Title: Dark Against the Sky: A Climbing Boy’s Story
Author: Stephen B. Hauge
Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
ISBN: 978-1647533366
Pages: 280
Genre: Historical Fiction
Reviewed by: Nicole Olson
Hollywood Book Reviews
Author Stephen B. Hauge depicts the grim life of street children in London in 1834. He tells an adventurous tale of a band of chimney sweeps under the grips of a cruel and greedy master. Though his childhood is chained to gruesome work – Tommy makes the most of it alongside his friends while he yearns to be reunited with his father.
This book is great for reading aloud to children or for early readers to attempt on their own. The chapters are short and ideal for reading one chapter before bed (though there is plenty of action – parents may be asked to read two!) Children can learn a lot about history and London – the dialogue is written in British vernacular which makes it easy for parents to get in character. Though he is mean, the boss of the chimney sweeps is quite a memorable character because of his accent and choice of words.
Hauge takes readers on a journey into the streets of London 1834. This tale allows for many readers to see how blessed they are in this modern century where children do not have to perform hard labor. While the story is full of history, it is all vivid and exciting. There is not a dull moment in Tommy’s journey to make sense of his past. The author uses cleverly descriptive language; he transports readers into the chimneys, the streets of London, and the cold house in which Tommy lives. This book will surely enrich any youngster’s vocabulary and reading ability.
Heartwarming dialogue between the boys brings a smile to any reader’s face. All ages are sure to enjoy this book and have fun while reading about a completely foreign world. While these boys are from a completely different era – it is possible to relate with them. They have dreams and desires just as we all do. The characters grow as the story progresses; the author does a wonderful job of developing each one. Nobody gets lost or left behind in the story and readers can follow along easily.
In addition to a riveting adventure story the book features interesting line drawings by Cathleen Daniels. At the start of every chapter these are great tools for readers to understand what the characters look like and what they wear. Daniels shows the characters in the story’s backdrop of London in 1834. Drawings like these help readers to imagine the plot in their heads or make predictions about what might come next.