They Cage the Animals at Night, initially penned for an adult audience and featured by the Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club, transcended its original scope to become a significant work for young adults. In 1984, it was selected by the young adult services division of the American Library Association as one of the finest books of the year for this demographic. While the realm of realistic fiction for young adults does explore themes set in foster homes and orphanages, Burch’s work is distinguished by its focus on the custodial care of children through the lens of biography and autobiography.

Burch’s narrative stands out with its vivid and authentic depiction of institutional life, drawing comparisons to the works of Charles Dickens. Much like Dickens, who sought to awaken his readers’ empathy towards orphans in Victorian England with Oliver Twist, Burch endeavors to stir a modern audience from apathy regarding the plight of many neglected children. Although the book recounts experiences from the early 1950s, the conditions Burch describes had seen little improvement by 1984, evolving the piece into more than just a personal account. It became an embodiment of the systemic issues within institutionalized child-care.

The gripping and powerful nature of Burch’s autobiography resonates with teenage readers, maintaining their interest while offering an unvarnished look at the harsh realities faced by children in foster homes and orphanages. The book’s candid exploration of such challenging topics provides not only a stark portrayal of the past but also serves as a catalyst for ongoing reflection on how society cares for its most vulnerable members. They Cage the Animals at Night continues to evoke discussions on these perennial issues, making it an enduring piece within both literature and social discourse.