It's Like This, Cat (Dover Children's Classics)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0486814785 ISBN 13: 9780486814780

Publisher: Dover Publications, 2017

"Superb. The best junior novel I've ever read about big-city life." — The New York Times.
After another fight with Pop, 14-year-old Dave storms out of their apartment and nearly gets hit by a car. Kate, the local cat lady, comes to the rescue, and Dave returns home with an ally: Cat, the stray tom that becomes Dave's confidante and his key to new friendships and experiences. Cat inadvertently leads Dave to Tom, a troubled 19-year-old who needs help, and Mary, a shy girl who opens Dave's eyes and ears to music and theater. Even the Cat-related confrontations with Pop take on a new spirit, with less shouting and more understanding.
It's Like This, Cat offers a vivid tour of New York City in the 1960s. From the genteel environs of Gramercy Park to a bohemian corner of Coney Island, the atmospheric journey is punctuated by stickball games, pastrami sandwiches, and a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. Recounted with humor, a remarkably realistic teenage voice, and Emil Weiss's pitch-perfect illustrations, this 1964 Newbery Award-winning tale recaptures the excitement and challenges of growing up in the big city.

About the Author:

Emily Neville (1919–97) received her A.B. from Bryn Mawr College and wrote for New York City's Daily News and Daily Mirror newspapers. Her five novels, all published in the 1960s, were widely praised for their authentic depictions of teenagers' perspectives.
Czech artist Emil Weiss (1896–1965) worked in his native country as a commercial artist, newspaper cartoonist, and architect. Upon his 1948 emigration to the United States, he served as an artist-reporter for the Christian Science Monitor and illustrated more than 40 books.

Review:

"A fine, honest, flavorful tale." -- -- Chicago Tribune

"Different, humorous, with a touch of the vernacular, and a great feeling for the city and its many peoples." -- -- Saturday Review

"Superb'the best junior novel I've ever read about big-city life." -- --NYT.

"This is superb -- the best junior novel I've ever read about big-city life." -- -- New York Times