This book captivates readers through the tension of a high stakes secret identity and the gritty details of surviving the Great Depression. Frances finds liberation in self reliance as she navigates a dangerous landscape of hobo signs and rail yards. Books in this family share themes of resourceful protagonists outsmarting harsh circumstances through clever disguises and unconventional alliances.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is facing a sudden, destabilizing life change or a significant loss of family security. It is a powerful resource for middle grade readers who are beginning to notice economic inequality or who are struggling with the concept of grief and self-reliance. The story follows Frances, a young girl who loses everything during the Great Depression and chooses the dangerous, gritty life of a hobo over a restrictive future with an uncaring relative. While the book begins with the heavy subject of a father's suicide, it evolves into a gripping story of resilience. It explores themes of gender identity (as Frances disguises herself as a boy to stay safe) and the kindness of strangers. Parents should be aware that the book does not shy away from the harsh realities of the 1930s, including hunger and peril, but it ultimately serves as a testament to a child's ability to navigate a broken world and find their own path.
