The worst of times
In the early 1930s in Chicago, twelve-year-old Petey's family faces poverty and internal strife after his father loses his job, while, at the same time, his wealthy, older cousin takes on the dangerous work of a union organizer.
More by James Lincoln Collier
Chappie’s discussion starters
🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.
- Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
- Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
- What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
- If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
- Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?