This was an enjoyable read even though it was probably written for a younger audience!

The series is inspired by a true story--realising orphans in care facilities would have more chance of being adopted in rural locations, the authorities sent them on a westbound 'orphan train.' The train stopped at each station and children were chosen for adoption by families living in that area. It sounds crazy and a bit like a form of shopping for children. However, it seems to have been effective to a certain degree, as the children found new homes and families rather than remaining in institutions until they reached adulthood and it relieved the care crisis at the time.

Four siblings (the oldest is just 8) travel a long distance to reach a care home after their mother dies and their father is unable to care for them. Their older siblings cannot take the responsibility due to being required to work. The story revolves around their life at the care home and covers the type of problems they may have faced at the time. The author has effectively captured the emotional struggles of the children as on the one hand they long for adoption but on the other they wish to be reunited with their families and fear the separation from each other and the home itself as they settle down. The author also documents the struggles of other children particularly those who grow older and know that their chances of being adopted are decreasing as the years pass.

The home is Christian and the principles are woven into the story in the way the staff interact with the children. This book is clean- no bad language, violence or sexual content. The book deals with bullying and low level crime.

I recommend this for teens or those young at heart...



( )

Beyond the Orphan Train series by Arleta Richardson contains four books in one. Beyond the Orphan Train contains Looking for Home, Whistle-Stop West, West Prairie Homestead, and Across the Border. The books show the life of Ethan Cooper from May 1907 through May 1912. Ethan is eight years old at the beginning of the series and he promised to take care of his younger siblings. The family’s mother passed away and their father took off. The older siblings all have jobs and cannot take care of the younger children. Ethan, Simon, William, and Alice are sent to an orphanage where they eventually get on an orphan train headed west. The orphanage hopes that each child will find a home. The Cooper children want to find a home for all of the together (which is next to impossible). Join Ethan and the other children on an adventure to find forever families.

Beyond the Orphan Train is well-written and easy to read (has a good flow). The stories are for children, but I believe that readers of all ages will enjoy these heartwarming stories as well. They are Christian stories that include history (from the areas including Pancho Villa) and talking points at the end (that you can use with kids especially if reading the book in a class or for homeschooling). I enjoyed these sweet stories. The book emphasized that God is always with you if you believe (have faith). I give Beyond the Orphan Train 5 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of Beyond the Orphan Train from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. ( )