The Astonishing Life of August March by Aaron Jackson

I loved this exquisite story of a child born in a theater in New York during the 40s. August learns to speak by hearing Shakespeare, he learns to read classics and what he thinks is normal behavior by watching the actors night after night, hidden in the rafters. He is innocent but he does have people looking out for him, the theater laundress who found him and an old London actor but it is not until he meets Penny that he finds true love. Penny, who is not exactly an angel and whose acting career leans more to the con artist side, and a small cast of characters help August learn life on the street.
It is a witty and wild romp through the upper and lower streets of New York. For fans of funny historical tales full of crazy characters and bursting with atmosphere, August March is the cat's pajamas!