A Thief Among Statues — Donn Kushner

Brian Newgate is one of the so-called "Home Children"--orphans or children living on the streets who were brought to Canada from Britain shortly after the First World War.

When Brian is falsely accused of theft, he flees the farm he has been sent to and ends up in a small town where he takes shelter in a church. As he snuggles down for the night he hears two voices that seem to be right beside him, but when he looks he can't see anyone.

Brian pries some boards away from the wooden pillars around him, and discovers two majestic-looking figures carved in wood. They are wearing rich wooden robes and wooden crowns--and they are speaking to him!

The two kings have a special task for their new-found friend. It is dangerous, but it will also allow Brian to confront the question that has plagued him all his life: where does his future lie?