The King of Mulberry Street

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, struggling with self-reliance, or showing curiosity about their family heritage. It is a powerful tool for building resilience in children who feel like they are entering a world larger than themselves. Dom is a nine-year-old Italian immigrant who arrives in 1890s New York City entirely alone. Without a home or a family, he must use his wits to survive the tough streets of the Five Points neighborhood. Beyond the survival adventure, this story explores the profound emotional weight of a mother's sacrifice and the quiet pride of building a life from nothing. It is a sophisticated historical novel that balances the harsh realities of poverty with a triumphant, hopeful spirit. While it touches on the grit of urban life, it remains deeply rooted in the universal need for belonging and the strength found in unexpected friendships.