Shakespeare’s stories are peppered with females dressing as males to remain hidden while living with greater freedom.
In fact, girls posing as boys is a time-honored literary tradition!
How about the reverse?
When was the last time you read a story about a boy dressing as a girl in order to stay safe, survive, and keep the family together?
Last of the Name, by Rosanne Parry, uses this plot twist while generously sharing themes of immigrant Irish Americans in New York, the American Civil War, brothers and sisters, music, ingenuity, and determination.
Here’s the summary:
“In 1863, twelve-year-old Danny and his older sister Kathleen arrive in New York City to start a new life, but they soon find themselves navigating new prejudices and struggles.“
With the Civil War bearing down and the draft coming, Danny is a target to be a “drummer boy.” Kathleen promised her dying mother that she would keep Danny safe, and stay together. It’s Kathleen’s ingenuity that gets the two of them hired in a wealthy household as maids.
Fortunately…
Danny has long blonde curls, a sweet face, and his voice has not yet changed. Those help him pass as a girl. But he has a steep learning curve ahead of him when it comes to standing, sitting, walking, working—all in a dress!
Beyond the gender deception challenge, both Danny and Kathleen are caught in the press of any immigrant: the struggle to hold on to family history and traditions while making a life in a new country.
I say:
Last of the Name by Roseanne Parry gets two thumbs up from me. I’d been through stacks of children’s books recently that left me nonplussed. This one was different. Lively, colorful story, terrific historical detail, well-developed characters and relationships, and a swift storytelling pace make for a delightful reading experience.
Hustle on down to your library… Happy Reading!
An important note:
You may have noticed this is the first you’ve heard from me in a few months. Life brings its shifts. I’ve been writing this blog for years, and it’s time to move on. This will be my last post.
I want to thank you for opening and reading my posts, taking my reading recommendations, and giving me a reason to keep writing. Thank you for being a fan of Piper Pan, and for encouraging me on my author journey. I’m forever grateful.
Oh, my. I will definitely miss your careful reading, excellent writing, and wise discerning. Thank you and may your next chapter(s) bring you as much pleasure and joy as this last has brought to me. Blessings dear Lindy, Bob
Thank you for your kind words and well-wishes! The pleasure has been mutual. All my best to you.
Thank you for your posts all this time. “Piper Pan” is a wonderful entity, teaching us to go forth …. and become more than we had imagined. All good wishes on your path ahead. May it bring joy, learning, and satisfaction at the end of each day.
Sending gratitude for your writing. May it continue as part of your life.
So glad it has been a positive thread in your life, as it has in mine! With appreciation, Lindy