Dark Against the Sky is a compelling story about climbing boys, or young chimney sweeps, in London in 1834. The arc of their adventures follows the main character, Tommy, as he struggles to find and be re-united with his father, faces the daily challenges of life as a climbing boy ruled by callous master sweeps, and interacts with friends and street folk. Though his story is often darkened by his work and the period, it is brightened and ultimately redeemed by his growth in his journey and the humanity he shares with his “band of brothers.”

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The black-and-white tone of the time is reflected in 32 drawings that accompany and visualize the story, which uses historical fiction to educate middle-grade readers on the lives of these lads.