The Journal of Finn Reardon by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Davis, S.J., Distinguished Author Award was given on September 7, 2013, to University of Scranton alumna Susan Campbell Bartoletti, award-winning writer for young readers.

National Recognition & Successful OutcomesĢ013 Distinguished Author Award Given to Susan Campbell Bartoletti The Royden B.

Although the strike scenes were lacking, the explanations of other aspects of life made up for it in some ways. When one sees a book about a newsie in 1899, he or she probably expects the strike to play a prominent role. I wished the author could have lengthened the journal entries instead of brushing over the events. I wanted to read more about the strike, which was the reason I picked up the book in the first place. The strike only took up a few pages of the story. My only complaint with this book is the strike scenes. I knew them from the musical and now I got to see them in a new light. I also loved that true newsboys, such as Racetrack, were prominent characters in the story. The reader learns about housing, schooling, and what children did for fun. Bartoletti incorporates more about life in the late 19th century. There were so many things I loved about this book. The journal is of Finn, a 13-year-old newsboy in New York City during the time of the Newsboy's Strike. I picked up this book from the library after seeing Newsies on Broadway because I wanted to learn more about the newsboys. The stories are wonderful introductions into different events in history. I have always been a fan of the Dear America series since I was younger. As per usual, this book features plenty of historical details that makes it fascinating and realistic. I especially loved his mother and grandfather. This book also features characters that are very colorful and more interesting than some of the other My Name is America book. I've always been fascinated by this period of history and tenement life (maybe because it makes my 2-bedroom apartment seem pretty luxurious). I also admit that I love the movie Newsies and that may influenced my decision to read this one. But I will admit that they are addicting even for adults.

I admit to binge reading Dear America and My name is America novels to help me finish my goal for this year (I've got 70 some to go). I point this out only to give future readers a better 'back of the book' summary. Also, his father does not die and that is not his motivation for becoming a newsie. Finn does not have eight siblings he has three sisters. There are parts of the summary that are not accurate. NOTE: This is not a reflection on the book, but on the summary provided on the Goodreads website.

The Journal of Finn Reardon by Susan Campbell Bartoletti