Secret in St. Something

by Barbara Brooks Wallace

Book Overview

What is the secret? In a grim tenement district of New York City, before the turn of the century, young Robin decides to take his baby brother, Danny, and escape from his brutal stepfather. Surviving... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0689856016
• ISBN13: 9780689856013
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
• Length: 149 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 7.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

A thrilling book combining historical fiction and mystery.

Since his mother's death, eleven-year-old Robin, living in the tenements of 19th century New York City, has had no one to protect him from the beatings of Hawker Doake, his cruel stepfather. Robin doesn't even try to protect himself - keeping his baby brother Danny safe is much more important. When he believes Danny's life may be in danger, Robin takes his baby brother and runs away. But life on the streets is not easy. Robin takes shelter in the basement of a church and meets four street boys living there. The boys welcome Robin and Danny into their "family," teaching Robin how to shine shoes so he can earn money to help support himself and his brother. Robin thinks he and Danny are safe from their stepfather, until he notices one of Hawker's friends following him. When he falls into Hawker's trap, Robin must find a way to once again escape his stepfather's clutches so that he can return to Danny and his friends. This was an exciting mystery set in the treacherous world of the New York City slums in the mid-1800s. Fans of the author's other historical mysteries will enjoy her newest book.