary” be a star of her upcoming musical evening. As preparations continue, no one knows the wild days that are coming as Irish community becomes angry about the large proportion of them who are having their names dawn in the draft, because they can’t afford to buy their way out, like the rich, and Irish lives don’t seem to be worth as much as a black.

This is only the third novel I have seen about the New York Draft riots (Isabelle Holland’s Behind the Lines and Walter Dean Myers Riot). The tale is told from the point of view of Irish Americans, which I liked, especially since Irish and Catholics were not really “accepted” until JFK won the presidency – another 100 years later. Neither the title nor the cover will help this find readers, though.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Terezia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to read fictional history. This books offers a new perspective of how the Irish had to live in Ireland in the 1800's and in America in the same period.
The story presents the life of Danny and Kathleen. They have to struggle to survive in America, during the Civil War. They have to learn what is allowed in America and was not in Ireland and vice versa.
Even if they have a very hard life, they don't forget the good things their parents thought them: to take care of others that are more unfortunate, to sing and dance, to work hard, to practice their faith where ever they are.
This book is full of deep lessons about life.
Danny and Kathleen meet a lot of human typologies: generous people, bitter people, sad people, wicked and arrogant people, religious people, kind people. What I love the most is that they try to be the best of what their parents thought them.
They honor their name and even if it is "last of the name", they make it live through their life, choices and story.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical fiction set in New York City during the Civil War. The Irish immigrant brother and sister arrive just before the devastating New York draft riots. I was unaware of this piece of Civil War history. Danny's sister comes up with the idea of Danny disguising himself as a girl to obtain service employment along side her. And to keep him from enlisting as a drummer for the Union troops. His singing talent and his traditional Irish dance prowess are interesting parts of the plot.
My copy was a signed copy by the author, a Mother's Day gift. My daughter knows I am a Roseanne Parry fan. A 3.5

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a story about a young boy's immigration to America from Ireland during the Civil War. It was very enlightening as I didn't really know how bad the Irish in America had it, although it was still much better than what they lived through in Ireland. Daniel is a dancing and singing boy who has to dress as a girl and do maid work in order to stay with his sister. Eventually he finds a way to be himself and it was fun getting to the happy ending.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book, my son and I were not enjoying it and I was not seeing why it would be important enough to be part of a curriculum. As it got more into how the different groups of people saw each other and the events that were unfolding I understood and began to see the value. Really happy we stuck it out and finished.

[Eloise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another book of historical fiction about a topic I knew nothing about: the Draft Riots of 1863 in New York City.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen, Danny, and their grandmother leave Ireland to have a better life in America during the Civil War period. But when their grandmother dies aboard ship, the siblings need to find a way to survive in New York City. Danny's enticed by the the idea of being a drummer in the army, but Kathleen finds a job as a servant in a wealthy home, and to keep Danny near her, he must pretend to be a girl (Mary) as he also does hard domestic chores. He doesn't fool everyone with his guise and an elderly neighbor servant proposes that Danny do her shopping in the city, while she'll hang up the laundry that is his job. This gives Danny the opportunity to see the city and he even earns money by singing and dancing.

There's a kind of upstairs/downstairs vibe to the story and the upstairs lady of the house notes "Mary's" musical talent and is given the opportunity to take music lessons with the wealthy daughter. Danny's talent and music lessons give the siblings the advantage they need to succeed in New York City.

The draft riots during the Civil War was new to me and people's prejudice towards the Irish and their Catholic religion was played out in the story. I appreciated that Danny and Kathleen held on to their Catholic upbringing even though people made it difficult for them to be faithful.

I've read other books by the author, but this one was particularly outstanding!

[Carbonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slice of history vividly imagined

The author opens a window into the American past proving that "diversity" is our challenge. Risen to, great things can be built: Ignored, or worse just
a new-fangled dog-whistle for different skin colours required to think in lockstep, it can burn everything down. Last of the Name is a story about an immigrant boy tested by strangeness, hunger, and fear who works out a pathway to hope. With its well-round cast and absorbing sense of place, it's an unflinching look at how perilous that road is. The smoothness of the prose (including deft handling of a light vernacular) combined with a well-crafted plot (None of that modern YA slog in the middle when the author loses track of the different threads) will keep any reader turning the pages.

[Tompkins County Public Library Youth Services]

Author of another great STEAM Book Club pick, “The Turn of the Tide”, Rosanne Parry creates another wonderful story, this time in the genre of historical fiction. Her protagonists are almost larger than life, but lovingly so, and she brings the life of Irish immigrants into sharp, painful focus. You will be rooting for Danny and Kathleen O’Carolan. I laughed so much, and cried, while reading this book. I think it’s very important for kids to read about historical events that highlight the horrors and hopes of immigrants, as they can mirror what is happening in our world today. Maybe these kinds of books can help us stop repeating history that should absolutely not be repeated, and encourage empathy - a very important character attribute.

[Seema Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poignant ~ Wrenching ~ Surprising

tl; dr: Irish teen arrives in New York City in the middle of the Civil War to see a country broken and to feel prejudice.

The middle school level book was a well-written story about the Irish during the Civil War. Danny and his sister Kathleen feel the prejudice of the era against Catholics and Irish and survive (barely) to have a happy ending. The prose is well-written and the story is compelling (stressful at times). I found details, like the types of food they ate or the surrounds in NYC were well-done. Ideal for any middle schooler whose family has a similar heritage.

Thanks to NetGallery for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gabe Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful historical fiction for middle grade readers. Touches on the lives of a brother and sister who have just arrived in America from Ireland. The older sister is fiercely protective of her little brother, and in order to keep him nearby has him disguise himself as a girl so he can get a job as a servant in the same house she works in. Set during the Civil War, there are wonderful insights into the class divide during that time, and the role the poorer citizens/immigrants played in doing the actual fighting in the war and the tension that caused as a result. Wonderfully written...but on the older side of middle grade. 10-12 year olds.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny and his sister, Kathleen arrive in New York City. They are the last of their family. It is 1863 and the Civil War is on. They have no money. Kathleen is wanting to keep Danny by her side so they take a job in a home as two maids. Most people are not fooled by Danny dressed as a girl. New York is very divided in whether to be fighting in this war or not. Danny is only interested in music. Kathleen is only interested in them staying together. You can see how this will work out for them.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good middle grade historical novel. Strong male protagonist whose perspective changes and matures during the novel. Enjoyed the NYC/Civil war setting and learned (as an adult) a little bit about the draft riots I hadn't known before. I think this would require some pre-teaching or pre-knowledge of the basics of the Civil War and the draft to make it accessible to middle grade readers but it's a good book.

[Donna Dobihal Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even those who are not fans of historical fiction will enjoy this quick, page-turner filled with humor, tension, and well-drawn characters in a setting so descriptive, they'll think they're watching from the streets of New York City during the Civil War. Readers will appreciate the clever ways the siblings survive. A great choice for a mixed gender book club. Highly recommended.

[EJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO well written and honestly I learned so much about the Irish Revolt and the rest of this area in this period of history that I didn't know before. I knew there was a lot of prejudice about Irish people but I hadn't realised it was That bad.
Plus, I love the flipping of the usual 'girl disguises herself as a boy' trope.

[Choco Panda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good historical fiction novel! I intend on sharing this with my two younger siblings. I found this book to be very accurate historically and has very interesting characters with the most wonderful of personalities.

Good for anyone who enjoyes to have a touch of history in their lives!

[Jacie Sytsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great YA historical fiction which centers on the draft riots of the Civil War in NY city, against the backdrop of Irish immigration to the U.S. The story takes place during the era of the Know Nothing Party, and clearly portrays the human issues behind immigration tensions (not so different from our current situation in the U.S.). Beautifully redemptive ending.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully told historical fiction novel about an Irish boy and his older sister who immigrate to New York City during the height of the Civil War. The two are the last of their family and must survive in America to keep their family name and history alive. A heartfelt story about being true to oneself even in the hardest of times.

[Cheriee Weichel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel and his older sister, Kathleen, immigrate to New York during the time of the civil war. The destitute pair manage to find work in a fine house, but Daniel has to be disguised as a girl. In a bargain with one of their neighbours, he gets to be himself for a few hours a week doing her shopping while she takes on his laundry duties. While he is out he discovers his singing and dancing can earn him some money. Then he is noticed by someone planning on setting up a family theatre. He wishes he could take the man up on his offer, but knows Kathleen will have nothing to do with it. Everything changes when the New York City draft riots erupt.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is charming historical fiction about Irish immigrants trying to survive in New York. A headstrong sister and her brother, who has to pretend to be a girl, struggle to survive in a sometimes unfriendly city. This is a story of courage, determination, and the beauty of the American way.

[Smg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good historical fiction for kids. Brought together Irish American history and African American history, plus gave more insight into the experience of women than I’d seen previously, though not too heavy handed in doing so.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Parry’s books. This very interesting and well researched book was quite engaging. I do think though that although the descriptions in the book are lovely, most kids would enjoy a somewhat shorter novel.