Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All

Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All by Laura Ruby follows the story of Frankie, a young girl who, after the death of her mother, is sent to a Chicago orphanage with her siblings. What was meant to be a temporary stay becomes permanent when her father shows up with a new woman and plans to leave town, abandoning his children. Now living in the orphanage with her sister Toni, Frankie navigates the harsh realities of abandonment, survival, and the emotional scars left by their father's betrayal.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the onset of World War II, the novel delves into the deep social issues of poverty, injustice, and death, portraying the struggles of young girls in a broken system. As Frankie faces these challenges, she is determined to hold onto something meaningful amid the despair and destruction. The narrative intertwines Frankie's personal journey with reflections on the larger societal upheavals of the time, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and hope in the face of adversity.