Street Child

Author:

Berlie Doherty

Illustrator:

N/A

Published by:

HarperCollins Children's Books

First Published:

30 Sept 1993

Ideal for readers aged

9-12y

My Review

An easy read, and great as a class read-aloud, this is a classic of Victorian London; from streets to workhouse, from family to the life of an orphan, Berlie Doherty portrays Jim's life with gentleness but honesty. The brutality and loneliness of Jim's life is shocking to young readers now - as is the realisation that were it not for the compassion of the Doctor, his life might have ended much more tragically.

Heads Up!

Berlie Doherty's 'Far From Home' is the sequel to this book, and follows the story of Jim's sisters.

Publisher Review

The unforgettable tale of an orphan in Victorian London, based on the boy whose plight inspired Dr Barnardo to found his famous children’s homes. When his mother dies, Jim Jarvis is left all alone in London. He is sent to the workhouse but quickly escapes, choosing a hard life on the streets of the city over the confines of the workhouse walls. Struggling to survive, Jim finally finds some friends… only to be snatched away and made to work for the remorselessly cruel Grimy Nick, constantly guarded by his vicious dog, Snipe. Will Jim ever manage to be free?