The Island of Worthy Boys: A Coming-of-Age Novel - Perfect for Book Clubs & Historical Fiction Lovers" （如果原书是中文标题《值得的男孩之岛》，则优化为：） "Island of Worthy Boys: A Historical Coming-of-Age Novel - Great for Book Clubs & Literary Fiction Readers

My favorite historical novels have strong, rich characters that move quickly and always seem to be on the verge of trouble. They keep me engaged and usually provide a few facts that interest me. If the novel’s plot isn't too challenging, and the characters are well defined, I can get lost in the reading world for hours, wanting to see what the main characters see, smell what they smell and feel what they feel.Connie Hertzberg-Mayo’s debut novel The Island of Worthy Boys is such a novel. This book is full of colorful, strong characters that got under my skin and stayed there from the very beginning.The Island of Worthy Boys is a tale of two young disadvantaged boys, Charles and Aidan, who become partners in crime doing what they can to stay alive on the streets of Boston in 1889. And they do just fine until their wayward adventures take a big turn for the worst, and they know they must leave the city. Calling in a favor from an old friend, the boys manage to get themselves enrolled at the Boston Farm School for boys and escape being shipped to a prison style reform school for delinquents. They make a vow to stay close to each other at the school and keep their secrets secret no matter what.The Boston Farm School storyline is superb. With a cast of characters who keep the story moving at a smooth pace, the school is a lively hub of activity. It even has a Superintendent that almost anyone would admire. He’s the entire opposite of the school matron (his wife) who’s overly suspicious and not particularly friendly to anyone.Aidan and Charles are challenged with the rules and structure at the school until they find their feet and become a part of the community. As the months roll on they both learn new things, make friends and seem hopeful and happy. And just as things are looking good for them, their shady past rears its ugly head, and their future is in jeopardy once again.A very satisfying read. I'm going to recommend this novel to most of my friends (it might be a bit too sophisticated for my YA reader friends).