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Paperboy
Ever conscious of the prejudice against the Irish poor, Kevin struggles to support his family in 1881.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
137 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 1999
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Isabelle Holland
65Ìýbooks27ÌýfollowersIsabelle Christian Holland (born June 16, 1920 in Basel, Switzerland â€� died February 9, 2002) was an author of children and adult fiction. Her father was the American Consul in Liverpool, England during WWII. She moved to America in 1940 due to the war. She wrote Gothic novels, adult mysteries, romantic thrillers, and many books for children and young adults. She wrote over 50 books in her lifetime, and was still working at the time of her death at age 81 in New York City.
Two of her novels have been made into movies:
Bump in the Night, 1991,
The Man Without a Face, 1993
Both of these novels deal with issues or allegations of pedophilia.
Two of her novels have been made into movies:
Bump in the Night, 1991,
The Man Without a Face, 1993
Both of these novels deal with issues or allegations of pedophilia.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 28, 2020
“Paperboy�, by Isabelle Holland, is the story of Kevin O’Donnell, a 12 year old Irish immigrant trying to put food on the table in New York City. An accident at work put his father in the hospital, so Kevin ends up being the sole provider for himself and his younger sister, Maureen. A kind man gives him a job at the newspaper, but Kevin is still not making enough to pay the crotchety old Mr. Timmins his rent.
I picked up this book because I was intrigued by the synopsis. Historical fiction is very interesting to me, especially when it takes place in New York City. It was a short and easy read (being a kid’s chapter book), but very enjoyable. I was glad to see the main character develop, and concrete lessons taught during the conclusion of the story. This would be a very wholesome and educational book to give to young readers; and adults could pick it up for a quick, good story themselves. I recommend it.
I picked up this book because I was intrigued by the synopsis. Historical fiction is very interesting to me, especially when it takes place in New York City. It was a short and easy read (being a kid’s chapter book), but very enjoyable. I was glad to see the main character develop, and concrete lessons taught during the conclusion of the story. This would be a very wholesome and educational book to give to young readers; and adults could pick it up for a quick, good story themselves. I recommend it.
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August 16, 2018It was okay. Sad though.
June 21, 2017
1 1/2 stars
December 3, 2010
The Paper Boy by Isabelle Holland is another title recommended for the 2011-2012 Pikes Peak Region Battle of the Books list. Set in New York in 1881, it tells the story of twelve-year old Kevin O’Donnell who dreams of some day being a newspaper reporter. His father prefers that he learn a trade, but is glad of the extra money Kevin brings in after landing a job as a messenger for the New York Chronicle. Not long after Kevin starts work on the paper, his father becomes ill and is unable to work. It is up to Kevin to support himself, his father and his little sister. He wants to find extra work, in addition to his messenger work, but his boss, Mr. Langley wants him to stay in school. As Kevin grows closer to his boss, Mr. Langley’s son becomes increasing resentful of Kevin. He even accuses Kevin of stealing. Will Kevin lose his job? What will happen to his ill father and younger sister?
I enjoyed this story for two reasons. Kevin and his family are Irish immigrants and I love most things Irish. When I was Kevin’s age, I too wanted to be a writer. I even considered a career in the newspaper industry. Though the story starts off very serious, it ends light hearted, almost too much so. The ending had the feel of “an everything is solved in 30 minutes sitcom�. School Library Journal listed it as suitable for grades 4 � 6. I would place it at a 3rd grade level. I would not consider it a 5th grade book and therefore would not recommend it for Battle of the Books, which is for 5th graders. While we want the students to enjoy the books on the list, we also want to challenge them a little.
Mrs. Archers rating 3 of 5.
I enjoyed this story for two reasons. Kevin and his family are Irish immigrants and I love most things Irish. When I was Kevin’s age, I too wanted to be a writer. I even considered a career in the newspaper industry. Though the story starts off very serious, it ends light hearted, almost too much so. The ending had the feel of “an everything is solved in 30 minutes sitcom�. School Library Journal listed it as suitable for grades 4 � 6. I would place it at a 3rd grade level. I would not consider it a 5th grade book and therefore would not recommend it for Battle of the Books, which is for 5th graders. While we want the students to enjoy the books on the list, we also want to challenge them a little.
Mrs. Archers rating 3 of 5.
July 18, 2013
gr 4-6 137 pgs
1881, NYC. 12 year old Kevin O'Donnell wants to work for a newspaper when he grows up. His dad, an Irish immigrant, tells him that kind of dream is for the rich, not for people growing up on Mulberry Street. He encourages Kevin to learn a trade. When his dad is injured on his construction job, Kevin must somehow support him and his sister. When James Langley, owner of The Chronicle catches Kevin stealing copies of his paper to sell and make money, he offers him a job. Kevin gladly accepts, now is his chance to prove he has what it takes to work for the paper.
Interesting story. By reading the story you learn about the differences between the lives of the rich and poor in the late 1800s in NYC and what kind of jobs kids could do to help support their families.
1881, NYC. 12 year old Kevin O'Donnell wants to work for a newspaper when he grows up. His dad, an Irish immigrant, tells him that kind of dream is for the rich, not for people growing up on Mulberry Street. He encourages Kevin to learn a trade. When his dad is injured on his construction job, Kevin must somehow support him and his sister. When James Langley, owner of The Chronicle catches Kevin stealing copies of his paper to sell and make money, he offers him a job. Kevin gladly accepts, now is his chance to prove he has what it takes to work for the paper.
Interesting story. By reading the story you learn about the differences between the lives of the rich and poor in the late 1800s in NYC and what kind of jobs kids could do to help support their families.
February 4, 2016
Very sweet. I wish it were longer.
December 11, 2015
It was a nice and quick story to read.
March 7, 2023
There is no excuse for framing someone for theft. And the fact that the wife provided it...well...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 28, 2009JAR4-Hol
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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