The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby tells the story of three different kids living in the United States during the late 1800s. Hannah works as a maid in a hotel; the only person in her family who can earn money after her father, a former stone mason, has a stroke. Giuseppe was sold to the evil Stephano by his uncle in Italy and forced to play music on street corners, earning money for his padrone. Frederick was given to an orphanage by his sick mother and eventually saved by a clockmaker to be trained in the art. The three kids all come together through extraordinary circumstances as each tries to solve his/her own problems. They all realize that they'll need help (from one another and from some surprising sources) if they ever hope to get out of their predicaments and live happy lives.This was an awesome story! I loved the way the three kids all eventually came together and the strength each showed through their hardships. I also really liked the way each character grew and changed over the course of the story.
