Three orphaned immigrant children are separated, but long to find each other again. A prairie story in the tradition of Janette Oke.
February 1, 2008
When a tenement fire in 1866 New York City leaves three Irish immigrant siblings parentless, the children are placed on an "orphan train" and sent to be adopted out West. The children are separated when each is taken by a different family, and eight-year-old Maelle, apprenticed to a traveling photographer, vows to be reunited with her brother and sister. A sympathetic protagonist and interesting historical detail enhance this sweet, simple story of family bonds and faith that spans nearly 20 years. A good family read, this title is appropriate for both adult and YA readers. Recommended for inspirational historical fiction collections. Sawyer, winner of the American CF Writers' 2007 Book of the Year award ("Waiting for Summer's Return"), lives in Kansas.
Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.