Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill follows Baby, a thirteen-year-old girl living in the slums of Montreal with her heroin-addicted father, Jules. As Baby navigates the instability caused by Jules' addiction, she seeks affection and stability, ultimately getting involved with dangerous individuals. The story is told through Baby's reflective, yet honest, memories of her troubled childhood. Topics: child exploitation, substance addiction, and abuse.

Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill has been praised for its compelling, lyrical prose and vivid character development. Reviewers highlight O'Neill's skill in portraying the raw and gritty life of a young girl growing up in poverty. Some critics feel the narrative's bleakness can be overwhelming. Overall, it’s a poignant and unforgettable debut novel that captures both hardship and resilience.

Fans of raw, poignant coming-of-age stories would cherish Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill. Ideal for readers who appreciated the gritty realism of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or the lyrical prose of White Oleander by Janet Fitch. This novel’s blend of innocence and harsh reality is captivating.

Melancholic / Gritty / Challenging / Emotional / Contemplative

- Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill won the Canada Reads competition in 2007, a national event organized by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
- The book was Heather O'Neill's debut novel, earning her significant acclaim and establishing her as a noteworthy voice in contemporary Canadian literature.
- Lullabies for Little Criminals was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2008, highlighting its international recognition and appeal.

**Baby**  
A thirteen-year-old girl navigating a difficult childhood; she is intelligent and loves to read, but faces many challenges due to her father's negligence.

**Jules**  
Baby's father, who struggles with heroin addiction and mental health issues; he attempts to care for Baby but often falls short due to his personal struggles.

**Felix**  
Baby's friend who shares childhood experiences with her, including creative projects and experimenting with magic mushrooms.

**Theo**  
A young boy considered by Baby to be her boyfriend; he exhibits violent behavior, reflecting the abuse he suffers at home.

**Alphonse**  
An adult who manipulates Baby by giving her attention and gifts, ultimately exploiting her vulnerability.

Heather O'Neill

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Lullabies for Little Criminals Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “life with jules”

Part 1 Lullabies for Little Criminals Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “the last time we were children” 

Part 2 Lullabies for Little Criminals Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “napoleon street”

Part 3 Lullabies for Little Criminals Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “going to war”

Part 4 Lullabies for Little Criminals Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “the devil in a track suit”

Part 5 Lullabies for Little Criminals Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “the milky way”

Part 6 Lullabies for Little Criminals Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “playing grown-up”

Part 7 Lullabies for Little Criminals Part 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8 Lullabies for Little Criminals Part 8 Summary & Analysis

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Lullabies for Little Criminals

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