Orphan Train, Kline - B +

                                              This superbly written novel is based on the story of one of the last survivors of the Orphan Train which ran from the east coast to the midwest from 1854 to 1929. The Children's Aid Society of NYC sent over a quarter of million foundlings west to what was supposed to be a better and safer life. In the novel, all ended well for Niamh Power, a nine-year-old Irish immigrant sent to Minnesota in 1929. Her story is not without its harrowing moments and the terrible price she paid as an adult after experiencing the loss of everyone she ever loved. This is a wonderful, heartwarming book and I thank my colleague of many years ago and friend, Mike Grisz, for the recommendation.