This book made an immediate impact on me. I was at once reminded of another book on child abuse ("A Tour of Southern Homes and Gardens" by McCrae) in which a psychotic mother takes away all of the main character's stuffed animals-each with it's own personality and such. But "They Cage" was even more gripping. This book is about a young boy named Jennings. Jennings has to be courageous and persevere through hard times. He has to try to keep his family together as problem after problem occurs. He receives help from many different people during his travels in New York City. He learns how to help his family and gathers information about life to help him understand his situation. I liked this book because it was a real story, but still action packed. In some parts of the story it was hard to put the book down because it enthralled its readers. I would recommend this book to people who like drama and action filled books.

I read this book when I was in fifth grade. It was the first book to ever make me cry, and you do get caught up in the story .you want the boy and doggie to be safe and happy. Couple months after finishing the book. Jennings Michael Burch came to my school to talk about the book to us kids, and show us he still had doggie to this day.
He was a very sweet man, and spoke of starting to right the sequel to his story, trying to find the boy that model for the picture for a movie idea they were throwing around.

Does anyone remember the novel "Sybil" with the horrible mother at the (off) center of the picture? How about "A Child Called it?" I shiver when just thinking about them. Then I read "A Tour of Southern Homes and Gardens" by J.T. McCrae with its themes of REAL child abuse and mental and physical torture. Finally I found this book: THEY CAGE ANIMALS AT NIGHT. Fantastic, but in all the wrong ways. That is not to say that it isn't top-drawer reading, but it is really disturbing and sad. This poor kid! My God, what kind of society is it where these types of abuse can happen. This book shows you a new way of looking at things. Jennings goes through so much through the duration of this book and as you're reading it, you don't want to stop because you get so caught in the book that it feels like you are there experiencing those same things with him.

While reading this book you really come to care about the boy. This story is about one boy however I believe this story is like many others that many children have lived. If you have ever thought about or have adopted a child or have worked with neglected children this is a very beneficial read. It is easy to read however it is very touching and emotionally moving. Adults and teenagers would enjoy this. I've even aloud an eleven year old to read it and he loved it also. Its basically a touching book that touches the heart. If you dont like this book you cant be human.

I miss reading this book. As the adoptive mom to a 9 year old boy who previously lived in 3 different orphanages, I didn't just read this book. I felt this book deep in my soul, and cried during much of the reading of it. Because of Jennings I feel I have a better understanding (not just in my head, but in my heart) of my own son. I cannot thank Jennings Burch enough for the courage to write this book. You are an inspiration and a gift!