This book was previously named "High Times, Hard Times". Melody Larkin is the daughter of the famous Medda Larkin, the Bowery performer that's well-known all through New York. In the late 1890s, the newsies of New York-young, poor boys and girls who earn their living selling papers-visit Medda's theater almost every day to watch her perform. When Melody hears from her good friend Jack Kelly that the newsies are going on strike against Joseph Pulitzer, the big-shot owner of The World (the newspaper company the newsies buy from), she wants to join. She's loved her life of performing and spotlights, but she's always wanted something more adventurous, something more exciting. When Medda gives Melody permission to go to Brooklyn with Jack and Jack's friends, Davey and Les Jacobs, Melody is ecstatic. Little did she know that she would meet a boy who would change her life in every way possible...