The adventures of Meg and John Bains continue with an exciting story of kids living by their wits in the Toronto of 1875. The fifth book in Bill Freeman's award-winning series finds 14-year-old Meg and her 12-year-old brother Jamie in search of work to help support their family. Jamie starts selling newspapers in the street and falls in with a gang of street kids and a couple of ne'er-do-well adults. Jamie is forced to join a theft ring and is caught by the police. But he has a hunch about where the loot is stashed on Toronto Island: finding it is his one chance to avoid a future in the reformatory.

Bill Freeman is an award-winning author who has written historical fiction for young adults, film scripts, documentaries, theatrical plays, educational videos, and non-fiction books. He specializes in writing about Canada and the Canadian experience.

In the 1960s and '70s Bill lived, worked, and studied in Hamilton. The play Glory Days is part of his exploration of the life of the city and its fascinating history. Bill is perhaps best known as the author of novels for young adults set in Canada in the latter part of the nineteenth century called the Bains Series. He is also well known for his books of popular history. His most recent work, Hamilton: A Peopleâ??s History, surveys the cityâ??s often turbulent history. Many of his books have received high critical acclaim and a number of awards. In recent years Bill has worked in the film industry as a writer and historical consultant. He has been on the creative team of many film projects as writer, narrator, and consultant. The projects include a science series for high school students and Mighty Machines II, a made-for-television project for preschool children. Bill Freeman lives on Toronto Island with his partner Paulette.

Bill Freeman's profile page

"... the mixture of historical interest and adventure is sure to please the nine to thirteen age group..."

Canadian Materials