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'Hobbadehoy Rising' A novel by author Max Willi Fischer

In the gritty streets of 1854 Manhattan’s notorious Five Points district, a young orphan named Pencil struggles to survive among thieves, street gangs, and corrupt adults who dismiss him as a mere "hobbhadehoy"—a boy not yet a man. But Pencil has something most have lost in the slums: empathy and an unshakable sense of justice. When betrayal leads to his imprisonment, he finds a second chance on an orphan train to Ohio. Life on the farm strengthens his body, but challenges his spirit under an abusive guardian, forcing Pencil to flee once again. In Cleveland, he learns the art of daguerreotype photography under a new mentor, where brushes with crime, death, and betrayal continue to test his faith in trust and justice. Hobbadehoy Rising is a gripping coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of a divided America, full of danger, hope, and the relentless search for identity.

About the author

I often wonder if my family’s history subtly shaped my passion for the past. Growing up in a bilingual household with German immigrant parents, I was surrounded by stories of a life left behind. My father came to America following his aunt and uncle, seeking work and a better future. Family gatherings were small, as most of our relatives remained in Germany. Despite the challenges, my father worked two jobs to ensure my brother and I had every opportunity, especially when it came to education. To this day, he remains the most admirable man I’ve known—my greatest role model.

For nearly four decades, I was an elementary and middle school teacher, guiding young minds through a variety of subjects. I taught everything from fifth and sixth-grade courses to world and American history for seventh and eighth graders. Upon retiring, I found a new way to share my love for history, writing to captivate young adults with stories from our past.

My first historical fiction book, The Corkscrew App, was published in 2016, followed by American Brush-Off in 2020, both available on Amazon and Kindle Select. Now, with both our daughters grown and living their own lives, my wife and I spend our time enjoying home projects, travel, and great films.

You can learn more about me and my work at www.maxwilli.com.