A tale of daring escapades, a terrifying storm, a lot of lies, some important truths, and a very troublesome donkey. Eleven-year-old Rocco finds himself alone in New York City after he's forced to leave his small Italian village. While working as a street musician, he meets the boys of the infamous Bandits' Roost, who teach him the art of pickpocketing while posing as a newsboy. Rocco embraces his new life of crime--until he meets Meddlin' Mary, an Irish immigrant who has a big mouth, an even bigger heart--and compassion for the horses of New York City. That's when Rocco begins to reexamine his life--and take his future into his own hands. 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.