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The Gallery by Laura Marx Fitzgerald






The Gallery is a middle grade fiction novel by Laura Marx Fitzgerald. In the 1920's, Martha worked as a kitchen servant and maid for Mr. Sewell, a well-known newspaper owner in New York City. Martha soon discovers that Rose, Mr. Sewell's wife who is locked upstairs, may not be as crazy as everyone believes.

Sex: None. There is one reference to "scantily-clad women who come to visit." There's also one kiss.

Language: None.

Drug/Alcohol Use: Set during Prohibition, but there is still a rather wild party with alcohol involved. Martha's father is a drunk.

Violence/Gore/Frightening Scenes/Death: Someone is slowly poisoned. There are mentions of anarchist attacks.

Final Note: This was a wonderful book! Perfect for middle school. The writing was amazing and the story was engaging. The author used actual newspaper stories as inspiration. This book has been compared to The Westing Game, a Newbery winner from the 1970s. I highly recommend this one!

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