Molly Abraham is a kinchin mort: a ten-year-old thief trying not to starve on the London streets. But everything changes for Molly when she is sen...
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reviews
Mar 12, 2008
Ariel
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This book, appropriate for ages 9 and up, is a really amazing historical look at the settlement of New York in 1730. Molly is a 10-year-old pickpocket in London who, instead of being hung when caught, is sentenced to life in America. On her way there, she is told that she is actually Jewish, which (apparently) will make her experience better, as there are people waiting to take her on the other side of the ocean. The book tells the tale of a young orphan girl, who learns what the word "home
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Dec 29, 2009
Molly
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Schwabach's book is a great read for all ages. I would have liked it as an elementary- or middle-school student, and now in my 30s I liked it very much! Schwabach is one of those truly impressive historical fiction writers who has done her research thoroughly, but slides the information into the story so naturally that it never feels like you're reading *history*, just a good tale that happens to be set in another time. I could smell, feel, hear, and see the filthy streets of 18th century London
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Aug 02, 2009
Susan
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Molly is an orphan in London. Her mother died of Smallpox when she was eight. To survive she picks pockets. She is turned in by a fellow theif and sent before the judge. The sentence could easily be death by hanging. She is saved by a Jewish man, because she is a Jew. Instead of hanging, she is sent to American as an indentured servant for a Jewish family in New York. She is determined to get back to London at all costs and has many adventures trying to do that. Finally she learns how im
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Feb 20, 2009
Needleroozer
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My friend Tony has been doing a lot of research on indentured servants in America and learning that in many ways, indentured servitude was really slavery for poor whites.
I knew nothing about this book two days ago when I saw it on a shelf in the library's young adult section (The Zone). The cover and title looked interesting, so I borrowed it to read. Imagine my astonishment when I found out it was about a ten year old girl convicted of stealing in London and sentenced to deportation More...
I knew nothing about this book two days ago when I saw it on a shelf in the library's young adult section (The Zone). The cover and title looked interesting, so I borrowed it to read. Imagine my astonishment when I found out it was about a ten year old girl convicted of stealing in London and sentenced to deportation More...
Apr 25, 2011
Ashley
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When I read this book a while back, I was thrilled with this new way to actually LEARN historical details and have a better time than through movies. This book provided several thought-provoking (and not always happy thoughts being provoked)realizations about poverty and how one dealt with it. I was extremely pleased with this book and would recommend it to anybody who has a few hours to spare.
Aug 03, 2009
R.Michael
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This is a charming tale rich in characters and historic content. This was a delight to read and reminds me of the efforts of such greats as Dickens and Shaw. Ms. Schwabach has brilliantly portrayed the harshness of life for a young pickpocket. Your heart goes out for what she has endured in her young life, and has you cheering for others who are determined to give this young girl a new start.
Jun 19, 2009
Melinda
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I found this book while my daughters were looking for something new to read at the library. It looked intriguing. This story was an interesting look at early 18th century America. It incorporated historical concepts with fictional characters. Molly was a believable character who had been dealt some bad hands during her few years. She was able to make some difficult changes to adjust to new surroundings and circumstances. A good, easy read.
Oct 12, 2009
Olivia
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I enjoyed this book because it was a genre that interests me. I love history and I have fun reading fictional books. This book was perfect for me because it was the perfect balance of comedy, wit, intellectuality, use of historical knowledge and facts. It also used quite a bit of an enriched vocabulary. I enjoyed that.
Jul 09, 2010
Jacqueline
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I have a weakness for historical fiction, OK? But only if it's done right, in my opinion. I snatched this off the library shelf, and could NOT put it down. Amazing.
Jan 10, 2012
Cheryl
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I really liked this book. It was interesting from the second I picked it up. In the beginning the "language" they use was hard to get... But by the end (thanks to the glossary) you really get it! Good book!
Apr 12, 2009
Brinlie
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Well if you're a pickpocket don't get caught. But if you can help it never get yourself in that situation of being a pickpocket.
Jun 09, 2009
Samantha97
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This was a great read. I am passing it along to my teenager which if you know me is a great compliment.
Apr 26, 2010
Miss Manekofsky
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This one was pretty good. A girl recommended this to me at the library and I really enjoyed it.
May 03, 2010
Jana
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Starts out rough but I made myself finish it and I enjoyed this read and helped me understand more of what happened in that time period!
Apr 09, 2011
S. Bell
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Interesting tale, I just think it could have been told better or something. In summary, it sounds like something I'd give at least 4, if not 5 stars to, but in reality it was a bit of a chore to finish. Molly was interesting enough, but the family she went to live with annoyed the hell out of me!
Oct 04, 2008
Melody
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This was a solidly-researched book about a young girl who made a living stealing on the streets of London till she got caught and transported to the Colonies. Loaded with interesting period detail and a whole thieves' language (Flash-cant) of which I'd never heard. Nicely done.
Oct 21, 2008
Rachel
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This is a really cute story about a little girl who is a pickpocket in London in 1730. It gave a lot of historical insight into the lives of children at that time. It was interesting and fun to read.
Dec 17, 2009
Krista the Krazy Kataloguer
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I'd never heard of Flash-cant, the language of London pickpockets, until I read this book. Provides an interesting view of early 18th-century New York City as well.
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