From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6AIn 1866, Lucy Griggs, 10, becomes an orphan. After surviving alone on the streets of New York City for several weeks, she learns about the Children's Aid Society, an organization that helps children find homes. The group sends Lucy and other orphans west by train, hoping that they will be adopted. Lucy is afraid that no one will want a girl her age, but eventually a farmer takes her to his home in Missouri. Although her new family is not what she envisioned, she is grateful that she has gained a sister. The story is mostly upbeat; Lucy is compassionate and good spirited. A glossary and interesting information about the orphan trains, New York City, and the Children's Aid Society are included. This is the first novel in a new series and can be introduced with two excellent nonfiction titles: Annette Fry's The Orphan Trains (Silver Burdett, 1994) and Andrea Warren's Orphan Train Rider (Houghton, 1996).AMary M. Hopf, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product Description
Ten-year-old Lucy Griggs's mother has just died, leaving Lucy orphaned and living on the streets of 1866 New York City. Then Lucy hears about the Children's Aid Society, a group that sends orphans out West to new homes. Lucy knows she'll never replace her mum, but maybe now she'll find a family--and even a little sister--to love.
But the family that takes her in is far from ideal. Mr. Snapes seems kind, but Mrs. Snapes is a bitter, angry woman. And Emma isn't the sister Lucy has dreamed of. Emma is a girl who people call "simple." Can Lucy learn to love this less-than-perfect family?
