fair - Katrina

Aggie Mae Vaughn is 12-years-old in 1866, and she lives in the Asylum for Homeless Waifs in New York City. Aggie hates being called a Waif. And she hates the Asylum, where it seems as if she's always in trouble.

The orphan train Children I must say is a very good book. I thoroughly enjoyed it's rich memory of the life of Aggie and how the reader was included by the author in her thoughts. I loved that the Brandons ended up being the perfect match for her and how they allowed their children to be who they really wanted. At a time where women had no rights, it was interesting to see the dynamic between Aggie and her new sister and how she impacted her with her women's rights movement. Aggie from a young age understood the power of a name, and knowing her name, throughout the book, she constantly repeatedly her name Agatha Mae Vaughn. I think in doing this, this made have her the strength she needed to survive and in the end, her home found her. One of my favorite parts of the book was at the end when Aggie write a note to the caregiver on the train that encourage her to know her worth, it was very touching and added a personal touch to the book. The chapters in the book corresponded perfectly to the text that followed, however, I feel that it was little more dramatic than the actual text itself which can also be seen as sensationalism, for example the chapter title "The Secret", it was in fact a secret, but it just seemed like there should have or would have been more to it. I did enjoy the book and would recommend it to young readers for a quick read. ( )

This children's book was a quick read. I chose it because my book club is reading Orphan Train and I was curious as to what the children's version was like. Very simple, but interesting. ( )

Aggie was growing up in the Asylum for Homeless Waifs in New York City. Because of her energetic, lively and active character, she always found herself in trouble for breaking rules. When she was twelve, she was sent to the Children's Aid Society to be send West. She learned to be tough and strong and want to have a family to take her in. Even though she does not say it but Aggie afraid nobody will want her and she had to go back to the asylum. However, Aggie was asked by the old couple, the Brandon, to go home with them. Aggie finally had a family and she was able to learn and experiences many things she has not had before. ( )