The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby

Guiseppe is a street musician. A slave to his padrone, he sees no way out until the day he finds a green violin.

Frederick, an apprentice clockmaker, dreams of making journeyman and opening his own shop. The clockwork man he's building will earn him journeyman status. He knows it will.

Hannah is a hotel maid. When her father had a stroke, she went to work to support her family.

These three cross paths in the city and their stories become one. They each help the other. Their adventures are filled with danger and secrecy. As co-conspirators, they also become friends.

What I thought: An interesting novel. I liked how Kirby brought the three main characters and their stories together. The steampunk element (clockwork and the time period) is just enough to intrigue juvenile readers. The mystery was well done. I didn't guess the truth until it was revealed. The ending was highly satisfying. I felt good about Guiseppe, Frederick, and Hannah. The book felt complete.

I read The Clockwork Three for the Full Steampunk Ahead Challenge.

(Scholastic, 2010)