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bkowalczik's review against another edition
3.0
Good for children and young teens who like or need historical fiction. Because I had just finished the Orphan Train and one other children's book about the topic - I was not as enamored of this book as I have been with several of Cushman's other works. I still think she is an amazing author though - bringing history in great stories to children and teens.
compass_rose_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Another great read by Cushman. Sad, but hopeful in the end.
metenney's review against another edition
3.0
This is another book my sister-in-law's class is reading this year (she is a 5th grade teacher), and she subsequently recommended to me. I was very surprised to learn about the existence of orphan trains, which brought children from over-crowded eastern cities out west to be placed in families. It also serves as a great introduction to America in the late 1800's and talks a bit about immigration, factory work, gender and racial issues, as well as the day-to-day hardships that many families faced. The story is lacking a bit in uniqueness, but the information is presented in very understandable and interesting way. A definite recommend for pre-teens.
beckybo's review against another edition
4.0
Historical Fiction - Orphan Train story. Rodzina strikes a universal chord - longing to belong
madcat29's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
readoodles's review against another edition
5.0
Only 12 years old but looks almost big enough to be an adult, Rodzina is an orphan. She misses her parents and desperately wants somewhere to belong. She’s been put on an Orphan Train headed west and fears she will be sold as a slave. Due to her size she is often put in charge of the younger orphans, but she really wants someone to be in charge of her. Cross country the trains carry her and the others looking for homes and families.
ajay913's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mommy_mabel's review against another edition
3.0
Story of a Polish girl from Chicago forced to board an Orphan Train going West.
lillygabriella's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
cahistorygeek's review against another edition
4.0
I love Karen Cushman- her books are so funny and bring up some great historical issues. She writes it from the point of view of Rodzina, an orphaned polish immigrant girl. Her main characters always leave me laughing out loud and the history always leaves me wanting to learn more. I can't wait to read some of her others.