Helpful Score: 1
I read this book when I was about 10 yrs old and LOVED it! I checked it out of the library so often that they finaly gave me the book. Now my child is about to read it and I cannot wait to share our thoughts on the struggles of human nature, friendships, and the will to survive and purseveer.
Historical novel for older children about the Great Depression. Teenager Josh, who is the narrator, his friend Howie and his younger brother Joey leave their homes where there is not enough food for the family, hoping to find jobs making music. Almost immediately Howie is killed, and the other two hop trains, thumb rides, look for work and beg for food, endure good luck and bad. Their travels take them from Chicago to New Orleans to Nevada. Very well written and historically accurate.
Adventure in the pitless depression years.
Back of book description:
"I guess you're right. You're a strong boy: You're bright. Maybe you can find something better than what we have here."
She had said it. If I wanted to wallow in self-pity, I could say that both my father and my mother had rejected me. The world of that depression year lay ahead of me. If I licked it, fine; if I did'nt, there wouldn't be anyone who cared.
But I wasn't nearly so desolate as I tried to convince myself I should be. Actually I was suddenly filled with excitement, with an eagerness to get away, to break all the ties of home and to leave Chicago behind me forever. Plans began growing in my mind as I ran down the front steps past Joey and into the street. I could hardly wait. I was breathless when I reached the drugstore and sat down on the curb to wait for Howie.
Back of book description:
"I guess you're right. You're a strong boy: You're bright. Maybe you can find something better than what we have here."
She had said it. If I wanted to wallow in self-pity, I could say that both my father and my mother had rejected me. The world of that depression year lay ahead of me. If I licked it, fine; if I did'nt, there wouldn't be anyone who cared.
But I wasn't nearly so desolate as I tried to convince myself I should be. Actually I was suddenly filled with excitement, with an eagerness to get away, to break all the ties of home and to leave Chicago behind me forever. Plans began growing in my mind as I ran down the front steps past Joey and into the street. I could hardly wait. I was breathless when I reached the drugstore and sat down on the curb to wait for Howie.
Two young boys (brothers) leave their family home in Chicago to search for work during the Depression. Great read for both children and adults.
