Awards and HonorsKirkus Reviews 2010 Best Books for Teens; Children's Book Committee Bank Street College of Education Children's Choices - Best Books of 2011, Historical Fiction, ages 14 & up
Nineteenth-century London: teenage scullery maid Mary has never felt loved until she meets a handsome soldier. James, six, is traumatized when his foster mother returns him to the Foundling Hospital for schooling. Mary's affair lands her in trouble, while James's rearing at the orphanage leads to a privileged life. Yet Mary and James have far more in common than it appears. Afterword.
Summary In parallel narratives set in late-nineteenth-century England, teenaged country girl Mary Finn relates the unhappy conclusion to her experiences as a young servant in an aristocratic London household while, years later, young James Nelligan describes how he comes to leave his beloved foster family to live and be educated at London’s famous Foundling Hospital.
This collection features nonfiction and historical fiction titles that bring past events, eras, and influential figures to life through compelling storytelling. Selections span a mix of story-driven history and immersive historical fiction, offering engaging ways for teens to explore how the past shapes the present. Some selections are written for adults but are thoughtfully chosen for their relevance and appeal to teen readers.