1854 – 1930
The Orphan Trains were a social experiment that relocated orphaned and homeless children from Eastern cities to foster homes in the Midwest and West. Organized by charitable groups, the trains aimed to provide these children with better lives and opportunities. However, the experiences of the children varied widely- some found loving families, while others faced hardships and exploitation. You can find more books about westward expansion here.
We Rode the Orphan Trains
Powerful true stories from children who went west on orphan trains
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Orphan Trains: An Interactive History Adventure (You Choose: History)
Choose-your-own-adventure book with stories set on orphan trains
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Rodzina
Compelling novel about a Polish orphan heading west
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Train to Somewhere
Story about a hopeful girl on an orphan train, for young readers
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Orphan Train
Picture book about a trio of siblings on an orphan train, for young readers
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Orphan Train Rider: One Boy’s True Story
True story of a boy’s experience on an orphan train, interspersed with orphan train history
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