I read this book several times when I was a kid and am happy to report that it still stands up reading it as an adult. Great historical fiction with a diverse cast of characters and good handling of difficult topics. ( )

Pretty good book ( )

When Dave Caros’ father dies, his stepmother ships Dave off to the Hebrew Home for Boys. Mr. Doom is the abusive headmaster, Moe steals food off Dave’s plate, the Home is always cold, and most disheartening, Mr. Doom has taken away Dave’s treasured possession, a wood carving of the Noah’s Ark that his father made. As Dave plots to take back his carving and escape, he meets the other age eleven boys in the home and gets to know them as buddies. Mr. Hillinger the art teacher recognizes Dave’s art talents. And then Dave sneaks out one night he meets Solly, a Jewish man who tells fortunes at rent parties in Harlem. Through Solly, Dave meets Irma Lee and they become friends. Through all these people, he discovers true friendship and loyalty.

I liked it but, it wasn't the best book ever. But good enough so I could recommend it. ( )

Dave Karos’ life is turned upside down in one fell swoop; his father died in a carpentry accident, and at the funeral, his stepmother announces she can’t afford to keep Dave and his brother, Gideon, and asks who will take them. Dave’s uncle Jack agrees to take Gideon, but nobody wants Dave, so he is sent to live at the Hebrew Home for Boys, an all-boy orphan asylum. Dave wastes no time in sneaking out. He makes some good and trustworthy friends while visiting salon parties and listening to Jazz music. The orphan director is cruel and abusive (as Dave quickly finds out after he is caught for sneaking out) and to make matters worse, he has stolen Dave’s prized possession, a carving of Noah’s Ark that his father made. Dave decides that he will do whatever it takes to get his carving back, and then he will run away. Over time, however, despite some bad things about the orphanage (like bullies eating their food and it’s always freezing cold), Dave also realizes there are good things, like all of his new “buddies” – the other 11 year olds – who will look out for him through thick and thin, and the art lessons he enjoys so much.
Based on Gail Carson Levine’s own father’s experience in a similar orphanage.

*Listened to audiobook - good!