Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster

Eleven-year-old Nan is one of the few girls working in the dangerous job as a chimney sweep’s climber in Victorian England. When Nan is caught in a chimney fire she is rescued by a golem – a monster made of soot and ash – who she names Charlie, and the two develop a strong bond as they support each other through a variety of adventures and experiences. This award-winning Canadian novel for grades 6-8 deals presents complex themes in a clear and age-appropriate way, including courage, self-determination, resiliency, child labour, and poverty. Suitable for a read-aloud, literature circle choice, independent reading, or classroom library.