In 1892, nine-year-old Dom’s mother puts him on a ship leaving Italy, bound for America. He is a stowaway, traveling alone and with nothing of value except for a new pair of shoes from his mother. In the turbulent world of homeless children in Manhattan’s Five Points, Dom learns street smarts, and not only survives, but thrives by starting his own business. A vivid, fascinating story of an exceptional boy, based in part on the author’s grandfather.
From the Hardcover edition.
Donna Jo Napoli
About Donna Jo Napoli
Donna Jo Napoli is the author of Crazy Jack, The Magic Circle, Stones in Water, and many other books, and is the chairperson of the linguistics department at Swarthmore College.
Praise
Praise
"This tale may well offer readers insight into how their own families found their way here."—Publishers Weekly, Starred
"History comes to vibrant life for middle grade readers and almost anyone whose ancestors came from foreign lands."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred