This informational book tells the story of orphans who were resettled with families in the Midwest, with varying degrees of success. Historical photos help bring the children to life. Timeline, Glossary, Additional Sources, Bibliography, Source Notes, Index.

During the 19th Century, orphans and unwanted children were sent to the Midwest to be adopted. This is an elementary/middle school level book outlining some of their stories. Interlaced with photos, the book brings this little known piece of history to life. Overall, a good learning tool. ( )

Orphan Trains : Taking the Rails to a New Life by Rebecca Langston-George is a middle grade non-fiction book that had me captivated from page one. This is a book that would be good for teen or adult also. The author takes specific people and tells their personal story in a way that touches the reader and makes us feel what the orphan felt. We follow that orphan on the trip from being orphaned to going on the train, new 'parents', and as they are grown. Each experience is unique and told in such a way that the reader cries, smiles, hungers, and is confused with the child. There is so many little things that are brought up in the book that touches a persons heart. This is an excellent book on history and empathy. The book is formatted in a wonderful fashion and easy to follow. The people are made real through the magic of the authors words. What a wonderful book to bring the life of these children close to children of today. I received this book from NetGalley and I am so glad I did. I am going to buy this for my grand children. ( )