Orphan - Train

: The book intertwines the story of Vivian, a 91-year-old former "Orphan Train rider," with Molly, a contemporary foster teen.

: Others were viewed merely as free labor for farms. Instances of neglect, physical abuse, and the permanent separation of siblings were common. Modern Cultural Impact Orphan Train

: It explores rootlessness, the search for identity, and the shared trauma of being "unwanted" across different generations. Quick Facts Duration : 1854–1929 (75 years). : The book intertwines the story of Vivian,

: In the mid-19th century, cities like New York and Boston faced a crisis of "street children"—tens of thousands of homeless youth living in poverty, often turning to crime or facing starvation. Modern Cultural Impact : It explores rootlessness, the

: Many children were legally adopted, treated as beloved family members, and given education and opportunities they never would have had.

: Children were sent in batches by rail to predetermined stops in the Midwest.

: While the Children's Aid Society was the largest, other groups like the New York Foundling Hospital and the New York Juvenile Asylum also participated. The Journey and "Selection"