Charley by Donna Marie Seim

Based on the on the true-story of a 12 year old boy living in Boston in 1910, Charley’s story is not only touching and heart-warming but an incredible window to the past. Charley, by Donna Marie Seim shares with it’s readers what life was like in New England in the early 1900’s and the hardships that faced even the youngest of children.

I saw this book in a local toy store – having a son who is also 12, and a reluctant reader, I am always on the lookout for something that he might connect with and enjoy reading – THIS IS THE BOOK!

I read it right away, and no sooner did I put it down he picked it up, AND I started recommending it to friends and family.

This historical fiction book is beautifully written and contains classically drawn illustrations by Susan Spellman, which ignite the imagination.
Charley finds himself and his siblings, abandoned by his father and placed in an orphanage – at least there he would no longer have to steal food to survive.

While at the orphanage Charley’s talent for singing is discovered by the choir director, Mistress Renee. Once Charley becomes a member of the orphanage’s traveling choir, it is his voice that takes him from the city streets of Boston to the small farming community of Maine.

The Maine way of life will prove to be the biggest challenge yet for Charley. Will he make it?

How wonderful it was for the author, Donna Marie Seim, to include her ‘Background Sources’ in the back of the book – these few pages were exactly what I needed – I too had fallen in love with Charley and wanted to know more.

Having had the good fortune to grow up with my grandparents and their stories of simpler, but much harder, times – I quickly felt at home with the story of Charley.

Today I find myself looking back to those wonderful family stories of days not that long ago and the time I was able to spend with my family – thank you Donna Marie Seim for writing Charley!

You can find Charley at your local book store – if you don’t see it, ask for it.

Charley is published by Peter E. Randall Publisher – find them on Facebook here.

Charley and other titles by Donna Marie Seim are also available on Amazon.