Discover books similar to "The Orphan Train"

Christina Baker Kline

The Orphan Train

"The Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline is a historical novel that tells the story of two young women, Vivian Daly and Molly Ayer, whose lives are connected through the Orphan Train movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The novel alternates between the perspectives of Vivian and Molly, as they each share their experiences and struggles. Vivian, an Irish immigrant, is sent on an Orphan Train from New York City to the Midwest in search of a new home and family. She is placed with several different families throughout her childhood, experiencing both kindness and cruelty. Molly, a modern-day teenager, is in foster care and is struggling to find her place in the world. She is assigned to complete community service hours by helping Vivian clean out her attic, and in the process, they form a deep connection. Kline's novel explores themes of family, identity, and the power of human connection. Through the stories of Vivian and Molly, the novel highlights the struggles and triumphs of the Orphan Train riders and the impact that the movement had on the lives of thousands of children. The novel also delves into the complexities of the foster care system and the challenges that many young people face in finding a permanent home and a sense of belonging. "The Orphan Train" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that sheds light on a little-known chapter in American history. Kline's vivid and engaging storytelling will captivate readers and leave them reflecting on the power of human connection and the meaning of family. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, adoption, or the foster care system.

List of books similar to "The Orphan Train":

Vanessa Diffenbaugh

The Language of Flowers

Like 'The Orphan Train,' 'The Language of Flowers' features a protagonist who has aged out of the foster care system. The novel follows Victoria Jones, a young woman who discovers her gift for communicating through flowers. Through her journey, she learns to heal from her past and build meaningful relationships. This book is an excellent choice for those who enjoyed the exploration of resilience and human connection in 'The Orphan Train.'

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Leif Enger

Peace Like a River

In 'Peace Like a River,' Enger weaves a tale of family, faith, and miracles. The story revolves around 11-year-old Reuben Land, his older brother Davy, and their family as they navigate life after Davy is accused of murder. This book shares 'The Orphan Train''s themes of family bonds and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

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Jojo Moyes

The Giver of Stars

Set in Depression-era America, 'The Giver of Stars' tells the story of five women who form a traveling library to bring books to people living in the Kentucky mountains. This novel, like 'The Orphan Train,' highlights the importance of books, literacy, and human connection in overcoming hardship. The themes of friendship, resilience, and the power of literature make this a great choice for fans of Kline's work.

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Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale

While not directly related to the orphan train or foster care, 'The Nightingale' shares 'The Orphan Train''s themes of resilience, survival, and the power of human connection. Set during World War II, the novel follows two sisters as they navigate the challenges of life under Nazi occupation in France.

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Lawrence Hill

The Book of Negroes

This historical novel tells the story of Aminata Diallo, an African woman who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in South Carolina. After gaining her freedom, she travels to Nova Scotia, England, and back to Africa, searching for her lost family and identity. This powerful story of resilience and survival shares 'The Orphan Train''s themes of displacement and the search for belonging.

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Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible

Set in the Belgian Congo during the 1960s, 'The Poisonwood Bible' follows the story of the Price family as they move to Africa for a father's evangelical mission. The novel explores themes of cultural clashes, identity, and the consequences of imperialism. Like 'The Orphan Train,' this book delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the search for belonging in a new environment.

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