THE PEACH THIEF by Linda Joan Smith

 

The Peach Thief by Linda Joan Smith

Historical Fiction, Homelessness, Gardeners

374 pages; 2025

Description

"The night that workhouse orphan Scilla Brown dares to climb the Earl of Havermore's garden wall, she wants only to steal a peach--the best thing she's ever tasted in her hard, hungry life. But when she's caught by the earl's head gardener and mistaken for a boy, she grabs on to something more: a temporary job scrubbing flowerpots. If she can just keep up her deception, she'll have a soft bed and food beyond her wildest dreams . . . maybe even peaches. She soon falls in with Phin, a garden apprentice who sneaks her into the steamy, fruit-filled greenhouses, calls her "Brownie," and makes her skin prickle. At the same time, the gruff head gardener himself is teaching lowly Scilla to make things grow, and she's cultivating hope with every seed she plants. But as the seasons unfurl, her loyalties become divided, and her secret grows harder to keep. How far will she go to have a home at last?"

My Notes

This shimmering middle-grade debut set in 1850s Lancashire, England, explores longing, belonging, and the courage it takes to find your place--and bloom. --Provided by publisher.

My first impression was that some students might find the text challenging due to the main character’s Cockney accent. The book is best suited for more advanced readers, though it could also make a wonderful read-aloud. The plot moves quickly, driven by the constant tension over Scilla’s secret being discovered. The setting offers a vivid and immersive picture of 19th-century life, with rich details about gardens and gardening practices of the time. Many of the themes explore timeless aspects of human nature, adding depth and resonance to the story.

THE BRIDGE HOME by Padma Venkatramen

The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman

India, Homelessness, Child Labor, Survival, Families

194 pages

Description

Booklist starred (February 1, 2019 (Vol. 115, No. 11)) Grades 5-7. In India, 11-year-old Viji and her 12-year-old sister, Rukku, run away to Chennai after their violent father strikes out at them. Unprepared for living on the streets, they befriend two homeless boys: Arul, who lost his family in a tsunami, and Muthu, who escaped from a so-called school where he was confined and forced to work. Together they pick through garbage dumps for glass and metal scraps to sell, sleep on an abandoned bridge, and form their own family. Rukku’s intellectual disability has made her dependent on Viji, who gradually learns that her sister is more capable than she had thought. When Rukku and Muthu fall ill, Viji makes tough decisions in hopes of saving their lives and later must cope with her grief before she can move on. The four children and their tight-knit relationship are portrayed with conviction and finesse. Written in the form of a letter from Viji to her sister, the affecting narrative transports readers to a faraway setting that becomes vivid and real. Although the young characters face unusually difficult challenges, they nevertheless find the courage they need to move forward. The author of A Time to Dance (2014), Venkatraman offers an absorbing novel of love, loss, and resilience.

My Comments This book is one of those rare finds that you can give to almost anyone. It brings alive the plight of children in heartbreaking circumstances, but also how the human spirit can often prevail. Absolutely love this one.