Alone In The World: Orphans And Orphanages In America

by Catherine Reef

Uncovers the true history of American orphanages, revealing what it was like to eat, sleep, study, and play in such institutions, why children were sent to live there in the first place, what happened to them after they left, and more.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Research, Sociology, Adoption, Biography, Childrens

135 pages, Hardcover

First published May 23, 2005

About the author

Catherine Reef is the author of more than 35 nonfiction books for young people. Her books for Clarion include the highly acclaimed JOHN STEINBECK and SIGMUND FREUD, which was the recipient of the 2002 Sydney Taylor Award, presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries. She lives in College Park, Maryland.

Reviews

[Connie T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explores orphans and orphanages from colonial times to the 1990s. Not as dry as an adult non-fiction book but not as engaging as narrative non-fiction either. The are a lot of facts strung together interspersed with examples of personal stories and photos, when available. The author shows how major events such as an end to slavery, the high mortality rate of the Civil War, the Great Depression, exploding populations, and immigration often resulted in an increased number of poor or homeless children needing care. Sometimes noble efforts were made to care for these children; other times children were housed under deplorable conditions. One wonders if they went from the frying pan into the fire. Surely, some of these children might have been better off staying with their poor families.

It appears that history is repeating itself. "By the late twentieth century the public was concerned that society's problems had come to resemble those of the 1800s." If one thing is clear, there are no easy answers. One size didn't fit all then and it doesn't now.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a non-fic book for young adults. It tells the story of orphans in US history, starting with the 1700s and moving up to today. While it does get a bit boring at times, it's pretty interesting to read about how children have been treated, and how it has differed by sex and race, too. There are pictures on every 2-page spread, which help draw the reader in. While it's not pleasure reading - there are some sad stories although nothing gets too graphic since it is for kids - it is an interesting way to learn about the realities of being an orphan.

[Annie Oosterwyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book fills the historical gap between Oliver Twist and today's Department of Social Services. What to do with children whose parents die or can't support them? The orphan trains are also mentioned as well as how such transfers of human life were documented (or not). The consequences for families during the Civil War due to loss of income because of soldier's deaths or disabilities is also highlighted as well as the disparity between services available to children of different races.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, it covers all the history facts of all the orphanges in the states however the focus is mostly back east and most of the history started there. The pictures are amazing the personal stories are heart felt this is a five star book one I will keep on my shelf.

[Andrew Oppmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thorough enough for what I needed. Catherine Reef’s ALONE IN THE WORLD chronicles the history of orphanages in America at a middle school reading level, or thereabouts, but the information is solid and straightforward, though she does linger on a handful of individual cases. It is surprising to me how little is written about the evolution of child welfare in the United States. From colonial to the late twentieth century, Reef’s petite overview is perfect for anyone who doesn’t have the time to wade through hundreds of pages of text.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exce,
Excellent book for teens and adults. I picked it up after reading Lisa Wingate's Before We Were Yours as I wanted to know more about the history of adoption. What an eye-opener! Supporting photos are superb to support the text. Highly recommend.

[Letia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reads like a middle school text book. Very informative

[Ibennah Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I read the book

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[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, easy read.