Kloppman's Favorite (2)

Entry 1-10

Being the little sister of a newsie isn’t always easy, especially when you’re a newsie yourself. My brother, Jack, is getting ready for work, so I probably should as well. I always head to the square where most of the boys are to hang out before work. I have to do this since it’s one of my habits, and it wakes them up. Sometimes, Mr. Kloppman sneaks me coffee, since Jack doesn’t allow me to have any. I  better hurry to the town square before Jack sees me with this coffee. I swear, Race always makes fun of me for being two inches shorter than him! It’s so annoying! I’ve got to go and help Crutchie for a bit. I’ll write later. June 9th, 1899, 7:23 a.m.

It’s been over a month since I last wrote. I’ve been talking to David-one of Jack’s friends-and he said that we were going on strike. Does he not see how bad of an idea that is? The littles could get hurt! David agrees with me, but he also is partially on Jack’s side. I am going with Jack to see if we can get Spot Conlon, a Brooklyn newsie, to help us strike. A few of the boys say he’s scary an’ all that, but I don’t believe them.

Later

The boys were wrong, Spot isn’t scary, he’s actually kinda nice. He’s also kind of good-looking. Mush says Spot and I would look cute together, but I don’t like him! At least, I don’t think I do….I honestly think Jack has gone mad now. Who strikes in the heat of summer? It’s a much better idea to strike in spring or fall. According to him, justice doesn’t wait for enjoyable weather. I have to sleep now, goodnight. July 12th, 1899, 10:42 p.m.

I haven’t been able to write all day because of the strike idea. Jack, David, Race, and I have been trying to figure it out, but we don’t have very many ideas. I still think we shouldn’t do it, but I digress. We will find a way, I suppose. Jack just told me to blow out my candle. I’ll write in the morning. July 13th, 1899, 11:26 p.m.

I am going to punch Race. Why? Well, he calls me Shortstack! When David and Jack do, it’s fine, but Race, no. Race is not THAT much taller than me, but I'm glad he’s my friend. I’ve gotta go and sell my papers. July 14th, 1899, 7:12 a.m.

The strike has officially started! I’m a bit worried about the younger newsies, but Jack says they’ll be okay, and I trust him. Crutchie hasn’t been walking so well the last few days, and I’m worried about him. July 18th, 1899, 8:31 a.m.

I hope Crutchie’s alright. He hasn’t been talking as much as usual the past week. Les’s really happy today. He’s David’s little brother. Les said he’s been swatting skirts away all mornin’ with his little girlfriend, Sally. He is such a suave little casanova. July 19th, 1899, 9:56 p.m.

Boots is missing and I'm worried. I’m going to go to Brooklyn so I can ask Spot to keep an eye out. The strike hasn't been going all too well. A lot of the littles are getting kinda hurt. I’ll write later. July 20th, 1899, 9:19 p.m.

The strike is going better than ever! Spot decided to help out. Race and Boots keep teasing me about liking Conlon. I don’t like him! At least, I don’t think I like him. Jack would go INSANE if I did! He has a crush, too. Sarah, David’s sister. July 21st, 1899, 7:34 a.m.

I have a crush on Spot. It took me forever, but I just figured it out. Now, Race is teasing me nonstop. All the newsies are like family to me. I cherish these moments. July 22nd, 1899, 8:12p.m.

Race has a girlfriend now..her name is Ana, and she’s not very nice. She’s a bully and keeps taking my stuff! But Race loves her, so I can’t say anything. I should probably go to sleep now. Goodnight. July 24th, 1899, 10:23 p.m.