Junaci Pavlove ulice

Set in Budapest in the late 19th century, it follows a group of boys from Pavlova Street who defend their playground, the "grund", from a rival gang of Red Shirts. The grund is not just a place to play, but a symbol of freedom and a children's community.

The main character, Ernő Nemecsek, the smallest and weakest member of the gang, shows extraordinary courage and loyalty. Despite humiliations and health problems, Nemecsek sacrifices himself for his friends, participating in the crucial battle for the grund. The gang leader, János Boka, embodies wisdom and justice, while other boys, such as Čonaš and Geréb, face moral dilemmas and betrayal. Geréb, who crosses over to the Red Shirts, later seeks forgiveness, adding complexity to the relationships.

Molnár masterfully depicts the children's world as a microcosm of adult society, with rules, hierarchy and conflicts. The novel is imbued with nostalgia, but also tragedy, as Nemecsek's sacrifice and the loss of the grund to urbanization emphasize the transience of childhood.