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57 pages 1 hour read

Avi

City of Orphans

AviFiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2000

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Book Brief

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Avi

City of Orphans

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1890s

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

HL570L

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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

4.3

3,787 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

4.3

3,787 ratings

74%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1890s

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

HL570L

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