The True Story of an Abandoned Child's Struggle for Emotional Survival (Signet)

This is literally one of the most touching books I have read. It thought me so much.I cried chapter to chapter as if I was going through all of these things myself . I LITERALLY finished the296 pages in less than 2 days . So glad I read this.

I found myself crying at events in this book. It is hard to believe that people treated little kids like this. It was a different time and place and I hope that this book is useful to prevent these things happening again and again now and in the future.

This little book can be read in one evening as long as you have a box of tissues close by. This story apparently happened in the '50s and I trust conditions in orphanages have greatly improved since that time.

Brilliant. Flawlessly written, beautifully expressed, and simply phenomenal. This is a must read. Something about the writer's tone and voice makes this book terribly sad, endearing, funny, and witty all at once. Unbelievable.

could not stop reading.literally. I had to pause a few times and wipe tears away so I could see..but I could not put it down. thank you for writing this book, Mr Burch. although your story took place at a different time, these things still happen..both your family situations as well as the places that house children. I worked briefly at one in the 70s. it broke my heart to not take all those kids home with me. the way some of them were treated by some employees was truly criminal. after reporting them to authorities,I could not keep my job.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I'm afraid I am inclined to agree with the other reader who said many parts are difficult to believe. I found it very unusual that someone could recollect every little detail pertaining to in depth conversations with every person he encountered at age 9. The way the conversations were told word for word on a day to day basis seemed a little questionable. Also, the story could have flowed a little better.

On a positive note, I must say that Jennings was such a likable character and you felt deeply for everything he was put through. My heart ached for this boy. The relationship he had with his pal Mark and his interaction with "Doggie" just tore at the heartstrings.

We had to read this book before working on a unit about homelessness. I couldn't put the book down until I got the boy in a safe place. I didn't realize it was a true story until the end. This was a very good book!

The book is sad, the only reason why I read it was because it was for a summer reading book. If you like sad books I advise you to read this book. Please take my advise because if you don't then you would fell bad everyday about what this little boy had to go through in this book.

There were many aspects of this book I really enjoyed like the connection to the title, however many parts were repetitious and simply dragged. Also, it seemed to feel inconsistent in regards to Jennings' age...overly mature at the beginning when he is quite young and rather babyish at the end when he is older. The frustrating constant change of people in his life adds to a lack of cohesion in the story but is unfortunately a part of a child's life in foster care.

Okay, so I don't write reviews. I give "They Cage the Animals at Night" a solid 3, 3.5 stars. I was entertained, but not blown away in an "I can't put this down" kind of way.

I felt for Jennings, but I've read a few more recently written books that chronicle the abuses in the current and former foster care system. Maybe I'm numb to the sensationalism, but this particular story paled in comparison. Don't get me wrong--for little Jennings, that's a good thing! But maybe less good where a story is concerned.

It was kind of a meh. If you're looking to read a book about a kid who had a crap experience in and out of group homes, but nothing *really* shocking--this is your book.

This story about a young man's very tough childhood (and what and who help him to keep hope) would interest many, many young adults. The writing style is very basic with no unusual words or complex sentences. This book would be a good recommendation to YA's who normally don't read fiction. It might get them hooked!

I liked the book, but I have internal warning lights going off as to the complete veracity of the story.

While I don't doubt that many of the abusive and neglectful things that happened to Burch did, in fact, happen to him, I can't help but have this feeling that there is some embellishment going on when it comes to some of the abuse. Sometimes the stories of cruelty seem so far-fetched, that they border on implausible (given all the characters involved in any one incident). There are also stories of being rescued from abuse that seem a little fishy.

Even more implausible however, is the philosophical wisdom of some of the children involved...like Burch's sickly brother, Jerome, or his Institution friend, Mark. These pre-teens seem to be able to impart wisdom and knowledge an a scale that most adults have a hard time embracing, even after a lifetime of existence, let alone when they were children.

I'd be willing to bet that the Author had to embellish a little in order to create some of the dialog (dialog dominates much of this book). He would have to! Who amongst us at middle-age can recall, IN DETAIL, lengthy conversations that they had when they were eight years old? But what concerns me more than needing to embellish the dialog, is this feeling I had that there are times when "fact" goes more in to the "fantasy" realm, for the sake of dramatic license. It often seems like certain scenarios have all the timing and drama of a Hollywood screenplay, as opposed to "ringing true to life".

I don't doubt that what Mr. Burch experienced as a child was indeed traumatizing and terrifying. And for that alone, it's a worthwhile read. I just have my doubts as to how much is "autobiographical" and how much is "novel" writing. How can much of what was supposedly said between Mark , Jerome and Jennings be proven anyway? Mark dies in his youth, and Jerome not very long after him (relatively speaking).

This is only an impression I'm making about this book however, as I have no proof one way or the other that there is embellishment going on. I'm just stating a gut-feeling I personally have which is born solely out of life-experience, and that's all.

But if there was embellishment for dramatic effect, I would have preferred that the Author was honest about it. And if there was none, my sincerest apologies for doubting him.

You read it and you decide. :-)

I liked the book, but I have internal warning lights going off as to the complete veracity of the story.

While I don't doubt that many of the abusive and neglectful things that happened to Burch did, in fact, happen to him, I can't help but have this feeling that there is some embellishment going on when it comes to some of the abuse. Sometimes the stories of cruelty seem so far-fetched, that they border on implausible (given all the characters involved in any one incident). There are also stories of being rescued from abuse that seem a little fishy.

Even more implausible however, is the philosophical wisdom of some of the children involved...like Burch's sickly brother, Jerome, or his Institution friend, Mark. These pre-teens seem to be able to impart wisdom and knowledge an a scale that most adults have a hard time embracing, even after a lifetime of existence, let alone when they were children.

I'd be willing to bet that the Author had to embellish a little in order to create some of the dialog (dialog dominates much of this book). He would have to! Who amongst us at middle-age can recall, IN DETAIL, lengthy conversations that they had when they were eight years old? But what concerns me more than needing to embellish the dialog, is this feeling I had that there are times when "fact" goes more in to the "fantasy" realm, for the sake of dramatic license. It often seems like certain scenarios have all the timing and drama of a Hollywood screenplay, as opposed to "ringing true to life".

I don't doubt that what Mr. Burch experienced as a child was indeed traumatizing and terrifying. And for that alone, it's a worthwhile read. I just have my doubts as to how much is "autobiographical" and how much is "novel" writing. How can much of what was supposedly said between Mark , Jerome and Jennings be proven anyway? Mark dies in his youth, and Jerome not very long after him (relatively speaking).

This is only an impression I'm making about this book however, as I have no proof one way or the other that there is embellishment going on. I'm just stating a gut-feeling I personally have which is born solely out of life-experience, and that's all.

But if there was embellishment for dramatic effect, I would have preferred that the Author was honest about it. And if there was none, my sincerest apologies for doubting him.

You read it and you decide. :-)

This is a very good book please dont get me wrong, but it compairs to so many out there already.
I did read the book in 3 days (Off and on) His life was like my fathers in many ways, I think that was the sadness to the story for me...

I completely respect Mr. Burch's background and upbringing. I am so thankful that he shared his story. I was just not impressed with his writing. The conversation was awkward and I could not get into the characters. I was using this book for a grad school assignment, but ended up skimming it. Again, I respect Mr. Burch, but did not like the way the book was written at all.

The book is finely written and this man had a horrible childhood and there is a touching ending.

However, I personally was very disappointed for reasons aside from the quality of the book. I bought the book looking for a story of someone who I could identify with to find encouragement for myself (or anyone from my kind of upbringing). I have often described my childhood metaphorically as being like an animal held down and tortured in a cage, suffocated for love and normal opportunities for development - so the title of this book caught me.

However, I quickly realized that this man's childhood was like a paradise compared to mine. I found this to be even much more the case with Liz Murray's best seller "Breaking Night" - she is in the diaper leagues of trauma and the only thing the book helped me to understand was how much more extremely traumatized and wounded I am. I may have to write the book myself.

I am giving the book 3 stars, because frankly the title is misleading and also the story is a fairly common story of a foster kid who makes it in life (at least half of them do not, but a large percentage do). So, it does not have the degree of survival and overcoming odds punch to it that would warrants a book.

People from my kind of background - almost none of us make it. I know only one, and he searched for someone for 15 years before he found me and I searched for 2 years before I found him. We should write our story.

Jennings Michael Burch, a young boy who learned to survive in a cold, frightening world. His mother was too sick to care for him and left him in a series of orphanages and institutions. Life in the orphanages was brutal, punishments were cruel, rules were strict, and Jennings was unable to do anything about it. Through all this time, Jennings was taught not to become close to people, because the ones you love, always leave you. At these times in the book I wanted to jump in, lead Jennings on the right track, and tell him what he believed was wrong.
He bounced from home, to orphanages, to abusive foster homes, to good foster homes, to living at the zoo and rummaging through the trash for food. He could not rely on family and friends because they all abandoned him in times when he really needed them. Four of his five other brothers were going through similar times so they had no way to help Jennings.
A tattered stuffed dog named Doggie, which Jennings stole from his first foster home, was the only friend that stayed with him through the harsh times. He was the only friend he could count on through his lost and broken childhood. The story was based on sadness, love, survival, family, and friends that left me with a new look on a life I could not even imagine existed. The book is set back in the 50s I believe, but because I work in the Foster Care system, I am interested in these type of stories. It was interesting to see that in 50 years, not much has changed in the foster care system, unfortunately. This was a good book to read and felt like an accurate portrayal of a kid stuck in foster care. I want to turn back to page one and read it all over again!

I really enjoyed this book and felt just like a fly on the wall trudging along with young Jennings through his lonely,tumultuous, and unstable childhood. With his alcoholic father having abandoned the family when he was very young, his mother constantly being unwell, and his older brothers always at war with each other he had no one to turn to as he endured countless abuses and broken promises, except for a tattered stuffed dog given to him in his first orphanage. It brought a normally reserved and subdued person to tears how much he clung to Doggie for comfort and refuge from a very bleak reality. This is a very poignant story about the resilience of a child that I cannot recommend highly enough.

The author is genuine and engaging as he writes his childhood memories. I wanted to reach through the book and hug this child. I also appreciated his resilience and ability to see life events in a way that inspires him to be an inspiration to others. Although he's been through trauma, he writes with gratitude for those who were the bright spots in his life. His story is tragic but he focuses on the good. Great book.

I saw this book first, when I picked up an old, rejected and washed out ex-library copy from my school. I was drawn to the cover, but didn't expect much from it. So you can imagine, I never expected what I got. The story follows a little boy, who is dropped off at an orphanage via his sickly mother. He is flip-flopped back and forth through orphanages and foster homes, many cruel and a few (mostly the later ones) remarkably nice, but I won't ruin the ending here. I have read the book many, many times (I don't know how that old copy of mine has survived, but it has), and have enjoyed it every single time. If you like stories of trial and triumph, pick it up.

This is a hard book to review. The writing is easy to follow and the story flows smoothly but it is emotionally difficult to read. Jennings comes from a broken family where his mother loves him but is unable to care for him. Jennings is sent away, and the book follows his story as he has to come to terms with living in changing situations, and the emotional fall out of not having a stable home environment. Reading this book helped put into perspective how easy it is to have a positive impact on the lives of others. A single stuffed animal helped shape Jennings world for the better.

Interestingly enough, we got to read this in middle school. We also got to keep the books that were assigned to us. I still remember certain scenes where Jennings, the narrator, and the author of this autobiographical novel either received amazing amounts of love or terrible amounts of abuse.

Set in the 1950s, in New York City and its environs, we get the unforgettable account of a few years of Jennings's childhood. With his mother too tired, sick, and beaten down to care for him and his brothers, he is shipped off several times to either foster homes or to orphanages. Early in the book we meet his constant friend, Doggie, a white and tan stuffed animal that was given to him, (at first) only at night, at the first home he stayed at. Each night the nuns would come around and collect the animals, caging them in little cubbies. This metaphor grows into the entire essence of the book. Through hardship, pain, emotional rampage, Jennings learns that stuffed animals are not the only thing that is caged for protection.

The orphans are locked up during the night and also during the day. Forced to listen for a clicker to get them to line up for dinner or a clap of the hands to get them to line up for lunch. The orphanages were sometimes a blessing in comparison to the homes Jennings is lent out to, where he learns that love and compassion are hard to find, even if they can be found anywhere. He cages up his ability to say that he loves anyone. There are times when there is much love in the world and Jennings cannot bear to find it in him to speak the words because if he does, if he lets them escape, just like the stuffed animals or the orphans, he might get doubly hurt. The cruelty that he finds in the world seems to confirm his need to lock himself up into himself. Yet, Jennings is a child of firm compassion. He is rarely judgmental and often very accepting and docile to the harsh world he has been thrown into. Often he cries, but rarely retaliates. He is resourceful and a master of escapism though his ever-trusty friend Doggie and through his own mind. The young boy cannot find much solace, even at home, as conditions go from worse to hellish. Each page makes it seem like the world might fall apart for our narrator.

Although much of the depth of the story was lost to me on a childhood level, reading it again brought out much more from the pages. It's a story of love for those around you and a story of overcoming overwhelming odds. There is triumph and defeat at every paragraph. A roller coaster of pain and joy.

I got to meet Jennings Michael Burch. I was in middle school, we had finished the book, and he came to speak with us. I remember our teacher telling us to speak up and to speak clearly because Jennings, because of old age and being boxed on the ears so many times by individuals in the story, could hardly hear.

This old man came shuffling within. He was balding and in a thick sweater vest over his button down shirt. We were silent as we watched years of suffering and hardship settle into a seat the teacher provided for him. Our teacher introduced us to him and we said 'hello' in unison. He smiled slightly, lowered his eyes to a duffel bag he had with him, and opened it silently. Out of it he produced Doggie, thread-bare, discolored, but still with him, his constant companion.

This book held me the whole way through. I don't know what it was about the story, but I needed to know what happened next to this poor kid. The book is written by Jennings Burch almost as if he is still that little kid. some might say his limited and amateur writing style stunts the story, or limits what the book could have been, but I feel like it helps you connect with the child in the story, rather than the grown author. It is very easy to feel happiness and sadness when the boy feels them. Some times, you feel amazed, or stricken with guilt because of how hard he and his family had it. As a rather privileged young student, it's very easy to forget just how hard some kids have it, and just how little we do for them, and just how much they really need. I'd give this book 5 stars instead of four, but there are definitely flaws, as there are with anything. The writing style, while simplistic and childish at times, could have been a bit more witty, while maintaining the childish facade. The story tells itself, and Jennings Burch didn't have to add much of an artistic angle to things to make them interesting. A different author may have been able to earn that extra star, but I'm not sure they would have been able to survive what Jennings did.

Imagine yourself bouncing around from home to home at the age of nine. This is the tragic life of Jennings Michael Burch. This book is a true account of Jennings Burch's life. It is a touching story of a boy undergoing a huge amount of agony and sorrow; more than some experience in a lifetime. Mrs. Burch struggles to scrounge up enough food for her family -of six- to eat. Since there is such a lack of food in the family, Mrs. Burch is forced to give her children all of the food she is able to get; forcing herself into severe sickness. Every time Mrs. Burch gets sick from lack of food, Jennings and his siblings are forced into dreadful homes spread out across New York City. Jennings is forced to seek refuge in the spirit of a stuffed dog named Doggie. Doggie was given to Jennings at his first home by one of the few kind nuns. Jennings is a strong kid, physically and mentally! He suffers through much pain because of the "disciplinary measures" some of the nuns take. Mentally, he is stronger than most children of his age because he is forced to go through so much. This story will warm the hearts of everyone who reads it. This is a heart wrenching account of a young boys' life.

Ages 12-up

They Cage the Animals at Night is a terrific and emotional story about Jennings Michael Burch, a young boy who learned to survive in a cold, frightening world. His mother was too sick to care for him and left him in a series of orphanages and institutions. Life in the orphanages was brutal, punishments were cruel, rules were strict, and Jennings was unable to do anything about it. Through all this time, Jennings was taught not to become close to people, because the ones you love, always leave you. At these times in the book I wanted to jump in, lead Jennings on the right track, and tell him what he believed was wrong.
He bounced from home, to orphanages, to abusive foster homes, to good foster homes, to living at the zoo and rummaging through the trash for food. He could not rely on family and friends because they all abandoned him in times when he really needed them. Four of his five other brothers were going through similar times so they had no way to help Jennings.
A tattered stuffed dog named Doggie, which Jennings stole from his first foster home, was the only friend that stayed with him through the harsh times. He was the only friend he could count on through his lost and broken childhood. The story was based on sadness, love, survival, family, and friends that left me with a new look on a life I could not even imagine existed.

I read this book after talking to a co worker that my wife was a foster child and my middle daughter just took in 2 foster boys. My wife found the book very emotional. She was the youngest of 5 children and until her teens did not know she had 3 brothers. She was taken away from her mother at 7 and sent to the same foster home as her older sister. Luckily she stayed in that foster home till adulthood and her foster mother was the only MOM she ever knew. I read some reviews questioning the ability of a child being able to remember specific details of an event. I can tell you that my wife may not remember what happened yesterday but she can vividly remember being left in the street while her mother was WORKING and wandering into stores looking for food. These types of traumatic events stay with you forever. My daughter's 2 boys come from an abusive home and present a different set of issues. The younger boy is 3 and has adjusted well but the older boy who is 8 has been more difficult. He has finally started opened up and has shared details of events that will break your heart. I can appreciate the context in which Mr. Burch wrote this book and hope that in these difficult economic times our society makes sure these children do not fall through the cracks.

Whoa. What a childhood for poor Micheal Jennings Burch, a young boy essentially abandoned by his mother at a New York Home for children at age 8. From that fateful day, Jenning's life turns into one hell of a wild ride.
This book is a wonder. There are very few tales of childhood abuse/neglect I can get through without being depressed. This is one of them. While detailed and smart, 'They Cage the animals at night' is also richly sensitive and, in parts, downright funny. It is seen through the eyes of the author as a child, and, like a child, the innocence and wonder inherent in these pages will entice you to keep reading even when you're cringing at the injustices suffered by this small boy. In Jennings, we discover the proverbial sensitive and lost soul... only, in his case, he truly *is* displaced, as his physical body is shuffled from home to violent foster family to home. To comfort himself he carries with him, like a charm, a brown and white stuffed dog named Doggie.
This book never bored me, and never slowed down. It is one of those rare gems that keeps you hooked until the end, and then leaves you craving more. I found it, dog-eared and smelling of mildew, at a book sale and paid less than fifty cents for it. Best money I ever spent (save for the quarter I spent for 'The Abyss' soundtrack at a thrift shop). I doubt you'll finish this feeling gyped.

They Cage the Animals at Night, by Jennings Michael Burch, is the true story of a boy named Jennings and his terrible childhood. Due to his mother's bad health, he traveled from home to home with his stuffed animal, Doggie. Although he had three older brothers and one younger brother, he spent his childhood alone. He met and lost many people throughout the book. Jennings eventually became friendly with a bus driver named Sal. How will Jennings get though all of it? Read the book to find out.
This fantastic survival tale will touch your heart. They Cage the Animals at Night is a book for readers 11 and up. While reading this book, you will have a chance to emotionally experience the depressing life of this brave young boy. We recommend this book to people who like books which are amazingly emotional, and are interested in reading a true tale, down to each well-described detail. This is a must read!

Im in the 6th grade and for one of our classes we were to read this book.Everyone thought it was to long and looked boreing.After I reas the first page I was alredy into the book.Our teacher told to read up to chapter 3 and I was up to chapter 14!I was so touched by this book and now see how luckly I am and how luckly my life is when ever I compare my life to his.This book was about a boy who's mother suddenly leaves him at a childrens home and he stays there for about 3 mounths until his mother picks him up.His mother has to deal with 5 kids and 2 are a pain to her.every few mounths him mother gets sick again and he has to travel to many different homes and meets and loses new friends which he becomes very found of and during this time his best friend is a stuffed animal,Doggie.When ever times go bd he turns to Doggie and talks to him as if he is real...I would reommend this book to everyone.

I first read "They cage the animals at night" when I was about 14, and was captivated and enthralled. Burch writes with the candor and knowledge that can only cme from peril and suffering. When he was 8, in the hopeful 1950's, Jennings Micheal Burch was abandoned by his frail mother at a New York Orphanage due to problems with her health. What follows is one heck of a ride for young Jennings, who suddenly must come face to face with all the cold realities of a sometimes very-inhuman world. Bullies, thugs, sadistic punishments, crazy foster parents, the usual assortment of childhood losses and hopes and dreams, physical abuse and, finally, the driving need to love and be loved. Burch writes from his heart and the result is a captivating, magical account of one man's often-scary (but always innocent) childhood. This book is beautiful.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jennings Michael Burch when he spoke at Otsego Middle School in Otsego, Michigan. The school reads the book regularly as a teaching method of how to treat people with respect. Burch, who tells his heartbreaking, tear-jerking tale of an abusive childhood, brings all that emotion to his personal appearaces as well. This book has a lesson for many children...a lesson that spiteful words can hurt. Many children, and adults, would benefit from this book. Burch makes several personal appearances (for a cost) at many schools each year. Please contact me if you would like additional details. There is also word that the book will be made intoa movie and that Burch is working on a sequel.

They Cage the Animals at Night is a very heart- warming and intense story about a poor child not getting enough attention and love as he needs. His mother was too sick to take care of him and his dad wasn't there at all for him. Jennings had to separated from his entire family and was sent to numerous orphanages where they abused him and beat him up for no apparent reason. What also is sad is that this is a true story based on the author. No child deserves to be treated this way. I believe this is the best book I have read so far and I believe this book deserves an exellent review.

This is a heart-wrenching story about a young boy life, and the sad events that take place in it. The 'sad events' are what the young boy's life consists of, and it is very hard not to cry at several different points while reading this novel. Be warned, there is no 'saddest point' in the book, as hard as you may look for one. When all the morbidity of this book is put aside, you are left with an incredibally well written book--and from a child's perspective no less! Unless you are an ultra-weepy person, I highly recommend this book.
**for those of you who may be interested to know, or were just uncertain, this is a true story. Nothing in this book was madeup, and in fact, the only thing that has been changed is some of the character's names.

This is a devastating memoir, one that would bring tears to a glass eye. The author never panders to the reader, instead he just tells his story and his story is heart breaking. Children are placed in orphanages and foster homes because their mother has an emotional break-down; this book describes the journey of one of those children. Anyone with a heart will need to pause many times while reading his story, but it’s a story that needs to be told.

My sister's teacher read this book to her class when she was in grade five. Every day she would come home and we would rush off to her room where she would tell me what had happened that chapter. I hung on every word. Several years later I remembered the book very vividly and ordered it from a bookstore. It was just as wonderful as it had been when recited to me all those years before! I bought my sister a copy, and one for myself. Since then I have had to buy several more copies because everyone who "borrows it" seems to have a hard time returning it!
My sister and I experienced some terrible things as children and the story of Jenning's struggles gave me the strenth to get through some of the worst of it. I am so glad that I was able to share your story back then, when it was so strength rendering for me.
I am now in my mid-twenties and still am inspired by this wonderful book.

The very title, combined with the picture of the darling boy, is enough to make one tremble. Child neglect and child abuse are the worst features of mankind, much worse than a hurricane or even a tsunami that sweeps a thousand people to their deaths. Yet, Jennings Michael Burch gives us hope. The child survived and as an adult worked as a New York City policeman, a chauffeur, a theater manager, a magazine pressman and a short-order cook! It's an inspiring miracle.
Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?

They Cage the Animals at Night is a great book. It's about a boy named Jennings Michael Birch, who encounters many tragic events. For example, Jennings' mother went up on the roof to fix her kids' television, falls off and ends up with a broken neck. I really recommend this book to everybody. I recommend it because it's very sad, but happy. It also informs people about many lessons to be learned. This book will send you to bed crying every night, and if not, it will send you to bed thinking: how can so many things happen to an innocent eight-year-old?

This was such a sad book but it was well written and made you think about the system. This poor kid was placed in several orphanages because his mom was too sick to care for him and he was waiting for her to come back. The fact that this happened to the author made this such an inspiring book. I read this till the wee hours of the night because I was so inspired by it with the lights on. I couldn't put it down. I felt sorry for the poor kid. Another great read is a child called it. Both are fantastic.

Jennings Mom gets sick and he has to go to homes. He misses school and he has to stay back a year. He wrote this book to tell about what happened in his life when he was young. The most part I liked was when he goes to one of the homes and sees his friend again. Some of the feelings I had reading this book were sadness, mad, happy and sorry for Jennings. I learned about always to remember your friends, even if they have to go away or die. I liked the part where he met his friend, Stacey, at the end. Jennings is nice and a good kid. I would not like to go to the homes like he did, but he did get to meet a lot of new friends at the homes.

"They Cage The Animals At Night" is an unbelievable book!!! I just cannot believe a little innocent eight year old boy was so mistreated!! Poor Jennings was abused so much it isn't even funny!! I've read this book about a thousand times and broke out in sobs when I read that part about Jennings' friend dying!! OMG!! People, the ending is so wonderful!! I think Jennings Michael's eleventh year was his best!! If you are someone who cares deeply about child care, this book is a must-read!!

I like the book They Cage the Animals At Night by Jennings Michael Burch. One of the reasons I like this book is because it was really sad to know about a little boy who got beat and most of his childhood he had to live in orphanages and foster homes because his mother was always sick. This book is a real tragedy. His brothers' were either alcoholics, sick in the hospital, or ran away so he really didn't have anyone. I would recommand this book to anyone who likes books like this one.

I found this by accident. I know nothing is every by accident. I have been reading it to my 6th grade classroom now for 7 years. I live in the inner city and many of my students can identify with how Jennings was treated when he was lent out.It is a great discussionary book for this age. I cry when Mark dies, and so do the kids. They boys hide those tears, but the girls and I are right there! Thank you so much for taking the time so long ago to recall all your adventures, Jennings.

The book , They Cage The Animals At Night was a great book. People of all ages should read the books. This book should make you be more thankfull for what you have, if it doesnt thats fine, but I know for me it did. I thought Jennings Burch did a great job telling his life story. Once I picked the book up it never left my hands. I couldnt put this book down. I thought the book was a real tearjerker. I hope this book makes you think..... I hope this review helped you.

Growing up was hard for me. As the oldest of three, eventually five, with a mon addicted to crack cocaine, I moved from hosue to house, from school to school. Though always with family. When I read this book I cried until I couldn't cry anymore. Selective amnesia has made it difficult to remember the simplest of things but I will never forget this book and its incredible author, that taught me not that life is rough but that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I read this book almost ten years ago, during a time in my life when I wished to end it all but this book gave me the courage to go on and now at 22 yrs of age I am happier than I've ever been.

Wow! What a powerful and insightful book! I LOVE this book for many reasons. I'll just list them as they come to mind (i.e., not in order of importance).
* Jennings isn't some bitter guy writing the book because he has a chip on his shoulder... * He has good instincts and acted on them. I see myself him time and time again... * It's a TRUE story * There's a deep, yet not overbearing philosophical current in the book... * It has heroes, villians, and devastating casualties...all the stuff that make for a great book. * The themes, cycles and lessons in the book are true-to-life... * It reads very easily and flows chronologically. Anyone who is literate can enjoy it. * It always keeps your attention...I truly couldn't put it down. * It has a happy ending that's still realistic. * It captures a multitude of UNIVERSAL feelings and experiences very well. * He allows himself to be vulnerable... * He exposes problems in the system that were kept "hush-hush" back then. * I love the way he states profound truths in very simple terms. * It's accurate. * He doesn't try to shield the audience from his pain and embarrassment * He doesn't preach at his audience. * It inspires me to reach out to others lovingly, and to allow them into my life even though the day of parting is inevitable.

This book has made me realize some of the small things in life such as family and friends that should be recognized and appreciated. I am a younger student and we read this book last year as a class. At the end of the unit when all the sixth grade classes had completed the book Jennings came to our school to speak. He also brought Doggie along with him. Theres nothing more than meeting the person to get your feelings going. We sat and the auditorium as tears streamed down all our faces. This book brought our school together as one for a day. Jennings talked about how he was made fun of and I see less and less hurtful words being saqid everyday. Jennings is coming back again this year and we hope to have stronger results than before. This book is very influential and I believe every younger teenager should read this book. If you are not touched by this book you may never be touched in your life.

"They Cage the Animals at Night" by Jennings Michael Burch is an autobiography of an eight-year-old boy who faced the perils of an insecure childhood, in everyway possible. Jennings was placed in several children's institutions due to his mother being sick and his father a drunken bum that he'd never met. He was separated from his five other brothers, and placed in orphanages, as a part-timer instead of the orphans (a.k.a. lifers) He bounced from home, to orphanages, to abusive foster homes, to good foster homes, to living at the zoo and rummaging through the trash for food. Through all this time, Jennings was taught not to become close to people, because the ones you love, always leave you. Jennings was taught many other lessons; unfortunately he learned them all the hard way. This story will break your heart, and yet at the same time fill you with hope for him in the future as you compare him to his brothers.
I loved this book. I read it as a fifth grader, and then again in high school. With both reads I learned something. The pages of this autobiography made tears come to my eyes, because Jennings Michael Burch brings you into the story, and back to the memories of your own childhood. You can't believe that the days you were twirling around in your princess costume, Jennings was sleeping in the cold bushes of the Bronx zoo by himself.

Although the story was about Jennings and his bewildering forays into the foster care system, as well as his emotional, intellectual and psychological resilience, the secondary character that puzzled me most was the mother. There are so many unanswered questions. Personally I suspect undiagnosed clinical depression and the possibility of other mental illness. This is definitely a hard-luck family, fractured by poverty, alcoholism, and on the mother's part, an unwillingness? ignorance? about discipline and consistency. I recommend this book as a teacher; I know that children go through this. I grew up in a very stable home with both parents, and with a lot of consistency in my life, so this book opened my eyes to other ways of living and what others have to go through to survive and thrive.

I finished this book at one sitting because I could not put it down. It was one of the most touching stories I ever read. It tells the story of a little boy named Jennings. His mother has health problems, so he and his brothers spend much of their young lives in orphanages and foster homes. Jennings is seperated from his mom and his brothers, and sent to cold institutions that are often run by unfeeling administrators who dole out painful and humiliating punishments for small, insignificant offenses such as wetting the bed. He is lent out to foster homes where he is ignored, beaten, and otherwise mistreated. All this moving around causes him to fall behind in his schooling. Because of this, his fellow students and even his teachers mock and deride him, telling him he is stupid. What little time he does spend at home is disrupted by quarreling older brothers, a sick mother, a permanently hospitalized brother, a couple of drunken brothers, and a constant lack of money. And even with all he went through, he didn't give up. The book is very well written, and will touch the heart of anyone who loves children. I think that everone should read this inspiring true story.

At times it was very difficult to read this true story due to my tears and heart stopping feelings. I think that this book should be required reading for the young people of today to let them know how blessed they are to have what they have. I hope our system has changed enough so that the things this young boy, and the many others in the book faced are not present today. My heart is still hurting from this story but I am glad that I continued with the read and finished Mr. Burch's story. I am going to pass this book on to my grandaughters to read and hope they share it with their friends.

I enjoyed the book, They Cage the Animals at Night. This autobiographical story is about a young child who is seperated from his brothers and sent to different orphanages, becasue their mother is sick. The nuns are very strict and have no sympathy for an eight year old boy, Jennings. It is about Jennings and his struggles through a series of diffeent orphanage homes, feeling lonely, and frightened. He held on to a stuffed animal who he named Doggie. This book is, as the back cover explains, "The triumphant tale of a little boy who finally gained the courage to reach out for love- and found it waiting for him".. Jennings' unyielding spirit and hope are seemingly contagious as he brings the reader into this brave boys childhood. While reading this autobiographical you will be able to feel sympathy for the kid, wanting to help. And you will feel as if you were going through the experiences with him- the hurt and pain. It is very well written with good details. I am very glad i chose to read this book, and would recommend it to anyone.

This book made an immediate impact on me. I was at once reminded of another book on child abuse (The Bark of the Dogwood) in which a psychotic mother takes away all of the main character's stuffed animals-each with it's own personality and such. But "They Cage" was even more gripping. This book is about a young boy named Jennings. Jennings has to be courageous and persevere through hard times. He has to try to keep his family together as problem after problem occurs. He receives help from many different people during his travels in New York City. He learns how to help his family and gathers information about life to help him understand his situation. I liked this book because it was a real story, but still action packed. In some parts of the story it was hard to put the book down because it enthralled its readers. I would recommend this book to people who like drama and action filled books.

Yes, I am one of those people who picked up the book and didn't put it down until I was finished - about 2 1/2 hours later. All I can say is- W-O-W... In the time it took to read this book, I experienced the gamut of emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, shock, disbelief, horror) and spilled plenty of tears!

The book also shed some light on the true "spirit" of these Catholic Church-run homes and on the NYS Foster Care system of the 1940's & 1950's. While the abuses chronicled in "They Cage..." would never be tolerated today, it is disheartening to know that such practices DID exist.

Reading this book made me appreciate my own children all the mor. I also hope the current system in place (think of the starved children in an NJ foster home about a year and a half ago) is revamped positively so no one has to experience the trauma and suffering that Jennings Michael Burch did.

I read this as a foster parent, I live with kids like Jennings. It is so heartbreaking what these kids have to go though, and so good to know that I as a good foster parent can make a difference. The story opened my eyes even more to the pain and confusion foster children face. It renews my hope and faith that caring people, no matter how briefly they touch someones life can make a big difference. From the lady who gave him Doggie (which was his lifeline to staying alive) to the bus driver who played a long and lasting role in Jennings life. I would like to read a follow up of his life, how did his life turn out? You are given a small glance into it but I would really like to know the details. I'm so glad he went on to adopt, if we all try, we can make this world a better place, one person at a time.

I first read this book when I was about 8 years old, and reread it for a class requirement in the 6th grade, I am now 28.
There are so many things I could say about this book, all being positive in spite of the sad story that unfolded. Regardless of how wonderful I think the book is. The most important thing is that this is one of those books that stays with you for your entire life. The only other book that has been of such remembrance to me is "The Giver". I am so thankful I stumbled across a book that was able to touch me so, at such a young age and stay with me for the past 20 years! I just hope it stays with my nieces and nephews just as long.

Jennings Michael Burch wrote about the life he had to live when he was a young child. He wrote how it was when he was sent to placement homes. His lfe was all about moving to different foster homes. Jennings,at first,Didnt know how these homes worked but quickly learned after he was punished for even the smallest wrong move. In these homes Burch learned how to stand up for himself and to have a stronger approach to life. Through out the whole book he overcomes obsitcles that he never thought he could overcome. One reason why I liked this book was because Jennings had a pet stuff animal dog and he had the dog say what Jennings was really feeling. I thought it was really interesting and creative. Another reason why I liked reading this book was because I feel it is one of the best books Ive ever read. I liked the way Jennings wrote the actual events that he went through and it made me feel like he was telling his story to me in person. Through out the whole book he kept me interested by sharing his goals and how he overcame all his fears.

My twelve year old daughter read this remarkable book over a vacation. So awe inspiring that she cried throughout most of the vacation. She finished it and I picked it up. Jennings is a wonderful innocent being who as a child, gave into to his surroundings because he had no choice. I cried throughout the book also, hardly ever puting it down the two days it took me to read it. It's a story of hardship, emotional abuse and neglect by teachers as well as clergy.
Jennings could have easily turned out to be on the outskirts of life, drifting in and out of prison. Instead he gave us this book and a hard look at a life that most of us have never seen. A wonderfully poignant and terrible sad book at the same time.

This book was totally awesome! I loved it. It is the story of a horrible, hard life of Jennings Birch, who's book has little ditties of humor that make you laugh and cry. His mother has five boys, is single, and keeps on having nervous breakdowns in the forties and fifties. This is an extremely inspirational story, a must read!

I read this book when I was in fifth grade. It was the first book to ever make me cry, and you do get caught up in the story .you want the boy and doggie to be safe and happy. Couple months after finishing the book. Jennings Michael Burch came to my school to talk about the book to us kids, and show us he still had doggie to this day.
He was a very sweet man, fragile, and spoke of starting to write the sequel to his story. He also made mention of trying to find the boy that model for the picture for a movie idea they were throwing around.

They Cage the Animals at night is a heart-wrenching autobiography that I loved to read. it showed me the true meaning of love. You cannot put a price on it. And anyone can provide it for you. Maybe in life we should stop recieving so much and start giving. The little things in life are what give us hope.
Jennings life was not, terrible but not the best either. It was burden and hard to go through. But he did it. Along the way he made true friends and a very speacial one named Doggie. Doggie is a prime example of how anyone or anyTHING can give you love.

<3

I read my original review on this book and realized how much it lacked as a true review of anything, so here's my second shot. The book tells the true story of Jennings Michael Burch, a 9 year old foster child who was abandoned by his mother at a young age. The author, Burch, recalls the events of his early childhood which include; seemingly over-abusive foster parents, multiple attempts to rehouse him, and literally chapter long conversations with a stuffed dog. To say the absolute least, this "gut wrenching" story of abuse, survival, and drama sounds far-fetched throughout. I found myself second guessing many of the events and constantly rereading sections that just sounded downright false. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad read, in fact, it's a very good book. I only give it a three because of how far-fetched and fake it sounds. Otherwise, I'd suggest checking it out if you want a good, quick read.

I read this book many years ago when I was in 6th grade, actually my teacher read it to us. she found out that Jennings Michael Burch went to different schools around the country to talk about his life. he came to my school the following year. a few years laer when I was in 9th grade he came back, a few years before that I had written him a letter about how much I loved his book. when he came back the 2nd time he stayed at my house. we were his host family. I will never forget that. I have my autographed book with me. IF YOU HAVE NEVER READ THIS BOOK, READ IT. It will make you cry, so have a box of kleenex next to you.

Amanda from Kansas

This book They Cage the Animals at Night is the best book I have ever read. Now I don't usually read and I'm so glad that my teacher had us read this book because then I would have never found the ONE book that has changed my life. It made me think of how I can change the way these children who don't have a family or any friends can still have a good childhood. Now I'm only 16 years old and before this book I had no idea what I was going to do with my life and after this book now I know what I want to do, I want to help children like Jennings. I think EVERY single high school student should read this book and if your out of High School you also HAVE to read this book.

Jennings has a rough childhood but, he was strong and dependent child (surving in the Bronx Zoo). He has been hurt very much mentailly. I liked several themes in the book. One when he asks his brother Jerome (which he is wise), "What is a brother"? And he replies It's someone you care for and the relationship that makes you "brothers" . And when Jennings ask "what is love?" And his brother answer that love is hard word that people say (which is ture), so if a person loves someone they should say it. I also love doggie. He stold with him all of they way :) There's alot more to the story I liked.

one of my favorite books explaning the life of a child which had to learn how to survie. He's been in many foster homes which he usally got treated very badly. While he clutched to Doggie his stuffed animal which he got from his first home, he learned the meaning of love. He ran away alot of times and was found to be eating out of garbages. I also had the pleasure of meeting him and getting my book autographed by him. He still had Doggie which was in very bad shape but he's still holding on to it everyday of his life. This a definite page turner!

This story made me cry and at one point I had to put it down for a few days because of the tears. This is well written, not "mushy or preachy" it just tells it like it is. It is a wonderful story of adapting, persevering, and overcoming adversity. I will keep this book, it is a book of hope.

This is my favorite book. I have read it about 6 times, and for me that is saying something. I tend to read a book once, then go years without reading it, but this one I just love. Its just so good, I can't really give it a good enough review, assuredly one of my most cherished books.

I have a read a prolific amount of books in my life and this BAR FAR has been the most emotional book I have ever read. It made me cry to such a capacity, I thought my heart would just explode and shatter into a million pieces! I read this when I was a sophmore in highschool. I am now 27 and can still vividly remember staying awake late at night with buckets of tears in my eyes eagerly waiting to see if something good would come out something so terrible! Emotionally, it's done something to my life that I can appreciate EVERYTHING that I have. The best book --the ABSOLUTE best!

I thought that They Cage the Animals at Night was a great book. It had so much detail and Jennings wrote this book as he experienced it, through a child's eyes. This book shows you a new way of looking at things. Jennings goes through so much through the duration of this book and as you're reading it, you don't want to stop because you get so caught in the book that it feels like you are there experiencing those same things with him.

I would recommend this to grades 9 and up because it is not graphic but it has a lot of sad things that happened to him. But I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in reading a really good book.

I didn't want this book to end. I enjoyed it although it made me cry several times. It made me appreciate being raise in a wonderful home - and gave me a heart for those who aren't so fortunate. My mother is now enjoying the book too!

This book was really good, I recomend everyone to read the book.
It made me think more about my life and be thankful for what I have. It was the best book I have ever read. I think Jennings Burch did a really good job writing and describing how hard his life was.

This book is about a young boy named Jennings. Jennings has to be couragous and perservere through hard times. He has to try to keep his family together as problem after problem occurs. He receives help from many different people duing his travels in New York City. He learns how to help his family and gathers information about life to help him understand his situation. I liked this book because it was a real story, but still action packed. In some parts of the story it was hard to put the book down because it enthralled its readers. I would recomend this book to people who like drama and action filled books.

I cried after reading this book. It was so moving. Jennings, the main character, was amazing. I started reading ot right after it came in the mail and i finished it in one day. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a real book, one that makes you aware of the things going on in this world. After reading this book, I'm going to strive to be the best person that I can and not judge people by their looks. I'm going help as many people as I can. This book is just so inspirational. Please read this book. It will change your outlook on life for the better.

This book is highly recommended!! I read it from cover to cover in one day; I couldn't put down! It is a heart-wrenching book about the dreadful life of Jennings (aka Mike). The horrid events through his life will astound you....

This story was good, but the narrator's voice was very dull to me. It was like mostly a factual recount of a very sad story. It lacked the lyrical, emotional rollercoaster I was expected to be on given the unfortunate circumstances of Mr. Burch's youth. Passed around from orphanage to orphanage during his mother's low points (in trying to deal with her own health issues and a son who was hospitalized from birth), and having a history of alcoholism from his father and older brothers, your heart will break for him. However, I never felt as if I was really let in to the story, the way a stranger at a cocktail party might casually mention an astrangement from a family member. You can see the terrible story, but you cannot feel it. In a nonfiction work such as this, I look for the author to be brutally raw, to let me see everything as it was. I felt as if I were being given a peak, but not trusted with the true worst of things, which is ultimately inside the narrator's feelings and emotions.

When I was in the 8th grade (11-12 years ago)we had to go find a book in the library and do a review within two weeks. After searching and searching, the cover of this book pulled me in. I sat down and read this book during that class period and finished it at lunch. It was and still is the best book that I've ever read. I went back to the library and read it three more times that year. I haven't read it since though I'm going to buy it today. Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite book is, I always tell them "They Cage the Animals at Night" by Jennings Michael Burch. It's funny how this book touched me so deeply and has stuck in my heart all of these years.

I read this book twenty years ago and still remember it because it was so good! It is a sometimes emotional story of a child going through "the system" of orphanages and foster homes. I recommend it to everyone!

I was particularly taken by this very sad story and in fact read it again, almost a year later (something I rarely do). The author had everything it takes to keep my interest and make the story real enough to haunt me for a long time. This is an excellent memoir.

This little boy was amazing. The heartache and pain he endured throughout his life is unheard of...or so we think.

I read this book a few years ago and finished it over a weekend. It was so well written, I didn't want to put it down.

I highly recommend it.

I really liked this book. I read it when I was in High school on my own. I picked it up because the title seemed interesting. However, I didn't realize it was going to be so sad. It was a bit slow, but still worth a read. If you have ever read "The Child called 'it'" by David Peltzer, this is a much more mellow version. There is abuse but nothing to the extent of the "The Child Called 'it.'"

I read this book several times at a very young age. As a 33 year old adult I still think of it often, and have requested it be made available for the Kindle so that I can purchase that version. This book remains an all-time favorite and I intend to pass the story onto my daughter when she is a little bit older. The raw emotion and lessons taught here at important whether you were in the foster care system or not.

This book really makes you realize the sadness and the struggles that some people in this world must endure. It is a very sad book, and makes you second guess our country's foster system, and orphanages. I highly recommend this book, it will make you laugh, and it will make you cry, but in the end you will find yourself wanting to do more to help the lives of children in the same situations as little Jennings. If this book has accomplished nothing else, it has accomplished making people realize what the homes are like for homeless children, and makes them want to make a difference in them. Awesome Book!

This book is essential reading for all people thinking to adopt a child, whatever child. The situation of orphans or foster children might have improved over the last decades, but if you think about adopting internationnally who knows what your child went through. Here you get a glimpse of what it is like to live in a home, to be put away without knowing why, the shock, the sadness and especially the fear. But it also talks about the essentials : love, friendship, loss, hope and survival. It makes you understand that the child you adopt can't trust you straight away (you are just another adult), but it also shows you how desperate is the search for love and just a normal life !

The first time I read this novel, I started to cry in the first chapter. The boy was so excited to be alone with his mother for a change and then to find out she left him. She told him " I will be right back" it makes you think of the many children who are abandoned and suffer with depression. It is a wonderful read for a 12 year old. I highly recommend it.

When I read this book I thought that it was so sad. Each chapter brought u in further to his life and to what he had to go through. This book shows that most people have it really easy and don't have to be moved home to home. When I finished this book I thought that it should be a recommended to 7th graders and above. It shows that u shouldn't take your life for granted. I would give this story a 4 because it shows all of us that u can always be strong and u can never give up for anything.

The first time I read this book, i was in grade five, and it was read to me. Then I borrowed it and read it again. Even at such a young age i was able to appreciate it. Maybe it was because I WAS so young - i could relate to a child who was close to the same age as me.
The expression used by the author is like poetry, and five years later I am still trying to get my hands on that book. I have yet to find another book that even compares to this one. Its a must read!!!!

"I'm sorry I brought you to this place, Doggie." Jennings Burch whisperd to his stuffed dog companion in 1954. Vistit The Home of the Angels, St. Teresa, and meet Jennings' fasinating friends, in They Cage the Animals at Night. As you read this book you'll become amazed with what goes on inside the walls of an orphanage. Jennings wrote this amazing story that I will never forget, please share that with me and pick up a copy of They Cage the Animals at Night.

They Cage the Animals at Night is a heartrending true story about a boy who was in and out of orphanages throughout his life. his mother was often sick and his father was a drunk so Jennings had to look in other places for campanionship. he found many friends in his journey to find where he belonged and lost just as many. i would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. if you have a heart this book will surely touch it in an unimaginable way.

I have never read a non fiction book with such emotion or power as this. From beginning to end, this book captivates it's audience and brings out so much emotion in the reader that it is hard to put down. This book changed the way I felt about orphanages and the foster care system altogether. No book has ever touched me quite like "Caged" has. A must read!

Since I first read this book over 15 years ago I've read the book over 10 times. I read it three times the first year. I felt it was an amazing story, very touching, and able to tug at me each time I read it. The strength and courage that the author had was amazing.

I read this book a few years ago, and this story still stays in my head. Its a great read, and definately an interesting story.Its about a little boy who had worthless parents who leave him at an orphage, and never come back so its up to him to find his own way, and he runs away from the orphanage to go and live at the zoo, finally years later he meets up with his mom again, only to realize he was better off with out her and his other sibligs, and ends just being happy with what he has, and i believe he ends up getting adopted. i forget about that part, its been a while, but its a great story. the animals refer to stuffed animals.

I read this book when I was 9-10 years old. I will never forget it as long as I live. My mother gave me the book to read.
The book is a story about the hardships of a poor family during the 1950s I think it was the 1950's.... The book is a great read.... I recommend it.....

I first read this book when I was 13, I'm now 27, and have read it at least once a year since. It never fails to pull at my heart. When I read this book, I get a horrible pit in my stomach, and I always cry. This is the true story of countless children, and especially since I've become a mother, this story has touched me especially deep. This should be a must read for ANYBODY, but especially to those thinking about adopting or fostering a child. These children have been through so much, and you can't read this book without feeling for them!

I miss reading this book. As the adoptive mom to a 9 year old boy who previously lived in 3 different orphanages, I didn't just read this book. I felt this book deep in my soul, and cried during much of the reading of it. Because of Jennings I feel I have a better understanding (not just in my head, but in my heart) of my own son. I cannot thank Jennings Burch enough for the courage to write this book. You are an inspiration and a gift!

I have to admit that I don't really like stories that are tragic and depressing to read, but this book is such an amazing experience. It's so hard to believe that kids like Jennings had to go through these tormenting situations. Once I picked up the book I couldn't put it down. This is just an incredible true story..

when I read this book i thought that it was very sad. It shows that many people have it vary easy and don't have to have a life like jenning and be moved home to home. After reading this book it showed me that you shouldn't take you life for granted because you could be like jenings and have to live in many home and never have some one to love. That is why I gave this story a 4.

This is the only book that I have ever read more than once. It is my favorite book in the world. This book inspired me to not think of my life as so terrible anymore, because if this little boy could endure all that pain then I certainly could too. I recomed it to everyone, an I truly do believe it is the best book in the world.

This is my favorite book in the entire world. Really, I have a list and this one is at the top. It tells the story of a little boy just trying to survive in the world and find love. The power in this book comes from it being an autobiography which means that it is undeniably true. Everyone who can handle it should read this book.

It really sucks when you have to struggle and this poor woman was sick and couln't help what she had to do. But they way children are treated in orphanages and foster homes are outrageous. People wake up these children just need love and compassion.

I had to read this book for freshman year in highschool, and first thought it to be garbage. After reading the first few pages, I was hooked. Only took me 3 days to read the whole thing. In some point of the book, I almost cried. I think everyone should read this book! Fantastic! Deserves more than 5 stars.

This book was incredible. It also reminded me of how cruel people can be sometimes. Jennings remains free of bitterness throughout the whole ordeal which proves that he is a exceptional human being. He also stayed with his mother through her many illnesses and cheered up many of the lives that touched his. Overall, very sad and very emotional

This is probably my favorite book ever. I try to make a point of reading it at least once a year. This is a true story about an abused little boy named Jennings, who is left by his mother at a foster home. Jennings painfully tells about his life in different foster homes and with different foster families.

This book was so good. It made you feel exactly how Jennings felt as he went from orphanage to orphanage. He made you hate the people that hurt him and love the people he loved. I reconmend this book to everybody. I couldn't put it down. I read it straight through. It was excellent and if your looking for a good book to read, read this one!!!

This is a story of a boy's struggle growning up in foster homes. It is very well writen. Once you start you can't put it down. I first read the book in the 80's. It is such a good book I had to read it again. You will want to share this book with friends. If you liked one child or a boy called it you will love this book.

I Read this book last year as and assignment and it was wonderful. I couldnt put it down. My whole class was reading ahead of our assignment until our teacher told us to finish the book in a day or two and soon enough everyone did. I recomend this book to everyone. I wont tell you much about the book so not to spoil it. But please read it.

i have read this book several times, and each time it touches me more than the last. it is a wonderful, heartfelt tear jerker, and a warning: once you start reading this book, you will not be able to stop until you get to the end. i would recomend this story to everyone, no matter what age or sex you are. it is wonderful

I read "They cage the animals at night" in 8th grade as a project and me, I hated to read, i mean I really really hated it..This book, I could Not put it down..I was glued..It was truely a good book. I also met Jennings Michael Burch, he truely inspired me, I cryed. This book was inspiring, and wonderful, I loved it.

This amazing real-life adventure is a must read. The way it was written made you feel like you were right there with Jennings, feeling and coping with all the hard comings of his life. I would suggest it to people who enjoy books like "A Child Called It" and all the books written by Torey Hayden.

I first heard of this book when i was in the sixth grade. Our teacher read it to the class, we would sit on the carpet and hear a little more of the story each day. It was such n incredible story. For two years i searched to find that book. When i finally found it I bought it right away. I have read it about six times in the last four years. It is such a touching story and always makes me cry. No child should have to deal with the things that Jennings Michael Birch had to go through as a child.

An excellent book. Jennings story gives a child's account on a very profound and important subject matter. I discovered once I began reading his book, I could not put it down. I strongly recommend it--a most captivating narrative of what a child had to endure.

When I read this book, I felt sadness, joy, sadness again, anger and my heart broke near the end. While reading I did not know the ending which kept my interest in the book. I would like to have seen a second book about the rest of his life.

My sister is the one that indroduced me to the book,always telling me read it.So I did and I thought it was the best book I ever read I could not put the book down.Its a very emoitional book, I cried through out the book being a 13 year old boy. I recommend you read this book, youll get hooked on it right away

This is my favorite book. I have read this book over the years no less than eight times......that is why I had to get a new one :-)

I highly recommend this book especially if you are like me and only like to read non-fiction.

An excellent book. Jennings story gives a child's account on a very profound and important subject matter. I discovered once I began reading his book, I could not put it down. I strongly recommend it--a most captivating narrative of what a child had to endure.

When I read this book, I felt sadness, joy, sadness again, anger and my heart broke near the end. While reading I did not know the ending which kept my interest in the book. I would like to have seen a second book about the rest of his life.

I read this book when I was in grammar school many years ago and I still remember the emotions I felt back then. This is a sad, but powerful book about one boy's trials and tribulations in the orphanage system. Riveting.

My sister is the one that indroduced me to the book,always telling me read it.So I did and I thought it was the best book I ever read I could not put the book down.Its a very emoitional book, I cried through out the book being a 13 year old boy. I recommend you read this book, youll get hooked on it right away

This is my favorite book. I have read this book over the years no less than eight times......that is why I had to get a new one :-)

I highly recommend this book especially if you are like me and only like to read non-fiction.

I cried throughout the whole book. I couldn't put it down and when I finally finished it, all I could do was think about what happened. I think every 8th grader should read this book by Jennings Michael Burch. Maybe, it could help us realize how some children aren't as fortunate as others and from that we'd learn not to take things for granted. We'll learn to appreciate the better things in life.

I read the book in about a week and, while it's a fantastic book, so much of it is so hard to believe. Sure, it's a true story, but how much of it is true? I have no doubt in my mind that the events in the book actually happened, but it is far fetched beyond belief. If you want to read an actual not far fetched true story, The Diary of Anne Frank is the book for you, but if you like books where you constantly find yourself second guessing what is and what isn't true, this book is for you. Three stars.

Although the novel does tug at the heart, I am totally puzzled by the accuracy of Jennings' memory and by his extraordinary attention to details at age eight. It is amazing that he could recall specific descriptions of objects, conversations and meals. I teach the book to 9th graders who love it and clamor for more, so for that reason, it is a valuable tool. But so far as its accuracy is concerned, I am doubtful.

I thought that They Cage The Animals at Night was a very boring book and I would not recommend it for kids. The reason that I thought it was boring is it was a very slow moving book and it went on and on about the smallest things. It's a book about a boy whose mother keeps putting him in orphanages and bad things keep happening to him when he goes there. I prefer sci-fi and action books.

This book is horrible. The story is intresting, but it becomes lost benath a style that is both immature and drab. It is clearly written by someone without any training in creative writing. I do not understand what the prevous reviewer saw in this book.