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The Orphans' Journey #4
Across the Border
Life on the Rush farm in South Dakota is not easy. Even so, over the past four years, Ethan Cooper and his siblings have grown to feel they belong with their adoptive family.
Then Chad Rush makes an unexpected announcement. The family is moving again—this time to Mexico! Ethan is scared. What dangers will they face in another country? What will it be like to live on an oil homestead instead of a farm? And what about his dreams of getting an education? He can’t leave his siblings after he’s promised they would stay together—can he?
Based on a true story, this conclusion to the Beyond the Orphan Train series reminds us that the same God who is with us from the start never lets us go.
Then Chad Rush makes an unexpected announcement. The family is moving again—this time to Mexico! Ethan is scared. What dangers will they face in another country? What will it be like to live on an oil homestead instead of a farm? And what about his dreams of getting an education? He can’t leave his siblings after he’s promised they would stay together—can he?
Based on a true story, this conclusion to the Beyond the Orphan Train series reminds us that the same God who is with us from the start never lets us go.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
30 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Arleta Richardson
60 books108 followersArleta Richardson was an author, librarian, and a teacher. The Grandma's Attic series was her most well known series. She was born in Flint, MI, and served in World War II. She belonged to the Free Methodist Church.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 5, 2018
This story starts about three years after the last book. The family has grown closer, older, and it's time for more adventures. This time down south in Mexico where oil is discovered. I liked Ethan just as much when he is older as I did when he was only 9 or 10. It was fun to read about life in Mexico and events I knew about from the US side, but hadn't heard of from south of the border. This book wrapped the series up well, although I will admit that I would have liked to read more about this family.
March 2, 2017
A great ending to this series. I wished there had been a bit more in depth about what had happened to the characters, but she told enough to satisfy.
February 1, 2016
A wonderful collection of faith-filled stories based on a real account! Book 4 finds young teenaged Ethan and his family settling into their newest homestead on the South Dakota prairie, when Mr. Rush decides it's time for another move, this time out of the country and into Mexico! Many exciting adventures lie ahead for them all, including encounters with some notorious characters, and their faith in God is tested at deeper levels.
Written in a straight forward, uncomplicated style, the story of Ethan Cooper and his three young siblings was uplifting, endearing, and inspirational. This collection would be perfect for a family read aloud or homeschool reading list with the discussion questions and suggested activities included at the end of each book. The stories flow well from book to book with a little recap in subsequent books, enough to remind the reader where the story left off. Faith lessons woven into each story illustrate the power of prayer, trusting God in difficult circumstances, knowing each person matters to the Good Shepherd and that He cares about the details of each person's life. I enjoyed reading the history also at the end of each book, which told what really occurred in their lives.
Recommend for all ages, especially families looking for good historically based stories with faith elements. Fans of the Grandma's Attic series will enjoy this one as well!
(Book series provided by NetGalley and David C Cook Publications in exchange for my honest review.)
Written in a straight forward, uncomplicated style, the story of Ethan Cooper and his three young siblings was uplifting, endearing, and inspirational. This collection would be perfect for a family read aloud or homeschool reading list with the discussion questions and suggested activities included at the end of each book. The stories flow well from book to book with a little recap in subsequent books, enough to remind the reader where the story left off. Faith lessons woven into each story illustrate the power of prayer, trusting God in difficult circumstances, knowing each person matters to the Good Shepherd and that He cares about the details of each person's life. I enjoyed reading the history also at the end of each book, which told what really occurred in their lives.
Recommend for all ages, especially families looking for good historically based stories with faith elements. Fans of the Grandma's Attic series will enjoy this one as well!
(Book series provided by NetGalley and David C Cook Publications in exchange for my honest review.)
December 31, 2015
This story, Across The Border, picks up with living in South Dakota, and four years have passed, they are now in the house and out of the sod house in into the two story.
Now Father has some new adventure that they will be going on, they are moving to Mexico. Again we get out a map and show where this country is and how far they are going to be traveling.
They go by train part of the way and then by wagon, what a life experience these children are about to have, and to think it is based on a true story.
While in Mexico we sure do meet so interesting people, and folks that this family will never forget.
Don’t miss this conclusion to the Orphan Train books, while all things have to end, I wish this would continue. I loved this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher David C. Cook, and was not required to give a positive review.
Now Father has some new adventure that they will be going on, they are moving to Mexico. Again we get out a map and show where this country is and how far they are going to be traveling.
They go by train part of the way and then by wagon, what a life experience these children are about to have, and to think it is based on a true story.
While in Mexico we sure do meet so interesting people, and folks that this family will never forget.
Don’t miss this conclusion to the Orphan Train books, while all things have to end, I wish this would continue. I loved this series!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher David C. Cook, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 3, 2023
As the story, based on a real orphan and his siblings, ends I still don't understand his adoptive father and can't say I like him. I came to like the others that make up his large family. Faith is discussed in a fluid way and the time spent in Galeana, Chihuahua, Mexico was particularly interesting to me as my maternal great-grandmother was born there in 1898. She spent her childhood years in Mexico so seeing the town through Ethan's eyes was like envisioning what it could have been like for my ancestors.
September 30, 2017
My only complaint about this one is "It's the last!"
Interesting take on why a family would move to Mexico. The characters mentioned and the antics were well done.
The father is certainly driven.
I admired the oldest son for his thought process.
Interesting take on why a family would move to Mexico. The characters mentioned and the antics were well done.
The father is certainly driven.
I admired the oldest son for his thought process.
March 16, 2020
Lizzie was dragging out her reading of this last book in the series, but now that we are practicing “social distancing” she got it finished. She wanted me to mention in the review that there is a good amount of Spanish words and phrases in this one as it takes place partially in Mexico.
November 1, 2021
What a remarkable series that was based upon a real life family that had been orphaned....the adventures and unsettling times they endured as their adoptive father moved about homesteading quite often. Have now read all four in the series, will be reading more books by this delightful author!
December 20, 2018
I thought this book was okay. It wasn’t my favorite, but definitely not a bad book. I thought that the fact that Ethan met a leader of the Mexican Resistance was a little unrealistic though.
September 21, 2019
Really good series!
October 31, 2019
I'm a little sad to be saying good bye to Ethan and his family, but I have really enjoyed following them on their adventures. He lived a very interesting life. Lovely read.
November 3, 2019
Delightful reading
The content was respectable.
The historical reality was best.
My grandson said his great grandfather was one of those placed from the orphan train.
The content was respectable.
The historical reality was best.
My grandson said his great grandfather was one of those placed from the orphan train.
November 10, 2019
Orphan train series
I really enjoyed this series. I couldn’t wait to read the next book. It kept my attention that’s for sure!!
I really enjoyed this series. I couldn’t wait to read the next book. It kept my attention that’s for sure!!
July 14, 2022
Interesting enough book but didn’t feel like it really wrapped up the series.
September 8, 2022
Another good read
May 9, 2023
A satisfying finale of a great, clean series.
June 30, 2024
A nice ending to the fun and sweet series!
April 17, 2025
We really enjoyed this book series, it has added so much to our history in homeschool!
December 17, 2015
I'm feeling a little sad as I write this, as if I've just left behind a group of fond friends after a long and enjoyable journey together, and I guess in a way I have.
Two days ago, NetGalley gifted me all four books in the "Beyond the Orphan Train Series" by Arleta Richardson, in return for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first received these books, I guess a part of me expected to cringe my way through them because the description likened them to the Little House on the Prairie, which I've always found to be a bit corny and though at times these books could indeed be that way, they still managed to absorb me completely.
The four books in the series are called, Looking for home, Whistle-Stop West, Prairie Homestead and Across the border.
All four of the books follow the story of the Cooper family which is comprised of Ethan and his younger siblings Alice, Simon and Will.
We meet the children not long after their mothers death as they are setting off on the first journey of their young lives, to a Christian orphanage.
What's great about these books, is that they came about because of the remembering of a real person, which means the majority of the happenings within its pages, really took place. Which only helps to further endear you to the characters and the amazing experiences they lived through in their younger years.
Not only that, but you get an interesting glimpse into American History that includes the little known ophan trains that transported thousands of children to Midwestern farm homes and small communities between 1854 and 1929.
As I read these books I found myself falling in love with not only the main characters but many of the bit players too and wishing that I could travel with all the children as they disembarked from the train and into the arms of their new families. So much so, that I was often holding back tears as I watched characters that I'd become attached to walk out of the story for good.
This was made even more poignant, by the thought, that many of them may have actually been real children, whose ancestors might still be alive today.
Oh how I'd love to be able to track those relatives down and discover what became of each and every child on that train, and that's the main problem with these books, the desire for them never to end.
These books; however, are not for everyone. Written in a simple fashion, no doubt due to their target audience being children, there were times when I felt as if issues resolved themselves a little too quickly and dare I say it unrealistically. This was probably in an attempt to hold children's attention, but after, what could be fairly long build up, at times, these quick endings left me feeling a little cheated. On top of that, there were times when I felt it would have been nice for the story to divulge a little more detail. Especially in the case of the other children that traveled on the orphan train. That said the stories base in reality probably made this impossible for the author to actually achieve, without adding a lot more fiction.
So who is this book for?
A young audience could definitely gain a lot from these books, not only can they enjoy a heartwarming tale of adventure, but they'll also learn some interesting American history, that could very easily open the door for some extended learning, which is always great for homeschooling mums like myself, that said, I still think there is a lot, adult readers can take away from these books if they approach them with an open mind. I've certainly enjoyed them and am really glad that I've read them.
Something else to remember is that these books are relatively short reads on their own. In fact, I found that reading all of them together, felt like reading just one novel of around 60'000 words.
If you do pick them up, remember to keep some tissues on hand.
originally appeared as a review on my blog, dreaming of publication, you can view it in it's original format at the following link
http://joss-dreamingofpublication.blo...
Two days ago, NetGalley gifted me all four books in the "Beyond the Orphan Train Series" by Arleta Richardson, in return for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first received these books, I guess a part of me expected to cringe my way through them because the description likened them to the Little House on the Prairie, which I've always found to be a bit corny and though at times these books could indeed be that way, they still managed to absorb me completely.
The four books in the series are called, Looking for home, Whistle-Stop West, Prairie Homestead and Across the border.
All four of the books follow the story of the Cooper family which is comprised of Ethan and his younger siblings Alice, Simon and Will.
We meet the children not long after their mothers death as they are setting off on the first journey of their young lives, to a Christian orphanage.
What's great about these books, is that they came about because of the remembering of a real person, which means the majority of the happenings within its pages, really took place. Which only helps to further endear you to the characters and the amazing experiences they lived through in their younger years.
Not only that, but you get an interesting glimpse into American History that includes the little known ophan trains that transported thousands of children to Midwestern farm homes and small communities between 1854 and 1929.
As I read these books I found myself falling in love with not only the main characters but many of the bit players too and wishing that I could travel with all the children as they disembarked from the train and into the arms of their new families. So much so, that I was often holding back tears as I watched characters that I'd become attached to walk out of the story for good.
This was made even more poignant, by the thought, that many of them may have actually been real children, whose ancestors might still be alive today.
Oh how I'd love to be able to track those relatives down and discover what became of each and every child on that train, and that's the main problem with these books, the desire for them never to end.
These books; however, are not for everyone. Written in a simple fashion, no doubt due to their target audience being children, there were times when I felt as if issues resolved themselves a little too quickly and dare I say it unrealistically. This was probably in an attempt to hold children's attention, but after, what could be fairly long build up, at times, these quick endings left me feeling a little cheated. On top of that, there were times when I felt it would have been nice for the story to divulge a little more detail. Especially in the case of the other children that traveled on the orphan train. That said the stories base in reality probably made this impossible for the author to actually achieve, without adding a lot more fiction.
So who is this book for?
A young audience could definitely gain a lot from these books, not only can they enjoy a heartwarming tale of adventure, but they'll also learn some interesting American history, that could very easily open the door for some extended learning, which is always great for homeschooling mums like myself, that said, I still think there is a lot, adult readers can take away from these books if they approach them with an open mind. I've certainly enjoyed them and am really glad that I've read them.
Something else to remember is that these books are relatively short reads on their own. In fact, I found that reading all of them together, felt like reading just one novel of around 60'000 words.
If you do pick them up, remember to keep some tissues on hand.
originally appeared as a review on my blog, dreaming of publication, you can view it in it's original format at the following link
http://joss-dreamingofpublication.blo...
April 17, 2016
The Beyond the Orphan Train series includes 4 books: Looking for Home, Whistle-Stop West, Prairie Homestead, and Across the Border, all written by Arleta Richardson. My review will include all 4 books in the series.
The series was about a young boy, Ethan, and his 3 younger siblings, who were orphaned by their mother and abandoned by their father. Their older siblings could no longer care for them, and thus, the adventure begins for Ethan and his younger brothers and sister as they search for a permanent home.
I thought the series was awesome for several reasons. The series is geared toward the tween audience, but being an adult, I really found that these books held my interest in finding out what would happen next with these orphans. I liked reading all about their trials and adventures. The supporting characters were great too and was sad when some of them had to be written out of the story.
I liked the fact that the series was based on a real life Ethan and his life growing up as an orphan. I have read about orphan trains and wanted to study up on them for some time. I found this book true to fact, that this was how orphans and kids abandoned by their parents were taken care of before the foster care system came into existence.
I really like the faith of Ethan and the other characters. Ethan and his siblings went through difficult times, but had learned that their faith in God and being together can help them get through any trial. I loved Ethan's love for his younger siblings and him wanted to take care of them and to stay together.
My favorite line in the entire series...paraphrasing here...(as the orphans were getting off the train to be resettled with their new families)...if we can all see the same stars, are we really that far apart?
And I loved the friendship between Bert and Ethan...Bert giving Ethan his prized key and Ethan giving Bert his art book.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I received this series from NetGalley and David C Cook in exchange for a review.
The series was about a young boy, Ethan, and his 3 younger siblings, who were orphaned by their mother and abandoned by their father. Their older siblings could no longer care for them, and thus, the adventure begins for Ethan and his younger brothers and sister as they search for a permanent home.
I thought the series was awesome for several reasons. The series is geared toward the tween audience, but being an adult, I really found that these books held my interest in finding out what would happen next with these orphans. I liked reading all about their trials and adventures. The supporting characters were great too and was sad when some of them had to be written out of the story.
I liked the fact that the series was based on a real life Ethan and his life growing up as an orphan. I have read about orphan trains and wanted to study up on them for some time. I found this book true to fact, that this was how orphans and kids abandoned by their parents were taken care of before the foster care system came into existence.
I really like the faith of Ethan and the other characters. Ethan and his siblings went through difficult times, but had learned that their faith in God and being together can help them get through any trial. I loved Ethan's love for his younger siblings and him wanted to take care of them and to stay together.
My favorite line in the entire series...paraphrasing here...(as the orphans were getting off the train to be resettled with their new families)...if we can all see the same stars, are we really that far apart?
And I loved the friendship between Bert and Ethan...Bert giving Ethan his prized key and Ethan giving Bert his art book.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I received this series from NetGalley and David C Cook in exchange for a review.
February 2, 2010
"The Orphans' Journey" is one story told in 4 sequential books.
The setting of the books is in the late 1800's, where you meet the Cooper family of 9 siblings, who have no parents. There are too many children to take care of, so 4 of them are sent away to Briarlane Christian Children's Home. This story centers on those 4 kids: Ethan, Alice, Simon, and Will.
Ethan, being the oldest of the four being sent to the orphanage, feels he must be the one to keep his family together. Things get a little crazy & out of hand, as the train is coming to pick up orphans to take them across the country. To add to all the chaos, more challenges are created when bullies appear at the orphanage, and also when the siblings are threatened by being adopted into separate families.
In the Cooper's adventures, they encounter Indians, a dust storm, and meet up with a horrifying bandit. It takes a lot of courage for Ethan to keep track of his other 3 siblings, plus his new friends at the orphanage. He wants to stay with everyone he loves, but decisions have to be made. He finds that looking to God will help him sort his troubles.
In this series, where one book leaves off, the next book continues. It is like reading one big story, divided into 4 books (each of which are approximately 140 pages).
Also, you might recognize the author, Arleta Richardson, writer of the "Grandma's Attic" series.
This was a wonderful series of books. I learned a lot about orphan trains, and other things going on in that time period, etc. I think a lot of kids would definitely enjoy reading these books.
Book One: Looking for Home
Book Two: Whistle-stop West
Book Three: Prairie Homestead
Book Four: Across the Border
The setting of the books is in the late 1800's, where you meet the Cooper family of 9 siblings, who have no parents. There are too many children to take care of, so 4 of them are sent away to Briarlane Christian Children's Home. This story centers on those 4 kids: Ethan, Alice, Simon, and Will.
Ethan, being the oldest of the four being sent to the orphanage, feels he must be the one to keep his family together. Things get a little crazy & out of hand, as the train is coming to pick up orphans to take them across the country. To add to all the chaos, more challenges are created when bullies appear at the orphanage, and also when the siblings are threatened by being adopted into separate families.
In the Cooper's adventures, they encounter Indians, a dust storm, and meet up with a horrifying bandit. It takes a lot of courage for Ethan to keep track of his other 3 siblings, plus his new friends at the orphanage. He wants to stay with everyone he loves, but decisions have to be made. He finds that looking to God will help him sort his troubles.
In this series, where one book leaves off, the next book continues. It is like reading one big story, divided into 4 books (each of which are approximately 140 pages).
Also, you might recognize the author, Arleta Richardson, writer of the "Grandma's Attic" series.
This was a wonderful series of books. I learned a lot about orphan trains, and other things going on in that time period, etc. I think a lot of kids would definitely enjoy reading these books.
Book One: Looking for Home
Book Two: Whistle-stop West
Book Three: Prairie Homestead
Book Four: Across the Border
September 14, 2018
Across the Border (Beyond the Orphan Train)
The pioneer Rush family leaves from Willow Creek, NE down to Mexico to stake a claim for more land. Chad & Like plan to drill for oil and then sell that land for profit. Henry is left behind to keep the farm running until they return. He is now married to a woman named Amelia. Great writing style by this author.
This is the finale of the series "Beyond the Orphan Train" and what a delight it was to read about the adventures of Ethan and his family as told through his experiences to the author Arleta Richardson. What a treasure for me & my grands. We thoroughly enjoyed this history lesson. I highly recommend these 📚.
The pioneer Rush family leaves from Willow Creek, NE down to Mexico to stake a claim for more land. Chad & Like plan to drill for oil and then sell that land for profit. Henry is left behind to keep the farm running until they return. He is now married to a woman named Amelia. Great writing style by this author.
This is the finale of the series "Beyond the Orphan Train" and what a delight it was to read about the adventures of Ethan and his family as told through his experiences to the author Arleta Richardson. What a treasure for me & my grands. We thoroughly enjoyed this history lesson. I highly recommend these 📚.
October 10, 2023
My younger sisters were reading these books and although they are for younger children, they have cute covers and seemed interesting (yes, I totally judge books by their covers. Can you honestly say you don't?😝). I really enjoyed them!!! The Cooper family is so sweet, and Ethan was such a good big brother. It was fun to follow the Briarlane children West in the search for homes, though I would have loved to hear a little more of where they ended up later in life. It was also nice to see Ethan's journey of faith. These books have a good many spiritual truths and life lessons.
These books are very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed them!
These books are very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed them!
October 12, 2011
It was interesting to learn how the orphans' new family copes in another country--Mexico!
June 30, 2012
And more. This one was fascinating--they moved to Mexico for a while!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews