57 pages • 1 hour read
City of Orphans
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1890s
2000
Middle grade
10-14 years
HL570L
Super Short Summary
City of Orphans by Avi is set in 1893 New York and follows 13-year-old newsie Maks Geless as he teams up with an orphan girl, Willa, to prove his sister Emma's innocence after she is accused of theft. Together, they seek help from a former detective, navigate the dangers of their urban environment, and cope with their family's struggles, ultimately uniting through resilience and determination.
Mysterious
Gritty
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
3,787 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
City of Orphans by Avi captivates readers with its compelling portrayal of 1893 New York City through the eyes of a young newsboy. Critics appreciate the rich historical detail and likable protagonist. However, some found the plot predictable and side characters less developed. Despite these flaws, the novel remains an engaging and educational read for middle-grade audiences.
Who Should Read City of Orphans?
City of Orphans by Avi is ideal for readers aged 10-14 who enjoy gripping historical fiction set in turn-of-the-century New York. Fans of Brian Selznick’s The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Karen Hesse’s Out of the Dust will appreciate its vivid depiction of the struggles faced by young immigrants and its fast-paced, adventurous narrative.
3,787 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Willa Brunswick
Willa Brunswick
An orphan girl of German descent who becomes Maks’s courageous ally and is taken in by the Geless family, providing kindness and support in their quest to help Emma.
Emma Geless
Emma Geless
Maks’s sister who works at the Waldorf Hotel and is imprisoned after being falsely accused of theft, her predicament driving the novel's central conflict.
Bruno
Bruno
The leader of the Plug Ugly Gang, Bruno antagonizes Maks and Willa but is ultimately a pawn in larger, malevolent schemes beyond his control.
Agnes Geless
Agnes Geless
Maks’s fourteen-year-old sister who works in a factory, pushing against societal limits by pursuing an education despite her own tribulations.
Bartleby Donck
Bartleby Donck
A former detective turned social activist who aids Maks and Willa in their efforts, and is notable for his hearing impairment and commitment to justice.
368
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1890s
2000
Middle grade
10-14 years
HL570L
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