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  • Published: 15 April 2018
  • ISBN: 9780385755023
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $19.99

A Bandit's Tale: The Muddled Misadventures of a Pickpocket




A tale of daring escapades, a terrifying storm, a lot of lies, some important truths, and a very troublesome donkey.
Eleven-year-old Rocco finds himself alone in New York City after he's forced to leave his small Italian village. While working as a street musician, he meets the boys of the infamous Bandits' Roost, who teach him the art of pickpocketing while posing as a newsboy. Rocco embraces his new life of crime--until he meets Meddlin' Mary, an Irish immigrant who has a big mouth, an even bigger heart--and compassion for the horses of New York City. That's when Rocco begins to reexamine his life--and take his future into his own hands.

From an award-winning author of historical fiction comes a story of survival, crime, adventure, and horses in the streets of 19th century New York City.

Eleven-year-old Rocco is an Italian immigrant who finds himself alone in New York City after he's sold to a padrone by his poverty-stricken parents. While working as a street musician, he meets the boys of the infamous Bandits' Roost, who teach him the art of pickpocketing. Rocco embraces his new life of crime—he's good at it, and it's more lucrative than banging a triangle on the street corner. But when he meets Meddlin' Mary, a strong-hearted Irish girl who's determined to help the horses of New York City, things begin to change. Rocco begins to reexamine his life—and take his future into his own hands.

  • Published: 15 April 2018
  • ISBN: 9780385755023
  • Imprint: RHUS Children's Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $19.99

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Praise for A Bandit's Tale: The Muddled Misadventures of a Pickpocket

* "A dynamic historical novel ideal for both classroom studies and pleasure reading." --Publisher's Weekly, Starred

* "For those who enjoy adventures about scrappy and resourceful kids who have to rely on their own smarts and the kindness of strangers to change their lives." --School Library Journal, Starred

"So inventive that it's almost impossible to guess what will happen next." --Kirkus Reviews