Felice Holman

Felice Holman is an American children's book author best known for her 1974 novel "Slake's Limbo," which tells the story of a young runaway living in the New York City subway tunnels. Her writing career spanned from the 1960s through the 1990s, during which she published multiple children's novels and picture books. Notable works include "The Wild Children" (1983), based on true events about orphaned children in post-revolutionary Russia, and "The Cricket Winter" (1967). Holman's work often explores themes of survival, resilience, and young people facing challenging circumstances. Her novels frequently feature protagonists who must navigate difficult situations while maintaining their dignity and humanity. Many of Holman's books have become part of school curricula, particularly "Slake's Limbo," which has been used to teach middle school students about social issues and personal perseverance. Her writing style is characterized by careful attention to psychological detail and realistic portrayals of youth in crisis.

Readers frequently note Holman's ability to capture authentic teenage voices and emotional struggles, particularly in "Slake's Limbo." Many appreciate her straightforward writing style and refusal to sugarcoat difficult situations. What readers liked: - Raw, honest portrayal of youth homelessness - Strong character development - Engaging survival narratives - Educational value for classroom discussions - Accessibility for reluctant readers What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing slow, especially in early chapters - A few readers wanted more detailed endings - Dated references in older works Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "Slake's Limbo": 3.8/5 (2,000+ ratings) - "The Wild Children": 3.9/5 (500+ ratings) - "The Cricket Winter": 3.7/5 (100+ ratings) Amazon: - "Slake's Limbo": 4.2/5 (150+ reviews) - Most other titles have fewer than 50 reviews each One middle school teacher noted: "My students connect with these characters because they feel real, not sanitized versions of teenagers."

Slake's Limbo (1974) A 13-year-old runaway creates a hidden life in the New York City subway tunnels to escape bullying and poverty.

The Wild Children (1983) Based on historical events, follows a group of orphaned children struggling to survive in Russia after the 1917 revolution.

The Cricket Winter (1967) Chronicles the friendship between a young boy and a cricket during a long winter season.

Secret City, U.S.A. (1990) Details the experiences of a young girl who discovers a mysterious hidden community.

Lisa and David (1974) Explores the developing relationship between two emotionally troubled teenagers at a therapeutic school.

A Book of Nightmares (1976) Collection of short stories featuring supernatural and mysterious events experienced by young people.

The Churkendoose Anthology (1980) Tales about a unique creature that combines features of a chicken, turkey, duck, and goose.

S.E. Hinton writes about young protagonists facing harsh urban realities and struggling to survive in difficult circumstances. Her novels like "The Outsiders" and "That Was Then, This Is Now" focus on youth navigating poverty and social challenges.

Jerry Spinelli creates stories of young characters who exist on society's margins and must find their own path. His works like "Maniac Magee" and "Wringer" deal with themes of homelessness and personal identity.

Katherine Paterson focuses on young characters confronting serious life challenges and personal hardships. Her books like "Bridge to Terabithia" and "The Great Gilly Hopkins" explore themes of loss, abandonment, and resilience.

Cynthia Voigt writes about children who must navigate difficult circumstances and find their way independently. Her Tillerman series, beginning with "Homecoming," deals with themes of abandonment and survival.

Virginia Hamilton creates stories about young people facing complex social and personal challenges in realistic settings. Her works like "M.C. Higgins, the Great" and "The Planet of Junior Brown" examine themes of survival and self-discovery.