Ned: Barnardo Boy

by Barbara Coyle

Ned is nobody's child. Abandoned as a toddler on the streets of 1870's London, he must fend for himself and survive by his wits. Discover how Ned finds help at a Ragged School, becomes a "Barnardo boy," and eventually emigrates to Canada to begin a new Barnardo Boy is a historically accurate children's book that is delighting children and adults alike. Meticulously researched and full of spiritual truth, Ned is a book your family will treasure.

166 pages, Paperback

First published December 14, 2009

Reviews

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids and I were immediately drawn into this sweet story of a little orphan boy living on the streets of London having no knowledge of who his parents are/were or even how old he was. Life on the streets was difficult - sleeping in the freezing cold wherever you can find a place to bed down for the night and not knowing when and where your next meal would come from. But Ned's life was drastically altered when a series of events led him to the Barnardo Boy's Home. What an incredible place this was! It was here that Ned learned to make his bed, cook and bake, clean, wash his clothes, do the dishes and so much more. The home began sending groups of boys from the home to Canada to be adopted. Ned was eventually among one of these groups. Ned went to stay with a childless couple who were amazed and richly blessed by Ned's work ethic and discipline that had been established during his stay in the boy's home. The story touched my heart in so many ways but the most impacting part for me has been the discipline established in each boy at the home. Be sure to read the book about Thomas J. Barnardo titled 'Father to Nobody's Children' after reading this book. A true Christian hero!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My paternal grandfather was an orphan in London. He became one of the Barnardo boys and eventually was sent from the orphanage to work on a farm in Canada. At 19 he was released from his work and came to Massachusetts where he met and married my grandmother. They lived into their 70's and had 8 children. My mother is 98, the last surviving offspring. As I turn 70 this month, my reading of this story gave me a greater understanding of how difficult my grandfather's early life must have been. Thankfully, he survived. Genealogy and twists of fate! Fascinating!

UPDATE: My mother, Helen Reed, died Jan. 13th, 2020, at age 103 and a half. She was and will remain our family treasure, never to be forgotten. As our town's eldest resident, keeper of the golden cane, over 150 guests came to her funeral services. What an amazing gift to live to 103 considering her father's difficult beginnings.

[Alexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Story!!!:)