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.
WINNER
| 2006 ALA Notable Children's Book
WINNER
| 2005 Sydney Taylor Book Award, Association of Jewish Libraries
"This tale may well offer readers insight into how their own familiesfound 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
Donna Jo Napoli is both a linguist and a writer of children's and young adult fiction. Some of her work includes Treasury of Greek Mythology, Stones in Water, Treasury of Norse Mythology, and Daughter of Venice. She has five children and eight grandchildren. She dreams of moving to the woods and becoming a naturalist. She loves to garden, bake bread, dance, and make pottery.
View titles by Donna Jo Napoli
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.
Awards
WINNER
| 2006 ALA Notable Children's Book
WINNER
| 2005 Sydney Taylor Book Award, Association of Jewish Libraries
Reviews
"This tale may well offer readers insight into how their own familiesfound 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
Author
Donna Jo Napoli is both a linguist and a writer of children's and young adult fiction. Some of her work includes Treasury of Greek Mythology, Stones in Water, Treasury of Norse Mythology, and Daughter of Venice. She has five children and eight grandchildren. She dreams of moving to the woods and becoming a naturalist. She loves to garden, bake bread, dance, and make pottery.
View titles by Donna Jo Napoli
