Oliver Twist

Before I had pages or a cover, I was a feeling in a man’s heart. I was a story about a little boy with big, curious eyes, wandering through the noisy streets of London a very long time ago. He was lonely and hungry, but he was also very brave. I waited, like a secret, to be told. I am the story of Oliver Twist. I am a book full of adventure and heart. My story wanted to leap out and be shared with everyone, like a happy song you just have to sing.

My friend, Charles Dickens, decided to tell my story. He was a wonderful writer with a big imagination. Starting in February of 1837, he dipped his pen in ink and wrote my words, one chapter at a time, making my world come alive. He wrote about little Oliver asking for more soup by saying, 'Please, sir, I want some more.' People would read my story in a magazine and could not wait to find out what happened next. It was so exciting. For two years, all the way until April of 1839, Charles kept writing. He wrote until my whole adventure was complete and I could finally be held as a real book with a beautiful cover.

My story showed everyone how important it is to be kind, especially to children who need help and love. Even though Oliver’s journey was hard sometimes, his good heart shone like a little candle in the dark. Today, children and grown-ups still read my pages and remember Oliver’s bravery. I remind them that even when you feel small and alone, your kindness can make the whole world a brighter place. I am a book that remembers that every single child deserves to be happy and loved.