Rating: 
Summary: Horrifying and real
Review: I'm not usually one for books off the beaten path or those I don't already know something about, choosing instead to stick with a bestseller like "Da Vinci Code" or "Bark of the Dogwood," but something caught my eye with regards to "They Cage the Animals at Night." Perhaps it was the title. Perhaps it was something speaking to me--something I can't put my finger on. But for whatever reason, I started into this book and couldn't put it down. The story is not an easy one--child abuse never is--and some of the images in this riveting book will stay with you long after you've put it down. But it is a book that should be read.
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Summary: They Cage the Animals at Night
Review: They Cage the Animals at Night, by Jennings Michael Burch, is the true story of a boy named Jennings and his terrible childhood. Due to his mother's bad health, he traveled from home to home with his stuffed animal, Doggie. Although he had three older brothers and one younger brother, he spent his childhood alone. He met and lost many people throughout the book. Jennings eventually became friendly with a bus driver named Sal. How will Jennings get though all of it? Read the book to find out.
This fantastic survival tale will touch your heart. They Cage the Animals at Night is a book for readers 11 and up. While reading this book, you will have a chance to emotionally experience the depressing life of this brave young boy. We recommend this book to people who like books which are amazingly emotional, and are interested in reading a true tale, down to each well-described detail. This is a must read!
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Summary: They Cage the Animals at Night
Review: They Cage the Animals at night is a very powerful, thought-provoking, and frightening biographical account of Michael Jennings Burch's childhood. He tells readers about his lonely childhood of painful suffering in Southern New York, Brooklyn, and other city areas. One of six brothers, he lived alone and forgotten. At the young age of eight, he was told that love would only mean loss. His mother left him with the words, "I'll be right back" and with this his unfortunate life began, soon to become more and more depressing.
Throughout his childhood, Michael Jennings Burch moved from foster home to foster home, never staying long enough to make a friend. He never leaves Doggie, his faithful stuffed animal, who he talks to constantly thoroughout the book. At one point, he even lived out of garbage cans at the zoo.
Throughout his childhood, Michael was abused. Dealing with alcoholics at home, and on the street, his suffering is felt by readers. Tears of joy and tears of sorrow are displayed, so be prepared to experience many moods and emotions. This fantastic autogiography is suitable for 6th graders and above, due to language and vivid depressing details.
Rating: 
Summary: Well written
Review: I read this book several years ago. It was riveting and very sad. I sometimes questioned if everything was true, however. After working with severely abused and neglected children for fifteen years, the book sometimes seemed a little too pat (almost like a stereotype of a horrible childhood). For other books on abused children I would highly recommend Torey Hayden's books.
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Summary: They cage the animals at night
Review: This book was really good, I recomend everyone to read the book.
It made me think more about my life and be thankful for what I have. It was the best book I have ever read. I think Jennings Burch did a really good job writing and describing how hard his life was.
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Summary: A tough mirror to look into
Review: The very title, combined with the picture of the darling boy, is enough to make one tremble. Child neglect and child abuse are the worst features of mankind, much worse than a hurricane or even a tsunami that sweeps a thousand people to their deaths. Yet, Jennings Michael Burch gives us hope. The child survived and as an adult worked as a New York City policeman, a chauffeur, a theater manager, a magazine pressman and a short-order cook! It's an inspiring miracle.Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?
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Summary: Well cage me up and call me Spotty --
Review: This book was probably one of the most eye-opening experiences that I've had the pleasure of reading in the most recent days. What starts as a feel-good story about family soon spirals into a white-knuckled roller coaster ride straight to the hell of one's soul, ripping and twisting open the chest like opening a cheap wine cooler, and sucking at the teat of deplorable and miserous history. Mr. Burch paints for us a dreadful picture of abuse, molestation, and violation during his experiences at "The Farm", and with it, comes to terms, eventually befriending the mysterious "Ruby Clark", and coming to grips with his own feelings. The bravery that this individual has, while grappling with the omnipresent opression at the hands of "The Sitters" and finding comfort in wearing Ruby Clark's tattered overalls brings a tear to this sailor's eye. Perhaps Mr. Burch said it best when he explains: "Ere to the vast, keeps me steady, with full scoff of mead; fire in me belly" ...
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Summary: The true definition of Survivor
Review: As you read this incredible story of a young boys extremely painful childhood your heart will break. When you reach the end you will be uplifted and your faith in human kind will be restored. This is a must read for middle school/high school students as well as adults. Jennings Michael Burch has a message that is as important today as it was when he lived it and then wrote about his childhood. It is a true story of a child's loss,and pain, but more importantly it is a story of survival and triumph. It is about the healing power of love. I have had the privledge of meeting Mr. Burch and hearing him speak and his words will stay with me forever.
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Summary: Love it!
Review: This book is a real eye opener. It discribes in graghic detail, the living conditions in the Child foster care system.
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Summary: They cage the animals at night
Review: This book kept my emotions high throughout. It is an amazing story about a child ending up in the state home system where he is little more than an object. Some wonderful people enter his life and give him the care and love all children deserve. You cannot read it without be affected by its message. All young people considering parenthood should be required to read this amazing story.
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