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Street Child

Book Synopsis

The unforgettable tale of an orphan in Victorian London, based on the boy whose plight inspired Dr Barnardo to found his famous children’s homes.

When his mother dies, Jim Jarvis is left all alone in London. He is sent to the workhouse but quickly escapes, choosing a hard life on the streets of the city over the confines of the workhouse walls.

Struggling to survive, Jim finally finds some friends… only to be snatched away and made to work for the remorselessly cruel Grimy Nick, constantly guarded by his vicious dog, Snipe.

Will Jim ever manage to be free?

Our Review Panel says...

This novel is a very popular choice for KS2 classes. Loosely based on a true story, Street Child is the inspirational tale of a poor Victorian boy fighting for survival on the grim streets of Victorian London. The novel is full of suspense and is a gripping read that will captivate pupils and teachers alike.

This book is available on these booklists:

Street Child: Read & Respond Book

This additional book available to buy provides teachers with a wealth of resources to teach Street Child, including guided reading notes, reading activities, speaking and listening resources, writing projects and assessment guidance.

Street Child

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Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?

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