Hellie Jondoe

In 1918, sharp-tongued and street-smart Hellie lives in New York City with her beloved older brother, Harry, and their crew of thieves taking on life before life took them on. At age 13, Hellie is an illiterate tomboy (only Harry knows shes a girl), but she doesnt consider herself homeless "or" helpless. These streets "were" her home. When Harry gets shot, he seizes the opportunity to give Hellie a chance at a better life (and get a fresh start of his own) and fakes his death. She follows his parting wish and leaves on the orphan train, which is sending abandoned children out west for adoption (in one priceless scene, Hellie belts out a bawdy song for an audience of prospective parents). Meanwhile, Harry begins dealing morphine to soldiers returning from WWI, but when he discovers that Hellie has been sold as an indentured servant in Oregon, he heads west after her. Platts ("The Likes of Me") realistic dialogue and period details contribute greatly, and readers will be drawn in as Hellies willfulness proves a formidable asset against her many obstacles. Ages 12up. "(Nov.)" Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.