Middle-Grade Novel Last of the Name Follows Irish Immigrants
April 4, 2019
MINNEAPOLIS, MN—Follow the journey of an Irish brother and sister who immigrate to New York City in Last of the Name, a middle-grade novel available this spring from Carolrhoda Books®, a division of Lerner Publishing Group™. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War and culminating in the New York City draft riots of 1863, Rosanne Parry’s page-turning tale will enthrall young history fans.
Twelve-year-old Danny O’Carolan and his sister, Kathleen, arrive in New York City at the height of the Civil War. Kathleen refuses to be parted from her only remaining relative, so she finds a dress for Danny and finds them both jobs in domestic service. Danny reluctantly pretends to be a girl to avoid being sent to the children’s workhouse or recruited as a drummer boy. When he occasionally sneaks off to spend a few hours as a boy, he discovers the vast variety of New York’s neighborhoods and plays music for appreciative crowds. But when the draft riots spurred by tensions between the Irish and free black populations upend their lives, how will Danny and Kathleen find a safe place to call home?
A charming work of historical fiction, Last of the Name touches on questions of immigration issues and race relations that will resonate with today’s readers.
Advance Praise for Last of the Name:
“An exuberant dash through a pivotal year in American history.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
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About the Publisher
Since 1969, Carolrhoda Books®, a division of Lerner Publishing Group™, has been publishing award-winning, high-quality picture books, middle-grade fiction, and nonfiction titles that spark children’s imaginations and offer new ways of looking at the world.
Last of the Name
April 2019
$17.99 Hardcover, Jacketed
eBook Also Available
Ages 10–14
HC: 978-1-5415-4159-7
344 Pages ● 5 1/4 × 7 1/2
Media contacts:
Lindsay Matvick
Publicity Manager
800-328-4929, x385
lmatvick@lernerbooks.com
Libby Stille
Publicist
800-328-4929, x347
lstille@lernerbooks.com
To Purchase: Visit your local bookstore, order by phone at 800-328-4929, or visit us at lernerbooks.com.