This title is a part of my efforts to increase and update our collection of historical fiction. This book was like delving into Dickens for kids. This story takes place in London in the 1850's when the cholera epidemic hits, what they called the Blue death.
Students will quickly relate to Eel as he struggles to find a meal, earns money to support his little brother, helps his friends, and tries to avoid his evil stepfather. Add in the accusation of stealing that makes him lose his job and place to eat, and the only employe who will vouch for his honesty is dying of the Blue Death. You won't want I stop reading!