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Orphan Train Adventures #2
Caught in the Act
Eleven-year-old Michael Patrick Kelly from New York City is sent to a foster home, a Missouri farm with a sadistic owner, a bullying son, and a number of secrets, one of which may be murder.
160 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
33 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Joan Lowery Nixon
187 books484 followersAuthor of more than one hundred books, Joan Lowery Nixon is the only writer to have won four Edgar Allan Poe Awards for Juvenile Mysteries (and been nominated several other times) from the Mystery Writers of America. Creating contemporary teenage characters who have both a personal problem and a mystery to solve, Nixon captured the attention of legions of teenage readers since the publication of her first YA novel more than twenty years ago. In addition to mystery/suspense novels, she wrote nonfiction and fiction for children and middle graders, as well as several short stories. Nixon was the first person to write novels for teens about the orphan trains of the nineteenth century. She followed those with historical novels about Ellis Island and, more recently for younger readers, Colonial Williamsburg. Joan Lowery Nixon died on June 28, 2003—a great loss for all of us.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 4, 2019
I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book through inter-library loan, having read the first book in the series a little less than a month ago. As with the first book ( A Family Apart) the story begins when modern day children in Missouri visit with their grandmother who helps them take a look at the past through the Journal of their great great great grandmother.
This book set in 1856 tells the story of 12 year old Michael Kelly whose actions as a "copper-stealer" led to all the children in the family being sent out West to find better lives than their mother could currently provide for them. Michael was sent with permission of the court with a stern warning that if he returned to New York he would quickly find himself in the infamous Tombs prison.
In A Family Apart, all the children traveled by train to Missouri and were placed out with different families. Although Michael had acquitted himself well en route, his reputation had preceded him and he was the last of the Kelly siblings to be chosen for adoption by the German immigrant farm family The Friedrichs.
Mr Friedrich is a stern disciplinarian who believes that sparing the rod leads to spoiling the child. He is a man of faith who believes in hell and damnation and thinks it is his duty to teach Michael the error of his ways. His wife, is a rather timid woman but is genuinely kind to Michael. Their son Gunter on the other hand is out to do whatever he can to make Michael's life difficult and perhaps even get him sent back to New York.
Early on in the book Michael overhears the family discussing the mysterious "Ulrich" who is apparently dead. Michael is worried that perhaps Mr Friedrich had killed him at some point. The mystery of who he was and what happened to him is a theme that runs throughout the story. Although some orphan train children were adopted and treated as members of the family, many others were treated as little more than hired hands. Michael fell somewhere in the middle. He was expected to learn how to do the farm work and was taught by the hired hand Reuben, who was known for his love of books. Michael slept in the family house, and ate with the family but unlike their son Gunter, he was not allowed to attend school. Gunter would frequently set him up for trouble and punishment included severe whippings on occasion. Michael determined to do whatever he could not to annoy his new foster father. Mike continues to overhear things about the mysterious Ulrich and worries that his own life may be in danger, as well as the lives of several other members of the "help". He determines to do what he can to find the truth.
The action moves fairly quickly throughout the book and I read it pretty much in one sitting. It gave quite a vivid picture of what life was like for the early pioneers of the area and also showed how some people felt such devotion to their state and the choice Missouri made about the freedom to have slaves that they were willing to go to war over it. This is the kind of story of ancestors that I would have loved to have been told about my own ancestors when I was younger. It does leave the story with a bit of a cliff-hanger as Michael apparently has more experiences to be told as do some of the other Kelly children. Hopefully inter-library loan will be able to work its magic for me again.
This book set in 1856 tells the story of 12 year old Michael Kelly whose actions as a "copper-stealer" led to all the children in the family being sent out West to find better lives than their mother could currently provide for them. Michael was sent with permission of the court with a stern warning that if he returned to New York he would quickly find himself in the infamous Tombs prison.
In A Family Apart, all the children traveled by train to Missouri and were placed out with different families. Although Michael had acquitted himself well en route, his reputation had preceded him and he was the last of the Kelly siblings to be chosen for adoption by the German immigrant farm family The Friedrichs.
Mr Friedrich is a stern disciplinarian who believes that sparing the rod leads to spoiling the child. He is a man of faith who believes in hell and damnation and thinks it is his duty to teach Michael the error of his ways. His wife, is a rather timid woman but is genuinely kind to Michael. Their son Gunter on the other hand is out to do whatever he can to make Michael's life difficult and perhaps even get him sent back to New York.
Early on in the book Michael overhears the family discussing the mysterious "Ulrich" who is apparently dead. Michael is worried that perhaps Mr Friedrich had killed him at some point. The mystery of who he was and what happened to him is a theme that runs throughout the story. Although some orphan train children were adopted and treated as members of the family, many others were treated as little more than hired hands. Michael fell somewhere in the middle. He was expected to learn how to do the farm work and was taught by the hired hand Reuben, who was known for his love of books. Michael slept in the family house, and ate with the family but unlike their son Gunter, he was not allowed to attend school. Gunter would frequently set him up for trouble and punishment included severe whippings on occasion. Michael determined to do whatever he could not to annoy his new foster father. Mike continues to overhear things about the mysterious Ulrich and worries that his own life may be in danger, as well as the lives of several other members of the "help". He determines to do what he can to find the truth.
The action moves fairly quickly throughout the book and I read it pretty much in one sitting. It gave quite a vivid picture of what life was like for the early pioneers of the area and also showed how some people felt such devotion to their state and the choice Missouri made about the freedom to have slaves that they were willing to go to war over it. This is the kind of story of ancestors that I would have loved to have been told about my own ancestors when I was younger. It does leave the story with a bit of a cliff-hanger as Michael apparently has more experiences to be told as do some of the other Kelly children. Hopefully inter-library loan will be able to work its magic for me again.
May 6, 2023
The second book in the Orphan Train series tells the reader Mike's story.
Mike's story is frustrating but ends on a high note.
Vivid characters, easy, clean read.
Mike's story is frustrating but ends on a high note.
Vivid characters, easy, clean read.
July 28, 2021
The second book in the series focuses on Mike, who is a lovable troublemaker. This one felt a bit more predictable, but I was still in for it! I also love the bits and pieces about the other siblings in each book. I think my sons might enjoy this one more than the first one as it has a male main character.
September 12, 2025
This book was my orphan-book obsession when I was younger, and now it hurts to read it again as an adult because I realize how hard and sad so many orphans lives were. Guess I'm a lot like Mike--living out an adventure in my head.
Rereading it was refreshing, even if it was sad in so many areas. I'd forgotten a lot about what happens and Ulrich... Marta and Cory... wow! Ruben, however, I hadn't. I'd fallen for the bookish river man so many times over and he stayed with me all these years.
These are a great series!
Rereading it was refreshing, even if it was sad in so many areas. I'd forgotten a lot about what happens and Ulrich... Marta and Cory... wow! Ruben, however, I hadn't. I'd fallen for the bookish river man so many times over and he stayed with me all these years.
These are a great series!
June 24, 2010
Next on my list of rereads from childhood is the second book in the Orphan Train Saga, focusing on Mike, the oldest brother in the Kelly family. Unlike his siblings, Mike is placed in a less than desirable home with the Fredericks. Historically, Mike's story in this book, (he is adopted merely as a hired hand), is probably the most accurate outcome for children placed through the Orphan Train.
The story is a page turner, Mike's adopted brother tries to get him in trouble and sent back to New York City where prison awaits, murder, mystery et. al. It reads like the dime novels of the time that Mike is so fond of. What is also interesting is that Mike acts like how a 12 year old boy would. He jumps to conclusions about his adopted family based on conversations overheard, he's impulsive and out of all the Kelly children so far the most complex.
Caught in the Act, is miles better than the previous installment even though it ends with convenient "happily ever after" ending (Mike is adopted by a new family and cleared of all charges). I look forward to rereading Mike's next book, A Dangerous Promise.
The story is a page turner, Mike's adopted brother tries to get him in trouble and sent back to New York City where prison awaits, murder, mystery et. al. It reads like the dime novels of the time that Mike is so fond of. What is also interesting is that Mike acts like how a 12 year old boy would. He jumps to conclusions about his adopted family based on conversations overheard, he's impulsive and out of all the Kelly children so far the most complex.
Caught in the Act, is miles better than the previous installment even though it ends with convenient "happily ever after" ending (Mike is adopted by a new family and cleared of all charges). I look forward to rereading Mike's next book, A Dangerous Promise.
January 1, 2022
3.5 stars mostly because I’m very angry that Mr. Friedrich barely faced any consequences for being incredibly abusive???? I’m starting a Mr. Friedrich Hate Club where we only discuss ways to ruin his life.
Also, if you’re triggered by manipulative and abusive adults who pick on defenseless and vulnerable children then probably don’t read this. I was sick to my stomach at times.
Verrry glad the quote below was included. I’m also starting a Reuben and Marta Fan Club.
“How could a beating ever be necessary? It is simply a large, strong man causing pain to a boy too small to fight back. You’ll only teach this boy that some day he can be large and strong enough to hurt someone else who is defenseless.”
Also, if you’re triggered by manipulative and abusive adults who pick on defenseless and vulnerable children then probably don’t read this. I was sick to my stomach at times.
Verrry glad the quote below was included. I’m also starting a Reuben and Marta Fan Club.
“How could a beating ever be necessary? It is simply a large, strong man causing pain to a boy too small to fight back. You’ll only teach this boy that some day he can be large and strong enough to hurt someone else who is defenseless.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2008
Mike finds himself living with a German immigrant family after being chose from the Orphan Train. His harsh treatment only makes Mike more determined to go west and become the man he so wishes to be. He soon finds though that the family he lives with is hiding a dark secret. Can he discover the secret before he comes to danger? Are they even meaner than he imagines? The author does a good job of keeping the reader entertained and in the dark until the very last moment. A great read.
January 9, 2010
this book is so amazing!
the parents or i should say the dad is really freaky he beats mike(mike is the main person)
i probably shouldnt even say anymore or else ill spoil it
the parents or i should say the dad is really freaky he beats mike(mike is the main person)
i probably shouldnt even say anymore or else ill spoil it
July 7, 2021
This is a sequel of the previous book, following the brother who caused all of the siblings to go on the orphan train, to be adopted by other families. While his older sister Francis goes on an adventure in the first book, with a family that is implied to be nice and caring, Mike is adopted by German immigrants who treats him more like a laborer than an adopted son. Mr. Friedrich, the father of his 'new family' has anger issues and has been hinted that he might've murdered someone. Frightened but also curious by this secret, Mike live his new life in the Friedrich household while keeping his ears and eyes open to figure out this mystery.
For those who are interested in reading this book, I suggest you read the first book first, since there are mentions of events that happened in the first book, and that would feel more impactful, if you've read the book. The story was interesting. I liked how the mystery was set up in a way that feel's natural, while making sense after reaching the end of the story and looking back at the character's. I feel like the author did a good job showing that Mr. Friedrich and his son, is more human that Mike had thought. At the same time, I can't say I was in love with this story. It was entertaining enough, but didn't fit my personal taste. But I do remember enjoying this story, and the overall series when I was in middle school, so it's likely that my interest had changed as I grew older. Overall, I think this is a good middle grade novel for history and mystery lovers.
For those who are interested in reading this book, I suggest you read the first book first, since there are mentions of events that happened in the first book, and that would feel more impactful, if you've read the book. The story was interesting. I liked how the mystery was set up in a way that feel's natural, while making sense after reaching the end of the story and looking back at the character's. I feel like the author did a good job showing that Mr. Friedrich and his son, is more human that Mike had thought. At the same time, I can't say I was in love with this story. It was entertaining enough, but didn't fit my personal taste. But I do remember enjoying this story, and the overall series when I was in middle school, so it's likely that my interest had changed as I grew older. Overall, I think this is a good middle grade novel for history and mystery lovers.
November 18, 2020
The book "Caught in the Act" by Joan Lowery Nixon is realistic fiction. "Caught in the Act", is book two out of the series. "Caught in the Act", is about a boy named Mike who got put with a family after his mother sent them away in the first book of the series. He got put with the Friedrich's. Mr.Friedrich hated how Mike was a thief before he changed his ways, but Mr.Friedrich thinks he will always be a thief. He beats Mike up all of the time because Gunther(Friedrich's first child) Gunther hated Mike and would make up several lies to get Mike in trouble. Mike became friends with the cook/maid; Martha and with Reuben the other worker that worked with Mike. One night Mike saw Mr.Friedrich and Reuben yelling, and then heard a thump and Mr.Friedrich walked out with a shovel. Is Mr.Friedrich a murder? what will Mike do? Will Mike runaway? read to find out.
If you enjoyed the first book, "A family apart" you might like this book.
I thought the book was good, but I really wished it had more detail at the end.
If you enjoyed the first book, "A family apart" you might like this book.
I thought the book was good, but I really wished it had more detail at the end.
July 14, 2022
Pros: just the same as the first in this series, I'm in love with how life may have been in history for riders of the orphan trains.
I've heard stories, but it's nice to have different perspectives of how some of these children may have grown up after they left their original homes.. And it wasn't always pretty.
I have a fifth or sixth great uncle who died in the Civil War but whose letters my family still has. He reminds me a lot of Michael, MC, and I guess it was nice to see life just before the CW... Before all these young men, some orphan train riders, lost their lives.
Cons: I don't really have any, given this is a children's book. The history is accurate and the creativity is on par.
Conclusion: if you're looking for a "soft" way to teach children how harsh life could be before us, this is a good way to go. It's not graphic at all, but still exposes life back then.
I've heard stories, but it's nice to have different perspectives of how some of these children may have grown up after they left their original homes.. And it wasn't always pretty.
I have a fifth or sixth great uncle who died in the Civil War but whose letters my family still has. He reminds me a lot of Michael, MC, and I guess it was nice to see life just before the CW... Before all these young men, some orphan train riders, lost their lives.
Cons: I don't really have any, given this is a children's book. The history is accurate and the creativity is on par.
Conclusion: if you're looking for a "soft" way to teach children how harsh life could be before us, this is a good way to go. It's not graphic at all, but still exposes life back then.
January 18, 2021
Michael was stealing money in New York to help feed his family; his mother had the choice to let him go to the The Tombs or else go with his siblings on the Orphan Train to Missouri. Mike was placed with the Friedrichs--gentle, loving, but scared Mrs. Friedrich; hard, mean Mr. Friedrich; and lazy, spoiled, Gunter who tried to get him in trouble at every turn. The hired hand Rueben and the housegirl Marta helped make Mike's life a little more tolerable as he worked nonstop at the farm and was often punished by Mr. Friedrich. Misunderstanding and suspicions build up until things explode and everyone is caught in the fallout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2022
We enjoyed this book, too. But we did not like how Mike was treated. My children kept commenting on how Gunter lies. That really bothered them. And I found that this book affected me even when we weren't reading it! Just the injustice of what Mike was going through and to know it happens. Every. Single. Day. Sad. But also a time to discuss things like this and how we can reach out to and help others.
On to the next in the series...
On to the next in the series...
January 4, 2018
This one was good too! There were some honest lessons without being preachy and hard situations portrayed in an age-appropriate way. There was even a hired hand who introduced Mike to classic poetry -- something I appreciated now but didn't register when I read as a kid!
May 24, 2020
Mike, one of the Kelly children, has been adopted by a family that has some secrets. His past has followed him to this new family and he has many challenges to face. What secrets are being hidden? How will Mike make a new life in the West?
July 8, 2018
Well written and engaging. One almost-swear word, no sex or innuendo. Might be frightening for younger children.
January 9, 2019
Not as good as the first book in the series, but still a great read. I didn't care much for the weaving in of poetry.
January 10, 2020
A re read if a childhood favorite. I remembered the plot of this one pretty well and really enjoyed it. Mike did irk me a little as a narrator but his story was still really good.
October 15, 2020
Story of a brave boy who wants to do what's right and a horrible man who takes out his anger and guilt on those around him.
September 24, 2021
Mike a orphan train boy was put in a abusive home and when he discovered what the dad and his son were doing he finally was given to a a man and wife in the service.
March 27, 2022
I remember reading this series as a kid, and still remember the impact it had on me. A fun re-read and walk down memory lane.
November 20, 2022
The kids loved this book and I remember loving it as a child when my mom read it aloud to us, but some parts are a bit long for me now as an adult.
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March 12, 2023After about twenty years I finally found the sequel to A Family Apart. Was satisfying.
March 8, 2019
The book, Caught in the Act by Joan Lowery Nixon was fun, exciting, and mysterious. I think this is a good read for 5th-7th graders because it isn’t too hard of a read, and for any older readers it might be a little too easy. Anyone who likes a good read with suspense, danger, and a surprise or not knowing what happens until the end would love this book. I choose this book for a series study, and I am reading the first three books because my mom recommended them and she read the series in 5th grade. The book was a great read, and I can’t wait to read more of the series. I loved this book because I always had questions like, will he discover the secret? Or, will he be in danger because his adopted family is meaner than expected? I would recommend this book because the author has a great way of keeping you entertained and on your toes the whole book. It was a great read, and I highly recommend it. : )
March 22, 2012
The book "Caught in the Act" was a mysifying and back breaking book. It was about a boy named Mike who was a foster, but was strangely happy to be one. He usually sat in his room letting the time pass in the house of is foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Reichard. One day though, Mike's life changed. He saw a man killing another man and Mike was in complete shock a didn't know what to do. Th is conflict is similiar to the one in the book "Freak the Mighty". Freak has a step dad who was trying to kill him and the main character had to watch his friend scared to death while they run away from him. Both conflicts made you want to read on, but in my opinion I thought the conflict in "Freak the Mighty" was more interesting. I thought that because the conflict was more realistic and step parents are a common problem in today's world. The book "Caught in the Act" was a very intersting novel though and I recomend it to anyone who likes mysteries. I give it a 4 star because of its very interesting storyline of Mike seeing a guy kill another guy. I loved the book!
July 22, 2015
The story was too fast paced sometimes, but it managed to keep the mysteries alive until the very end. Even though I was afraid it'd be too predictable, it ended up being an enjoyable read. I particularly liked how the author played with the good/bad dichotomy. I'll probably read the rest of the series.
"They should have got along well, with both of them unable to put down words way they come straight from the mouth." Mike to Reuben about Shakespeare and Wordsworth.
"Ridiculous! There was no way he wanted to love the judge who had threatened him with Tombs Prison, or Mr. Crandon, or Mr. Friedrich, or Gunter. Sure and the preacher might have a fine idea of what heaven would be like, but the man didn't know the Friedrichs very well or he'd think twice about that business of loving everyone."
"They should have got along well, with both of them unable to put down words way they come straight from the mouth." Mike to Reuben about Shakespeare and Wordsworth.
"Ridiculous! There was no way he wanted to love the judge who had threatened him with Tombs Prison, or Mr. Crandon, or Mr. Friedrich, or Gunter. Sure and the preacher might have a fine idea of what heaven would be like, but the man didn't know the Friedrichs very well or he'd think twice about that business of loving everyone."
March 29, 2015
Caught in the Act by Joan Lowery Nixon was a good book. It was a good mystery and you could connect to the characters.
The book was about Michael Kelly who is part of the original series of the Orphan Train. Michael along with his other brothers and sister were each adopted by different families. This story is about Michaels life after the trip from New York. His life is filled with pain and constant paranoia. His new parents are from Germany and have many secrets behind them so Michael is constantly trying to figure out what they are. In the end the truth is revealed and everything changes.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes mysteries or has already read the first book of the Orphan Train series.
The book was about Michael Kelly who is part of the original series of the Orphan Train. Michael along with his other brothers and sister were each adopted by different families. This story is about Michaels life after the trip from New York. His life is filled with pain and constant paranoia. His new parents are from Germany and have many secrets behind them so Michael is constantly trying to figure out what they are. In the end the truth is revealed and everything changes.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes mysteries or has already read the first book of the Orphan Train series.
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September 9, 2016good
September 19, 2012
I remember reading these as a child and I absolutely loved them. I figure if the memory of a book has been able to stick with me for over twenty years it deserves four stars. I also remember that these were the first characters I cried for in a book, the first time I was moved to an outburst of emotion by written word. Those are the types of things that stick with a bibliophile.
Read in fifth grade.
Read in fifth grade.
May 11, 2015
My daughter and I loved reading this whole series together. There are so many things to discuss. The background of the story itself is a difficult one, but the main characters (the 6 children) are such wonderful examples of all sorts of admirable characteristics. My least favorite was the last book, as the ending was too unrealistic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews