Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko

Orphan Eleven

Release: May 26th 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Four orphans have escaped from the Home for Friendless Children. One is Lucy, who used to talk and sing. No one knows why she doesn’t speak anymore; silence is her protection.

The orphans find work and new friends at a traveling circus. Lucy loves caring for the elephants, but she must be able to speak to them, and to warn others of danger. If Lucy doesn’t find her voice, she’ll be left behind when the circus goes on the rails. Meanwhile, people are searching for Lucy, and her puzzling past is about to catch up with her.

About the Author:

With more than 2 and a half million books sold, Choldenko’s best known Tales from Alcatraz series, has been called “A cornerstone series in contemporary children’s literature.” Al Capone Does My Shirts—the first book in the series—was a Newbery Honor Book and the recipient of twenty other awards. All four books in the series were Junior Library Guild selections and garnered many starred reviews.
Gennifer’s newest novel: Orphan Eleven will be out May 26. Publisher’s Weekly has said this about Orphan Eleven: “This uplifting tale of hope, survival and belonging has all the ingredients to become a beloved middle grade book.” Gennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her loyal husband and naughty dog.

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Orphan Eleven Review:

This is honestly one of those books that made me go through so many emotions and had me at the edge of my seat. I just loved everything about Orphan Eleven.

The main highlight of the story is Lucy! What a wonderful character. My heart just went out to her from page one. She is charming main character, whose wings have been clipped. Yet she is always hopeful to lead a better life and find her sister Dilly. The journey that Lucy goes through in this book will just make you root for her all the way. Moreover, the author wrote all the characters in such a charismatic manner. You love to hate the villains, and you start to like even girls like Doris. Jabo is hilarious, and Diavolo is mysterious. There was something in each character that made them all stand out.

Also, it is clear that the author did extensive research on the subject matter. Her style of writing is simply wonderful. In the first half, she beautifully describes the colorful life of the travelling circus. However, on the second half, she paints a dark image of the horrid experiments and life of children in the orphanage. Even though the story shifts contrast, that doesn’t make it any less gripping! Also, in the end, the author provides snippets of similar practices that were done back in the day, which I found fascinating.

Anyway, “Orphan Eleven” was a book that touched my heart. I hope we have a sequel for the other characters as well please? I would love to read what happens to Doris and Nico and Eugene. Overall, this is one of the best middle grade books I read this year.

Giveaway:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of ORPHAN ELEVEN, US Only.

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the ORPHAN ELEVEN by Gennifer Choldenko Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!