Orphan Train, Christina Baker Kline

Orphan Train  by Christina Baker Kline
This historical fiction novel was a great read. The fact that these trains existed in the United States is something that the history books don't teach about in school. Readers enjoyed this novel immensely.
The story focuses on the life of two females--one who is now old and a young girl who is in the foster system. Their chance meeting brings to light the hard life the older woman endured during her time as a foster (indentured servant) child in the United States.
Vivian (her name is changed from Nimah several times) is orphaned shortly after arriving to the United States from Ireland. Her tale, told in flashbacks, relates the horrible situations she was put through after she was shipped to the mid-western area of the United States. She was made to work as a child of 9 without pay or schooling, she was almost raped, and she ended up giving up her own child in order for her to live a better life.
Molly, an American Indian, was placed into the foster care system after her father died suddenly and her mother abandoned her. During her time in the system, she was place on community service where she meets Vivian. The encounter leads to Molly learning all about Vivian's life, and the two build a connection so strong that in the end Molly finds Vivian's daughter and ends up moving in with her.

Meeting Attendance
​Karla
Lori
Anne
Sheryl
Karen
Kathy
Kathy
​Lisa