In 1881, 12-year-old Rodzina Clara Jadwiga Anastazya Brodski wishes she didn’t have to board the orphan train in Chicago. But she has no home, no family, and no choice. Rodzina doesn’t believe the orphans are on their way out West to be adopted by good families. She’s sure they will become slaves to strangers. Anyway, who would ever adopt a large, tough, stubborn girl of Polish origin? As the train heads west, all Rodzina has is a small suitcase and her family memories from the past. Will Rodzina ever step off the train to find the family that deep in her heart she’s searching for?
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"One of the most touching books that I have read on the orphan trains. Karen Cushman really handles some of the real horrifying problems that orphans faced during the late 1800s in a way that children can understand without making it too traumatic. "
— Rebecca (4 out of 5 stars)
" Orphan train stories are always interesting to me and my son. This one was particularly descriptive of some of the challenges the older children faced being placed with families. "
— Darlene, 2/9/2014" Orphan girl endures long train trek to new home. "
— Sylvia, 2/8/2014" Slow at first, but the story and the strong characterization are great. "
— Emily, 2/4/2014" Really interesting. Kind of sad though "
— Rehneniah, 2/4/2014" Story of a Polish girl from Chicago forced to board an Orphan Train going West. "
— Mel, 2/2/2014" This a very very good good book!!!!! "
— Abigail, 1/30/2014" I read this book in about 2 days. It's fast reading and a good youth option. I liked the detail it provided about orphan trains and the way an orphan may have felt riding one. "
— Kristin, 1/24/2014" Our family went through an Orphan Train phase. This book is a great addition to our collection. "
— Lori, 1/20/2014" This is the best historical fiction ever. A sequel would be amazing! The Polish words confused me, even with the guide at the end. :) "
— Raevyn, 1/14/2014" I enjoyed reading this book because i could sort of relate to it in a way. "
— Anna, 1/14/2014" Story of unknown strength. "
— Lia, 1/4/2014" I enjoyed lots about this book but was still disappointed in it. Didn't hold a candle to Catherine Called Birdie or The Midwifes Apprentice. "
— Dawn, 12/20/2013" Wonderful story about an orphan who is searching for the perfect family to live with, but it's harder than it seems. Find out if she makes it through this rough journey. "
— Korrin, 12/20/2013" I learned that I am very grateful that I have a wonderful family who loves me and supports me in what I do. I so glad that I have a house and food to eat. I wouldn't want to be an orphan. "
— Jamie, 12/8/2013" Read by Becky Ann Baker with an introduction and afterword read by the author. "
— Sue, 11/22/2013" Interesting, but not as engrossing as some of Ms. Cushman's other books. "
— Beka, 11/2/2013" Not bad...but not as good as Karen Cushman's other books for kids. "
— Amy, 9/19/2013" We just finished this book for our read-a-loud. It was good...maybe a 3 and a half star book. But not great enough for a four star book. "
— Claudia, 9/6/2013" I love Karen Cushman's books. Rodzina is a complex charachter, rough and strong, and at the same time, sensitive and vulnerable. This book would be a great introduction to a study of the orphan trains. "
— Alicia, 4/25/2013" This was a pretty good book. I don't know, it didn't really capture my attention enough to make me finish it. :/ "
— Ti, 3/9/2013" Newberry winner about a young girl on an orphan train in 1880's. Solid historical novel. "
— Jeanne, 4/4/2012" This is about Rodzina, who finds herself an orphan and an unwilling participant in an orphan train. It is an interesting portrayal of a real event. It also has interesting glimpses into her Polish heritage. "
— Judie, 2/4/2012" I really liked the main character in this book, she reminds me of me. But other than that I enjoyed learning about the orphan trains of the past. "
— Christina, 9/29/2011" This is a sweet story for younger readers. The characters are charming and endearing. "
— Karen, 6/14/2011" I read this book to my kids. I rated it four based on reading it with my kids. Just for myself I may not have rated it so high. Being a fictional historic story it was informative and yet interesting. "
— Julie, 5/2/2011" Very good book for a child's historical fiction novel. I could have used more action, but that's just me. "
— Eryn, 12/30/2010" This is about Rodzina, who finds herself an orphan and an unwilling participant in an orphan train. It is an interesting portrayal of a real event. It also has interesting glimpses into her Polish heritage. "
— Judie, 12/2/2010" Good read for middle graders. I thought the story was really great and it gives readers something to think about. "
— Tressa, 11/18/2010" One of the best Juv female protagonists ever. A kid who acts more like a tired old middle aged wife. Love. "
— Erin, 8/6/2010" Slow at first, but the story and the strong characterization are great. "
— Emily, 7/5/2010" I love Karen Cushman's books. Rodzina is a complex charachter, rough and strong, and at the same time, sensitive and vulnerable. This book would be a great introduction to a study of the orphan trains. "
— Alicia, 6/15/2010" We just finished this book for our read-a-loud. It was good...maybe a 3 and a half star book. But not great enough for a four star book. "
— Claudia, 5/5/2010" An orphan train story. Not Cushman’s best work but a believable though drawn out tale. "
— Hapzydeco, 4/27/2010Karen Cushman is the author of many acclaimed historical novels including Catherine, Called Birdy, a Newbery Honor winner, and The Midwife’s Apprentice, which received the Newbery Medal.
Becky Ann Baker, narrator and actress, has received critics’ praise for her readings of books by such authors as Stephen King, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Iris Johansen, and Karin Slaughter. She has performed in numerous roles on Broadway, starring in Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins. Her many television credits include Girls, Smash, and Nurse Jackie, and her film credits include Spider-Man 3, The Discoverers, and Hope Springs.