Train to Somewhere

Train to Somewhere

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Ronald Himler

Genre: Historical Fiction

Major Awards: None

Grade Level: 1-4

Summary: This book follows the story of fourteen orphans aboard the Orphan Train. The train makes stops at different stations in which couples choose children to take home with them. The book is written from the viewpoint of Marianne, an older girl who is hopeful that she will be reunited with her mother, who left her at an orphanage many years ago. Miss Randolph, the woman in charge of the children from the orphanage, rides with them and gives the paperwork to those who take children. Marianne is the last of the fourteen as the train stops at Somewhere, chosen by an older couple who expected a boy, but accepted her gently with open arms.

Evaluation: This book was bittersweet (more bitter than sweet).  The child whose viewpoint the story is told through undergoes feelings of abandonment and not being wanted. She loses the boys and girls she grew up with one by one, until she is the last one left and even then is disappointed because she is not reunited with her mother. I would have this book available to my students to read if they wanted to, but would not use it as a read aloud or for a lesson.

While this book can be understood (plot-wise) by younger students, I think it is more appropriate for older students who experience more empathy and understand emotions on a deeper level than young students. I think students in third and fourth grade would find this interesting and would even like to research the history behind the book.

Like I said, I would not use this book in class, but I would have it available for my children or through the school library.