The Young Adult Historical Fiction Society discussion

Let me know what your thoughts are for this book once you get it. Happy reading :)

This is a very nice period piece set in 1750. I've read other books about young thieves but the Jewish angle makes it a bit different. I'm familiar with Jews in New York more from the late 19th century than in this time period. I learned a bit about Jewish culture and daily life in old New York. I especially liked the geography of New York: trees and farmland in Manhattan - imagine that! My only real complaint is that the characters sound too modern. Aside from Molly, they all speak modern English. Molly's thieves' cant was a bit tough to understand but there is a glossary in the back of the book.

Molly is a tough character to like. She's been on her own for two years and lived in the worst neighborhood in London. She's seen things Mrs. Bell could never even dream of. Molly's background makes her tough and when she arrives in unfamiliar territory, she tries to apply her street smarts and it makes her seem ungrateful and unappealing. Slowly she grows and the reader will come to like her in the end. I admire her resiliency.

The Jewish angle does make it interesting! I look forward to reading this one and I just have to wait for the library to get it for me.