Paperboy [Hardcover]

Isabelle Holland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1999 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

In 1881 in New York City, teenaged Kevin O'Donnell, ever conscious of the prejudice against the Irish poor, struggles to support his sick father and young sister by working as a messenger for a prominent newspaper but finds his job threatened when he is falsely accused of stealing from his employer.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A 12-year-old Irish immigrant in late-19th-century New York City struggles to help support his injured widower father and younger sister. Kevin O'Donnell loves to read newspapers and secretly dreams of reporting for one, although his embittered father warns him to learn a trade. His luck changes, somewhat implausibly, when James Langley, the patrician publisher of the Chronicle, catches Kevin stealing a copy of his newspaper and, thinking him illiterate, dares him to read the front page. Kevin's analysis of the paper's style wins him a job as a messenger. As Mr. Langley somewhat abruptly discards his arrogance to become a type of father figure, Kevin faces new and ominous obstacles: his father's injury forces Kevin to assume sole support for his sister and fend off their evil landlord. Holland's (The Man Without a Face) plotting, like the characterizations, rarely rises above the pedestrian. The historical setting proves more nostalgic than precise, in part because the time is never specified. Ironically, for all the preoccupation with news, little use is made of contemporaneous eventsAexcept for portraying anti-Irish prejudice. A lackluster enterprise. Ages 8-12. (July)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-An unlikely but enjoyable story set in New York City in 1881. Kevin O'Donnell, 12, is eager to help his family. He loves to read the newspaper, which shows him "the large world beyond the slum that made up his own world." Although his father prefers that he learn a trade, when Kevin lands a job as a messenger for Mr. Langley, the owner of the New York Chronicle, "Da" is glad of the extra income. After Mr. O'Donnell becomes ill, the boy must look after his little sister, as well as contend with prejudice because he is Irish. Attentions from his boss earn him the enmity of the man's son, a lout with no interest in his father's business. When Kevin is accused of stealing, it is Mr. Langley who bails him out. The story concludes abruptly, with most of the ends tied up neatly. Kevin not only gets to keep his job-he will go on to journalism school as well. Undemanding readers will root for the young protagonist and not mind the plot contrivances and somewhat stereotypical characters.
Cyrisse Jaffee, formerly at Newton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (July 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823414221
• ISBN-13: 978-0823414222
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,793,861 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, inspiring children's book, June 27, 2001

By 

Mary R. Sader (Salina, Kansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paperboy (Hardcover)

I started this book this afternoon and could not put it down. I am a teacher of fifth grade and will definitely read it to my class. The author gives a very realistic description of what life was like in New York in 1881 for a struggling twelve year old immigrant boy. The plot is very interesting and fast-moving. The conclusion is one of inspiration and hope.

3.0 out of 5 stars Paperboy by Trevor, June 9, 2008

By 

Kristy A. Simonian - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paperboy (Hardcover)

This book is about a boy that moves from Ireland to New York. His mom died so he lives with his sister and dad. The boy's name is Kevin. His dad was sick, so his family needed money. He stole papers from the Daily Chronicle so his could get some money. A man caught him and asked him if wanted a job selling newspapers. Kevin said he would like the job. The job made him happy. This book is very good and you should read it to find out what happens.

4.0 out of 5 stars Paperboy, December 15, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Paperboy (Hardcover)

Kevin, his dad, and littler sister move to New York from Ireland. Kevin's mom and older sister and brother just dies of congestion. It's really hard in Ireland and life would be better over in New York. Kevin's sister, Maureen, is in a private school. Kevin coule have gone but they didn't have enough money. Kevin's dad works all day and hardley gets anything. Kevin usually skips school since his dad wouldn't be able to know. When he skips school he usually tries to ear a few pennies for a loaf of bread to bring home to Maureen. Everyday he would do this. He also stole a chronicle every day to sell at the saloons. He never got caught untill one day Mr. Langley (the owner of the chronicle) saw him. He couldn't catch up to him though so he got away with it. Then a couple of days later Mr. Langley caught up with him at his house. He asked him a few questions and then asked him to read an article out of the paper. He didnt' think Kevin could read but he could. Mr. Langley thought it would be good to have a messenger boy at the chronicle to deliver messeges to the other. Mr.Langley asked Kevin if he wanted the job and he accepted. This way Kevin could earn some money to help out. First he had to promise Mr.Langley that he wouldnt' skip school and he would be on time. After working at the paper for some time Mr.Langley broke his leg and was home bound. So Kevin had to deliver messeges to him at his house to he could keep the chronicle in top shape without coming to the office. Mr.Langley's son didnt' like this so he planted $6 in Kevin's coat to get him fired which he did. When Kevin told him he didnt' take it he didn't believe him. After a week or so Mr. Langley found out that Kevin wasn't lieing and his son was. When he was fired they had no money coming in to the house and Mr.Timmins was wanting the rent. This was a big mess. I really liked this book and to find out what happens next you're goning to have to read the book.