Train to Somewhere

Train to Somewhere follows fourteen-year-old Marianne as she boards an orphan train heading west from New York City in 1878. Along with other orphaned children, she hopes to find a new family and home somewhere in Iowa. The story tracks Marianne's journey across multiple train stops, where prospective parents come to examine and potentially adopt the orphans. Marianne carries memories of her mother, who promised to return for her at the orphanage, influencing her response to potential adoptive families. The book presents a historical account of the orphan train movement that relocated over 200,000 children from eastern cities to the Midwest between 1854 and 1929. Through Marianne's perspective, readers gain understanding of both the practical realities and emotional complexities faced by children seeking new homes during this period in American history.

Readers appreciate how the book handles difficult topics like orphan trains and adoption with sensitivity for young audiences. Teachers and parents note it creates opportunities for discussions about history and empathy. Readers highlight the detailed historical accuracy and P.K. Ibenthal's artwork depicting 1800s period settings. Many comment on how the story reveals the realities faced by orphaned children while maintaining hope. Main criticisms focus on the somber tone and potentially upsetting themes for very young children. Some reviewers suggest it works better for grades 3-5 rather than K-2. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,124 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (116 ratings) Sample review: "As a teacher, this book opened meaningful conversations with my students about family, hope and American history. The illustrations transport you to the era." - Goodreads reviewer "The subject matter requires parental guidance for sensitive children, but the historical value makes it worthwhile." - Amazon reviewer

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Hope's Crossing by Joan Elizabeth Goodman A young girl searches for a place to belong as she travels west on a wagon train from Missouri to California in 1846.

🚂 Eve Bunting drew inspiration from actual historical records of orphan trains that transported more than 200,000 children from Eastern cities to Midwestern homes between 1854 and 1929. 📚 The main character Marianne's journey mirrors that of many real children who rode these trains; some found loving homes while others faced hardship and exploitation. 🏠 The Children's Aid Society, founded by Charles Loring Brace, organized these orphan trains as a solution to urban poverty and homelessness among children in New York City. 🎨 The book's illustrator, Ronald Himler, conducted extensive research to accurately depict the clothing, architecture, and railway cars of the 1870s time period. 💝 Many orphan train riders maintained lifelong connections with their fellow travelers, forming support groups and holding reunions well into the twentieth century.