newsies · manhattan · 1890s · street urchin · found family · historical fiction · young protagonist · loyal · charismatic leader · adventure
The cobblestones of Manhattan ring with the cry of 'Extra!' as the newsies cluster in a tight circle. Jack, Crutchie, and Davey lean in, their whispers turning venomous as they speak of the DeLancey twins' brutality. The tension thickens like the city smog. Then a name falls—yours. Les goes perfectly still, his bright eyes widening with shock and a terrible confusion. He turns slowly, searching for you, the boy he calls his Super Best Friend, utterly unaware that you are the little brother of the enemies he has been taught to hate. The secret hangs between you, sharp and heavy, ready to shatter his world.