Cushman, Karen. Rodzina. New York: Clarion Books, 2003. 215 pages. $16.00 ISBN 9780618133512
Plot Summary: Rodzina is sent on an orphan train headed west from Chicago. She is terrified that she will end up a slave and even frees herself from a forced marriage on the trip west. The uncertainty of her future weighs heavily on her mind, but slowly she sees happy marriages and kids being welcomed into loving homes and it gives her hope.
Critical Evaluation: This was a very interesting book as I had no previous knowledge of the orphan trains in the 19th century. It is a compelling story and as usual her extensive research and note at the end suggest the accuracy of the events detailed in the book.
Reader's Annotation: Rodzina leaves Chicago on an orphan train headed west, sure she will end up as a slave.
Author Bio: Karen Cushman is the author of several historical fiction novels for tweens. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA but currently lives in Vashar Island, WA with her husband Phil. Karen studied Greek and English at Stanford University, and later earned master's degrees in both human behavior and museum studies.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Curriculum Ties: This would be good to pair with 19th century American history.
Booktalking Ideas: Talk about what it would be like to take a train ride all on your own not really knowing where you're going.
Reading Level/Interest Age: Ages 10-14
Challenges: None.
Reason for including: Karen Cushman is one of my favorite tween authors and I used her in my author study.
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