About the Book

When thirteen year-old Elsie Lutz witnesses her father apprehended for a crime he did not commit, she knows her life has changed forever. Now alone, Elsie must fend for herself on the streets of New York City in 1899. Tides change, however, when she befriends “Grin”, a newsboy with a kind heart and a mysterious past. Elsie soon finds  herself involved in one of the greatest acts of social activism by children – the newsboy’s strike of 1899. Through the brotherhood of the newsboys, Elsie discovers her own courage, bravery and self-determination. But will what she learns be enough to face overwhelming odds, find her own voice, and free her father?

Calling Extra is inspired by the historical events of New York in the summer of 1899.  The novel explores the Child Labor and Women Rights Movement, as well as immigration, and life in the impoverished slums of New York at the turn of the 20th Century. The novel follows thirteen year-old German immigrant Elsie and fifteen-year old newsboy “Grin” as their adventures weave in and out of many iconic and ground-breaking people, places and events of their time.

For ages 10 and up. Purchase on Amazon.com | Read Excerpts

About the Author

Kristina Romero is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a Masters in Professional Writing.  She was inspired to write Calling Extra while living in New York City and working as an actress on the soap opera As the World Turns, where she earned two Daytime Emmy nominations. Kristina now resides in Virginia with her husband where she continues to research and write for upcoming projects. For more on Kristina, please visit http://kristinaromero.com .