A century ago, New York City swept up its lost children and sent them out of state to work for their keep as foster kids. In 1925, one train's trip is to end in Billings, MT, but three kids jump off early to hide their NYC past. They are given shelter and work at the Stewart ranch. Charles is big for his age, so he can work hard, but he has a temper. Patrick is weedy but a gifted horse wrangler. Eight-year-old Opal, scarred and silent, helps the homestead's...

Discusses the placement of over 200,000 orphaned or abandoned children in homes throughout the Midwest from 1854 to 1929 by recounting the story of one boy and his brothers.

"Extra! Extra! The Orphan Trains and Newsboys of New York," reveals the life story of orphaned, half-orphaned and runaway children of immigrant parents in nineteenth century New York. A collection of stories effectively communicates little known details about children who faced nearly insurmountable odds. From agonizing letters written by desperate mothers, to news stories of the latest train, or of newsboys looking out for each other, the humanity...

Inspired by a true story, former P.O.W. Jack Calgrove moves Heaven and Earth to be reunited with his children following the Civil War. After returning home, Jack finds out his wife has died and his children, presumed orphans, are heading deep into the West aboard a train bound for hostile territories. Calgrove and another former soldier are joined by a troop of Native American sharpshooters and a freed slave, as they race to intercept the orphan train...

"Describes the people and events involved in the orphan trains. The reader's choices reveal the historical details from the perspectives of a New York City newsboy, a child trying to keep his siblings together, and a child sent west on the baby trains"--Provided by publisher.