A review by tashrow
A Boy Called Dickens by Deborah Hopkinson, John Hendrix

5.0

Enter the world of Charles Dickens’ childhood in this picture book. The fog and cold of London will enfold you, along with the smoking chimneys and the dankness of the Thames. Twelve-year-old Dickens worked in Warren’s blacking factory, wrapping bottles of blacking for sale. He entertained the boy next to him with his stories when they could get away with it. Dickens worked ten hour days and when work is finally completed, he headed home to his tiny attic room where he lived alone. His family was in the debtors’ prison with only Dickens bringing in any money at all. When his father and family is released from prison, Dickens’ life changes and he is finally allowed to go to school. This book celebrates the 200th anniversary of Dickens’ birth in a way that will resonate with children.

Read the rest of my review on my blog, Waking Brain Cells.