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A review by maryhannawilson
Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko
5.0
Lucy and three other orphans have run away from the Home for Friendless Children. Together, they find an opportunity at a traveling circus where Lucy discovers a love for the elephants. Unfortunately, unless Lucy finally talks again, she might not be hired. In the meantime, people are searching desperately for Lucy and she doesn't know why they won't just let her leave.
This book was more of a page-turner than I anticipated. I absolutely adored Lucy and was desperately curious to know the outcome of her situation. She is a strong and likable character right from the story. As a reader, I was definitely cheering for her. All of the orphans are well-defined and mostly likable other than Bald Doris, but she is designed to be a character you like to dislike.
I particularly loved the theme of finding your voice as Lucy struggles to find the courage to use her actual voice again. The historical circus setting adds an element of wild fun to the story and the performers are a unique bunch. The author weaves in several historical details in this story and I appreciated this glimpse into the past.
NOTES: This is a great middle school read that might be intense for younger children because of the harsh treatment of the orphans, specifically the testing Lucy was involved in.
This book was more of a page-turner than I anticipated. I absolutely adored Lucy and was desperately curious to know the outcome of her situation. She is a strong and likable character right from the story. As a reader, I was definitely cheering for her. All of the orphans are well-defined and mostly likable other than Bald Doris, but she is designed to be a character you like to dislike.
I particularly loved the theme of finding your voice as Lucy struggles to find the courage to use her actual voice again. The historical circus setting adds an element of wild fun to the story and the performers are a unique bunch. The author weaves in several historical details in this story and I appreciated this glimpse into the past.
NOTES: This is a great middle school read that might be intense for younger children because of the harsh treatment of the orphans, specifically the testing Lucy was involved in.