Based upon Dr. Daisey's childhood experiences, Alley Cat is the inspiring story of an orphaned young cat with a deep-seated passion for learning. In her pursuit of knowledge, she faces many obstacles, which she overcomes with faith and fortitude. Young readers will be encouraged to embrace their own unique qualities, pursue the dreams in their hearts, and learn some valuable lessons along the way, as they accompany Alley Cat on her quest for knowledge. "You're an alley cat, and don't you forget it That's what you are, and that's what you'll always be. You'd better learn your place and stay in it. You're an alley cat, and don't you forget it " The orphaned Alley Cat has heard this many times since coming to Alleywood, where she has come to live with Grandcat and her relatives. But no matter how hard she tries, she cannot accept it. She dreams of going to school and doing something special with her life. There is a hunger in her heart for knowledge, and she just has to feed it Alley Cat soon learns that for her, books and learning are not welcome at Grandcat's home. She also learns that in Alleywood, being a bright cat may not be such a good thing either. Still, she is determined to get knowledge any way she can-even if it means that she will be branded a criminal and punished. She struggles to feed her cravings and keep her dreams alive until something happens that causes her to lose all hope. "Maybe they were all right. Maybe I am just an alley cat, and that is all I will ever be," she thinks. Tired and dejected, Alley Cat considers giving up-that is, until she meets the Great Lion...