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The Orphans' Journey #1
Looking For Home
In 1907, while starting a new life in a Christian orphanage, eight-year-old Ethan and his three younger siblings hear about the prospect of being sent west on an Orphan Train and pray to stay together.
141 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 1993
201 people are currently reading
377 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 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 13, 2023
About this book:
“With his mother dead, his father gone, and his older brothers and sisters unable to help, eight-year-old Ethan Cooper knows it’s his responsibility to keep him and his younger siblings together—even if that means going to an orphanage.
Ethan, Alice, Simon, and Will settle into the Briarlane Christian Children’s Home, where there’s plenty to eat, plenty of work, and plenty of talk about a Father who never leaves. Even so, Ethan fears losing the only family he has. How can he trust God to keep him safe when almost everything he’s known has disappeared?
The first book in the Beyond the Orphan Train series, Looking for Home takes us back to 1907 Pennsylvania and into the real-life adventures of four children in search of a true home.”
Series: Book #1 in “The Orphans’ Journey” series.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are quoted & remembered; Prayers & Blessings over food; Church going; Being told the story of The Good Shepard; Discussions about God, praying, & the Good Shepard; Talks about God, Jesus, Him being the Good Shepard, Him caring for us, praying, & Heaven; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of God, Jesus, praying, & the Good Shepard; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches/chapels, church going, services, deacons/ministers, & Sunday school (including a mention of Ethan’s father not allowing him to go to Sunday School because he didn’t want handouts & a grown woman wanting to attend a different church because “no one in her social set would dream of worshipping in a place like [the church they attend]”); Mentions of a Christian Children’s Home; A couple mentions of religious charitable work.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘botheration’, a ‘what in tarnation’, & three ‘tarnation!’s; Ethan’s mother passed away before the start of the book and his father works on a boat, so Ethan and three of his younger siblings go to a Children’s Home; Some grief (from Ethan about his mother); A child is kidnapped (not with ill-intent, but the child is scared); A woman wants a child (for the wrong/selfish reasons, to enhance her standing in the town, which she reflects on later); Ethan is threatened by a bully (who never actually apologizes later but tries to make things better); Ethan and a friend try to wiggle out of a future punishment by not listening to instructions; Ethan hits another boy (a young man and it doesn’t hurt him); Ethan keeps the bully’s threats to himself because he’s scare of retaliation (though, he eventually tells an adult); Mentions of a kidnapping & the kidnapper (who has to learn a lesson through this); Mentions of stealing & stolen items; Mentions of a bully & him threatening the younger kids (including Ethan); Mentions of when Ethan’s father would make him get beer for him & being strapped when late; Mentions of one of the kids from the Children’s Home running away (a teenager); A couple mentions of whips/being strapped (they don’t do that at the Children’s Home); A couple mentions of other children in town teasing and taunting the children from the Home; A mention of jail; A mention of a lie;
*Note: Towards the end of the book, an Orphan Train is planned for some of the children from the Children’s Home and in the author’s note, it’s mentioned about those who benefited or suffered under those arrangements.
Sexual Content- N/A.
-Ethan Cooper, ages 8-9
P.O.V. switches between Ethan & others
Set in 1907-1908
184 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{Could possibly be triggering for adoptees}
This book has been on my radar for years and I’m glad I finally got around to reading it. Like other good middle-grade stories, there’s a lot of character development for different characters within this 200 pages and some adventures too! There was a good amount of faith content and overall quite clean. It could be triggering for adoptees, though, as Ethan and his eight siblings are split-up and some are in the Children’s Home. They are well taken care of there, but there are a few challenges in the adjustment period. *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*
I’m looking forward to continuing with the series and see what happens for this sibling group.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“With his mother dead, his father gone, and his older brothers and sisters unable to help, eight-year-old Ethan Cooper knows it’s his responsibility to keep him and his younger siblings together—even if that means going to an orphanage.
Ethan, Alice, Simon, and Will settle into the Briarlane Christian Children’s Home, where there’s plenty to eat, plenty of work, and plenty of talk about a Father who never leaves. Even so, Ethan fears losing the only family he has. How can he trust God to keep him safe when almost everything he’s known has disappeared?
The first book in the Beyond the Orphan Train series, Looking for Home takes us back to 1907 Pennsylvania and into the real-life adventures of four children in search of a true home.”
Series: Book #1 in “The Orphans’ Journey” series.
Spiritual Content- Scriptures are quoted & remembered; Prayers & Blessings over food; Church going; Being told the story of The Good Shepard; Discussions about God, praying, & the Good Shepard; Talks about God, Jesus, Him being the Good Shepard, Him caring for us, praying, & Heaven; 'H's are capital when referring to God; Many mentions of God, Jesus, praying, & the Good Shepard; Mentions of Bibles & Bible reading; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & blessings over food; Mentions of churches/chapels, church going, services, deacons/ministers, & Sunday school (including a mention of Ethan’s father not allowing him to go to Sunday School because he didn’t want handouts & a grown woman wanting to attend a different church because “no one in her social set would dream of worshipping in a place like [the church they attend]”); Mentions of a Christian Children’s Home; A couple mentions of religious charitable work.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘botheration’, a ‘what in tarnation’, & three ‘tarnation!’s; Ethan’s mother passed away before the start of the book and his father works on a boat, so Ethan and three of his younger siblings go to a Children’s Home; Some grief (from Ethan about his mother); A child is kidnapped (not with ill-intent, but the child is scared); A woman wants a child (for the wrong/selfish reasons, to enhance her standing in the town, which she reflects on later); Ethan is threatened by a bully (who never actually apologizes later but tries to make things better); Ethan and a friend try to wiggle out of a future punishment by not listening to instructions; Ethan hits another boy (a young man and it doesn’t hurt him); Ethan keeps the bully’s threats to himself because he’s scare of retaliation (though, he eventually tells an adult); Mentions of a kidnapping & the kidnapper (who has to learn a lesson through this); Mentions of stealing & stolen items; Mentions of a bully & him threatening the younger kids (including Ethan); Mentions of when Ethan’s father would make him get beer for him & being strapped when late; Mentions of one of the kids from the Children’s Home running away (a teenager); A couple mentions of whips/being strapped (they don’t do that at the Children’s Home); A couple mentions of other children in town teasing and taunting the children from the Home; A mention of jail; A mention of a lie;
*Note: Towards the end of the book, an Orphan Train is planned for some of the children from the Children’s Home and in the author’s note, it’s mentioned about those who benefited or suffered under those arrangements.
Sexual Content- N/A.
-Ethan Cooper, ages 8-9
P.O.V. switches between Ethan & others
Set in 1907-1908
184 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
New Teens- Four Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
{Could possibly be triggering for adoptees}
This book has been on my radar for years and I’m glad I finally got around to reading it. Like other good middle-grade stories, there’s a lot of character development for different characters within this 200 pages and some adventures too! There was a good amount of faith content and overall quite clean. It could be triggering for adoptees, though, as Ethan and his eight siblings are split-up and some are in the Children’s Home. They are well taken care of there, but there are a few challenges in the adjustment period. *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*
I’m looking forward to continuing with the series and see what happens for this sibling group.
Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
June 18, 2018
I had no idea Arleta Richardson had written more than the Grandma's Attic books, so when a friend mentioned this book to me, I knew I had to read it. It was sweet and fun. I loved the children and wanted to take them into my own home. Ethan is a wonderful big brother and so protective of his younger sister and brothers. I want to read the rest of the books in this series.
There are mentions of praying, and going to church, but no clear showing of the Gospel.
There are mentions of praying, and going to church, but no clear showing of the Gospel.
June 19, 2018
This was really good!!
The Characters:
Ethan - aww! I loved him! He had such a hard job taking care of his younger siblings, but I love how committed he was to them! His full name is Ethan Allen.
Alive, Simon, and Will - I love their names! Alice Carol, Simon Peter, and William Andrew. <3 These kiddos are very sweet!
Mr. Lehman - he was a good man. :)
Mr. and Mrs. Quincey - Mr. Quincey was a dear, but his wife had her problems! I'm glad she got herself straightened out though!
Bert - such a good friend to Ethan! Love him!
There's so many characters I'd like to mention in this book! They're all so interesting!
The Story-line:
I love reading about Orphans, so I was hooked to this story! I really love how this book is a true story - Ethan and his siblings are real people!
Spiritual Content:
The Good Shephard and God are mentioned quite a lot. There are many prayers. No mentions of who may be saved and no church goers.
All-in-all
I loved it! This book (and the rest of the series) is perfect reads for young people! My younger sisters really enjoyed them! :)
The Characters:
Ethan - aww! I loved him! He had such a hard job taking care of his younger siblings, but I love how committed he was to them! His full name is Ethan Allen.
Alive, Simon, and Will - I love their names! Alice Carol, Simon Peter, and William Andrew. <3 These kiddos are very sweet!
Mr. Lehman - he was a good man. :)
Mr. and Mrs. Quincey - Mr. Quincey was a dear, but his wife had her problems! I'm glad she got herself straightened out though!
Bert - such a good friend to Ethan! Love him!
There's so many characters I'd like to mention in this book! They're all so interesting!
The Story-line:
I love reading about Orphans, so I was hooked to this story! I really love how this book is a true story - Ethan and his siblings are real people!
Spiritual Content:
The Good Shephard and God are mentioned quite a lot. There are many prayers. No mentions of who may be saved and no church goers.
All-in-all
I loved it! This book (and the rest of the series) is perfect reads for young people! My younger sisters really enjoyed them! :)
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
June 4, 2023
Ma has passed away and Pa has abandoned his family of nine children. The oldest four can support themselves, and a neighbor will take the baby, but the other four will have to go to an orphanage. Ethan is eight and has helped take care of his sister and brothers for a long time. Now he must get them to the children's home and watch over them so they don't get hurt or separated. Ma's last request was that all of them must stay together, and Ethan has promised to do that.
Briarlane is a Christian children's home, but that doesn't mean there aren't difficulties to be faced. Whether it's an older kid bullying the younger ones and threatening to have them sent away, being sat on by a huge hog, or discovering your littlest brother has been kidnapped, Ethan tries to be responsible. But it is all very overwhelming until Matron introduces him to the Good Shepherd and teaches him how to pray and turn his problems over to the One who is watching over them.
Just about the time they are all settling in, news of the Orphan Trains comes to the orphanage, and Ethan must insist again that the little family must all be adopted together, as unlikely as it seems. Will he be able to turn this new trouble over to his Good Shepherd too? Based on a true story.
Briarlane is a Christian children's home, but that doesn't mean there aren't difficulties to be faced. Whether it's an older kid bullying the younger ones and threatening to have them sent away, being sat on by a huge hog, or discovering your littlest brother has been kidnapped, Ethan tries to be responsible. But it is all very overwhelming until Matron introduces him to the Good Shepherd and teaches him how to pray and turn his problems over to the One who is watching over them.
Just about the time they are all settling in, news of the Orphan Trains comes to the orphanage, and Ethan must insist again that the little family must all be adopted together, as unlikely as it seems. Will he be able to turn this new trouble over to his Good Shepherd too? Based on a true story.
December 31, 2015
The first book in the Beyond the Orphan Train series, Looking for Home takes us back to 1907 Pennsylvania and into the real-life adventures of four children in search of a true home.
Being a fan of Arleta Richardson, and ecstatic when I saw these books being offered, I jumped at the chance to read them. I loved the Grandma’s Attic series that she wrote, and for me this was a hidden gem to share with my grandchildren.
This is the first book and in the Orphan Train series and we meet the family under dire circumstances. Their mother has just died and the older children cannot take care of the five younger ones, Ethan the oldest of the four who will have to leave begins his life journey to make sure Alice, Simon and Will are all taken care of as his mother requested.
What a responsibility for an eight year old to take them all by himself to the orphanage, and thus begins a new way of life for these Cooper children. I ended up explaining about the orphan trains that took children to the west to my boys, but this story made it very real to them.
We experience the life in the orphanage with this first book, and how they cope, and some tears and chuckles are forth coming. A great start for this series.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher David C. Cook, and was not required to give a positive review.
February 1, 2016
A wonderful collection of faith-filled stories based on a real account! Written in a straight forward, uncomplicated style, the story of Ethan Cooper and his three young siblings was uplifting, endearing, and inspirational. Book one tells how an eight year old Ethan is given the responsibility of taking his 2 younger brothers and 1 sister miles away to Briarlane Children's home in Pennsylvania, and their experiences there over the year.
This series 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 by the same author will enjoy these as well!
(Review based on ebook of the series provided by NetGalley and David C Cook Publications.)
This series 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 by the same author will enjoy these as well!
(Review based on ebook of the series provided by NetGalley and David C Cook Publications.)
January 26, 2016
Looking for Home by Arleta Richardson is just delightful. It is a children's book, but I believe it can be read by people of all ages. Such a great heartfelt story. I will post my full review soon.
October 20, 2024
Enjoyed re-reading this book from my childhood. Good story for kids!
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...
November 28, 2024
This is a children's book. Right? Well I am a grandma and I loved it too! I will probably have to buy the next three if I can't find them at the library. Years ago I read a series of Orphan Train books by a different author. It was my first acquaintance with the Orphan Train. In this book, Looking for Home, the book ends with the children just embarking on their westward journey. It is a quick read. After all, it's a children's book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and even had to wipe a few tears from by eyes! Eight year old Ethan, has to take on an adult responsibility of caring for his three younger siblings and he takes the job on wholeheartedly and with the faithfulness of one many years older. As he enters the orphanage, his job of caring for the three younger ones eases up in some respects, but he still defends them fiercely from any possible abuse from the other children. Along the way, he learns that even though his drunken dad has deserted him, he has a Heavenly Father who is always with him and loves and cares for him.
September 15, 2016
The first in a series of books concerning the orphan trains of the early 1900’s in America. Eight year old Ethan finds himself responsible for three of his siblings after the death of their mother. They are taken in by a children’s home in hopes of finding a family that will adopt all 4 of them, keeping the family together. This is a sweet story that I highly recommend.
November 5, 2018
I really enjoy this author and was glad to find more of her books after reading All of a kind Family! This was a great read that’s enjoyable for young and old alike! I plan to read/listen to the other books in this little series!
December 22, 2011
Reviewed for Logos Library. A. Richardson wrote all the Grandma Attic series, and I really liked them. She does a fine job with this first book of the series.
September 5, 2017
Arleta Richardson's style of writing always is so capturing. I loved every moment of this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
August 13, 2016
An enjoyable read
November 12, 2016
I used this book for an after school book club for 3rd-5th graders with much success...good book with good values.
June 26, 2025
It’s 1907. Nine children lose their mother and have a no-good father who is absent (for work and drink). The older ones love their siblings, but they can’t care for themselves and the little ones. The baby goes to a neighbor, and the other four young ones must go to Briarlane Christian Children’s Home.
Ethan (8 yo) assumes the role of protector for his little sister and brothers. This book is about the journey to the orphanage and their experiences there. While the orphanage caretakers are kind and caring, Ethan struggles with trust and insecurity issues due to his past experiences.
There are themes of trust, anxiety, forgiveness, and prayer.
_
Some Content Notes:
There are some melancholy and stressful elements throughout the story, but Arleta Richardson always helps her characters learn lessons and things are ok in the end.
An older boy is a bully and blackmails a younger boy for much of the story.
There is a kidnapping of sorts, but it’s done for foolish / selfish reasons and isn’t malicious. It does cause great anxiety in others.
There is a theft.
A kid runs away for a while.
The topic itself is a bit heavy - thinking about all these orphans, their stories, and what will happen to them.
No magic, profanity, or romance.
Ethan (8 yo) assumes the role of protector for his little sister and brothers. This book is about the journey to the orphanage and their experiences there. While the orphanage caretakers are kind and caring, Ethan struggles with trust and insecurity issues due to his past experiences.
There are themes of trust, anxiety, forgiveness, and prayer.
_
Some Content Notes:
There are some melancholy and stressful elements throughout the story, but Arleta Richardson always helps her characters learn lessons and things are ok in the end.
An older boy is a bully and blackmails a younger boy for much of the story.
There is a kidnapping of sorts, but it’s done for foolish / selfish reasons and isn’t malicious. It does cause great anxiety in others.
There is a theft.
A kid runs away for a while.
The topic itself is a bit heavy - thinking about all these orphans, their stories, and what will happen to them.
No magic, profanity, or romance.
May 19, 2024
I loved Arleta Richardson's In Grandma's Attic series so very much. I don't remember when I first discovered them as a child but they were instantly favorites, and ones that I revisited throughout my growing up years and beyond. That said, the first book of this series is very different from the In Grandma's Attic series, and reading it for the very first time as an adult it isn't quite as appealing as it would be to a child. I am unsettled on my feelings, especially knowing how poorly many of the children were treated who were placed in homes through the orphan trains. Knowing that this series is based on a real person whom Arleta knew does make it somewhat more believable. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series or not, though I am curious to see how the story develops through the remaining three books.
September 20, 2019
This straight-forward, supposedly based on actual facts, historical fiction Orphan Train novel could very well pass as a Young Adult genre. Quite phenomenal that an eight-year-old, abandoned by the father and older siblings, would be in charge of his younger siblings to travel to a distant orphanage. Revealed many details that was acceptable then, but would be a definite illegal and punishable maneuver now ie the Judge's wife absconding one of the orphans for a weekend trip without permission. This book, with a lovely cover - different on Amazon, set the stage for the next book of the series involving an Orphan Train adventure out west to find homes, hopefully for all four children together.
February 25, 2021
I enjoyed it very much. The spiritual guidance was similar to my own childhood. I was able to relate to the family. I would probably recommend to young adults with or without children. Young teams would probably identify with many of the situations described. And older grandmas like myself.I really enjoyed this book.
The fact that the boy went on to have a good life and raise a wonderful family of his own made it more inspiring. This book has good sound advice for people of every age group, even younger children who would not understand every situation described. They would probably understand true and hope.
The fact that the boy went on to have a good life and raise a wonderful family of his own made it more inspiring. This book has good sound advice for people of every age group, even younger children who would not understand every situation described. They would probably understand true and hope.
April 15, 2023
I enjoyed Richardson's Grandma's Attic series as a child/young adult, and stumbled across this series on Goodreads this morning. Finding it available on ebook from the library, I decided to give it a try...
For its target audience, this book will be a 4-5star win! That said, for someone outside the target audience, I would not recommend this book to my niblings.
The historical premise of the story is an intriguing one, and Ms. Richardson cites lived experience for the development of her main character, Ethan Cooper, but even for a children's story the simplistic retelling seems overblown. This is the most disappointing feature.
Rating 2/5 star "it was ok"
194 pages
Kindle
For its target audience, this book will be a 4-5star win! That said, for someone outside the target audience, I would not recommend this book to my niblings.
The historical premise of the story is an intriguing one, and Ms. Richardson cites lived experience for the development of her main character, Ethan Cooper, but even for a children's story the simplistic retelling seems overblown. This is the most disappointing feature.
Rating 2/5 star "it was ok"
194 pages
Kindle
January 20, 2021
Orphan train siblings
Can an 8 year old care for 3 younger siblings, one only 2 years old? In this age of helicopter parents, this story reflects not only the resiliency of children but how close their sense of family, and how much responsibilty they assume at an early age. The Orphan trains were a very real part of our American history. That this story is based on the rememberances of one orphan who survived I found very touching. These young children sought what we all want, a place to call home and someone to love and welcome them.
Can an 8 year old care for 3 younger siblings, one only 2 years old? In this age of helicopter parents, this story reflects not only the resiliency of children but how close their sense of family, and how much responsibilty they assume at an early age. The Orphan trains were a very real part of our American history. That this story is based on the rememberances of one orphan who survived I found very touching. These young children sought what we all want, a place to call home and someone to love and welcome them.
November 2, 2023
This was a good story of an eight-year old who travels to an orphanage with his three younger siblings.
The narrator was excellent in that voices were differentiated, and I could interact with the main characters. Ethan was a very mature boy for his age. He honored his mother's deathbed wish of keeping his siblings together.
I had to laugh when the wealthy wife of one of the board members did not heed the warning given and "kidnapped" three-year old Will. That was a weekend not to be forgotten!
The narrator was excellent in that voices were differentiated, and I could interact with the main characters. Ethan was a very mature boy for his age. He honored his mother's deathbed wish of keeping his siblings together.
I had to laugh when the wealthy wife of one of the board members did not heed the warning given and "kidnapped" three-year old Will. That was a weekend not to be forgotten!
September 15, 2018
Care For Our Children
Very nicely written book. The Orphan Train is not new to me, I heard of it during my college days some years ago. This story identifies the efforts of many who have and are striving to give children a place and family to belong to. The characters here in this story are so real that this reader it's reminded to PRAY for all of our "misplaced children". Great Read
Very nicely written book. The Orphan Train is not new to me, I heard of it during my college days some years ago. This story identifies the efforts of many who have and are striving to give children a place and family to belong to. The characters here in this story are so real that this reader it's reminded to PRAY for all of our "misplaced children". Great Read
September 14, 2018
Fun to read and fun to be read to by my grands. It opened our eyes to life in the early 1900's and children that were left with no parents because of death or the father leaving the family desolate. I also get them hooked on history at the same time. Yeah, we loved reading this book together. Now we look forward to the next one in the series titled "Whistle-Stop West"...
May 11, 2018
Excellent story keeps you reading
This book has a very authentic feel to it. How fortunate the children were to have a nurse lie Matron. An right year old left with the responsibility of caring for three younger siblings. He never failed in caring forgiveness and sister. Great story
This book has a very authentic feel to it. How fortunate the children were to have a nurse lie Matron. An right year old left with the responsibility of caring for three younger siblings. He never failed in caring forgiveness and sister. Great story
April 5, 2019
Absolutely Outstanding
I love reading about the Orphan Train and the children involved. This was truly a remarkable story and one courageous young child, who became Mother and Dad to his siblings. The Orphanage in this story was the best I believe I have ever heard about. Thank you for such a wonderful story...truly a book all would enjoy and I recommend.
I love reading about the Orphan Train and the children involved. This was truly a remarkable story and one courageous young child, who became Mother and Dad to his siblings. The Orphanage in this story was the best I believe I have ever heard about. Thank you for such a wonderful story...truly a book all would enjoy and I recommend.
February 15, 2021
What a heart warming, enjoyable and easy to read story! It was based on the real life story of a young eight year old boy along with his three younger siblings who were orphans. This one shared how they lived in an orphanage. I am going to buy the other three in the series now! Would definitely recommend these books for anyone as they have encouraging Christian stories.
June 7, 2021
Interesting and based on true life
The story in this book is very interesting and based on historical events. I especially like the lessons taught through the characters. At the end of the book in the author's notes, I discovered this 4 book series is based on the lives of 4 real life siblings who lived these adventures! I'm going to read them all, probably even this week!
The story in this book is very interesting and based on historical events. I especially like the lessons taught through the characters. At the end of the book in the author's notes, I discovered this 4 book series is based on the lives of 4 real life siblings who lived these adventures! I'm going to read them all, probably even this week!
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