A Bandit's Tale: The Muddled Misadventures of a Pickpocket

By: Deborah Hopkinson

Narrated by: P.J. Ochlan

From an award-winning author of historical fiction comes a story of survival, crime, adventure, and horses in the streets of 19th century New York City.

Eleven-year-old Rocco is an Italian immigrant who finds himself alone in New York City after he's sold to a padrone by his poverty-stricken parents. While working as a street musician, he meets the boys of the infamous Bandits' Roost, who teach him the art of pickpocketing. Rocco embraces his new life of crime—he's good at it, and it's more lucrative than banging a triangle on the street corner. But when he meets Meddlin' Mary, a strong-hearted Irish girl who's determined to help the horses of New York City, things begin to change. Rocco begins to reexamine his life—and take his future into his own hands.

Critic reviews

"A strong choice for fans of Rodman Philbrick’s The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg ​(Scholastic, 2009) and those who enjoy adventures about scrappy and resourceful kids who have to rely on their own smarts and the kindness of strangers to change their lives." —School Library Journal starred review

"A dynamic historical novel ideal for both classroom studies and pleasure reading." —Publishers Weekly starred review

FANTASTIC

I stumbled across this book while Christmas shopping and I couldn't be happier that I did! It's a wonderful story

Two thumbs up - Historical Fiction

Where does A Bandit's Tale: The Muddled Misadventures of a Pickpocket rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Great historical fiction book for someone that loves adventures about scrappy and resourceful kids trying to survive. I am not an animal lover, but loved how the author used animals to help bring friends together. Give it a try and don't give up. You will enjoy the read.

Which character – as performed by P. J. Ochlan – was your favorite?

Rocco was my favorite character, but I loved Meddlin Mary too.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Great for a classroom or just for pleasure.

Not for Me

Several times, I was going to give up on this one. I got more than half way, and decided I could spend my time listening to something that I liked more. I understand why so many people liked this audio book, but it wasn't good for me.