About this book
Eddie of Jackson's Gang follows a musically gifted orphan boy named Eddie whose life takes an unexpected turn when he's unknowingly drawn into a gang of street thieves at just nine years old. Abandoned at a Catholic orphanage as a young child, Eddie must navigate the dangerous world of Jackson's Gang while clinging to his innocence and searching for answers about his true identity and origins.
This classic children's adventure tale, penned by Brother Ernest Ryan in the mid-twentieth century, explores timeless themes of redemption, belonging, and the struggle between good and evil. Written during the golden age of Catholic juvenile fiction, the story captures the moral complexities facing a vulnerable boy caught between two worlds—the structured sanctuary of the orphanage and the allure of a criminal underworld.
Brother Ernest Ryan, a Holy Cross Brother and prolific author for Dujarie Press, crafted this compelling narrative with the same care he brought to his celebrated biographical saint stories for young readers. The novel asks profound questions about fate, family, and whether one child's spirit and talent can overcome the circumstances of his birth.
Perfect for young listeners aged ten and up who enjoy coming-of-age stories with heart, moral lessons, and mystery, Eddie of Jackson's Gang remains a touching reminder of resilience and the power of hope in challenging circumstances.
