From the author of A Place to Hang the Moon comes another World War II story about three siblings on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
12-year-old Dory Byrne lives with her brothers on New York City’s Lower East Side, waiting impatiently through the darkest hours of World War II for her pop to come home from fighting Hitler. Legally speaking, Dory’s brother, Fish, isn’t old enough to be in charge of Dory and her younger brother, Pike, but the neighborhood knows the score and, like Pop always says, “the neighborhood will give you what you need.” There’s the lady from the bakery, who saves them leftover crullers. The kind landlord who checks in on them. And every Thursday night, the Byrnes enjoy a free bowl of seafood stew at Mr. Caputo’s restaurant. Which is where Dory learns about the hand-pulled elevator that is the only way to get to Caputo’s upper floors. The elevator that’s so creaky and ancient, nobody’s been in it for decades.
Gr 4-6-Dori talks to the Statue of Liberty. The 12-year-old pleads with "Libby" to bring Pop home safely from the battles of World War II, as the statue was the last to see his ship leave and would be the first to see him return. After Pop was drafted five months ago, Dori's life without him (mom died from tuberculosis) has been a struggle for her and brothers Fish, 17, and Pike, 7. The siblings survive through their fierce devotion to one another and the generosity of their neighbors. The new building landlord, however, suspects Pop's absence and wants to turn the children over to a city orphanage. Dori's adventurous spirit leads her to discover a new home to keep the siblings together: rooms in an abandoned hotel, accessible only through an old hand-pulled elevator hidden in a nearby restaurant. Albus (A Place to Hang the Moon) vividly recreates the landscape of New York City's Lower East Side and the varying cultures of the families whose kindness make Dori's neighborhood a haven. Period jargon ("He's a drip!") adds authenticity. Dori prides herself on "not being especially sensible" while her spunk encourages readers to join in her escapades as coconspirators. Fully realized supporting characters leave a lasting impression. The third-person narration engages readers with witty asides and plot hints. Albus sidesteps embellishing an already upbeat ending, instead dangling two tantalizing threads for a sequel. Back matter includes fascinating facts about WWII-era New York City. VERDICT Historical fiction at its finest: a first purchase.-Marybeth Kozikowskiα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
City Elementary (Grades 2-6)
City Elementary
City Elementary (Grades 2-6)
For Grades 2-6
Urban situations and plot lines featuring ethnically and culturally diverse characters give these books a unique city flavor and feel. Young urban readers will find familiar images, and readers who are not from the city will enjoy exploring life from a new perspective. The 12 books you'll receive in this category will ensure that urban adventures are available all year long.