History 371H

Devine

Fall 2014

Writing Assignment #3

Instructions

Choose one of the following four prompts and answer it in a one-page typed reaction paper. The point of the assignment is to determine whether you read the book, so if you did, show me that you did by giving a thorough response that makes specific reference to material found throughout the book.

This assignment is due in class on Thursday, October 2nd. You may email it to me before class, but late assignments will not be accepted.

1. Imagine that you are an experienced 12-year-old newsie. You’ve been on the job for a while now and you know all the “tricks of the trade.” Explain to your little brother all he needs to know to be as successful a newsie as you have been.

2. Imagine you are a 10-year-old “little mother” who takes care of your 2-year-old brother. Explain how your life is different than your 9 and 12-year-old brothers’ lives.

3. Imagine you are a young “salesman” or “newsie” who works every day after school. Explain why it is important for you to earn money. Why is the city more fun for a kid with money than a kid without money?

4. Imagine you have been transported back in time to New York City in 1903 and must survive as a “child of the city.” What are the most significant differences between your old life in southern California in 2014 and your new life?