Sally in the City of Dreams is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It must have been really hard for Sally and her older sister to not only leave their home and loved ones for a big strange city but to stay with such a cruel and unfair cousin!
When Sally and Bridget Murphy move to New York to find jobs and provide for their family, they find the big magical city is not as big as it seems. Back then in New York, Irish people were treated like criminals. But the girls and their new friend Julia are determined to make the most of the exciting new world. When a false accusation threatens to destroy everything, the girls realise that there is nothing more important than sticking together.
I thought this book was amazing. I think my favorite part was when Julia was reunited with her brother and found she had a new baby nephew! The only parts I would change is that I would like to see more description for the places they go, for example in the parlour the wallpaper was green.
The illustration on the cover is lovely and makes up for it. It has Macys shop where cousin Catherine works, the Statue of liberty, her amazing torch, Bridget’s lovely purple shawl, the American flag to name a few. You can see all the lovely buildings in the background. It has such a nice cover.
I would recommend this book for 9-12 year olds but you could probably read it a little younger too. Overall I thought this book was really good. It is a definite 10/10 from me.
By Hannah, Age 11, 5th Class, St. Michael’s School, Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim.
“Sally in the City of Dreams” by Judi Curtin, published by O’Brien Press, is on sale now for €12.99 (P/B).
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher, O’Brien Press, free of charge to Seomra Ranga for the purposes of this review.
