Rodzina Paperback – February 9, 2016

How did I not know the history of the children's orphan trains in the United States? I found myself fascinated all the way through, not just with the events of this journey, but also with the delightful characters.Rodzina Brodski, a 12-year-old Polish orphan girl from Chicago, and two dozen other children were put on an orphan train headed west in the hope that they could be adopted by good families. Not every family wants a child to love and cuddle, however. In the early 1880s, westerners were mostly hard-scrabble ranchers, farmers and miners, who needed a hard worker with a strong back, not another mouth to feed.The story of Rodzina, as she grows from grouchy and sad to a more hopeful and independent girl is one that evolves, as she faces two women who want her for her labor, and later, a man who wants her to replace his dying wife.This is my favorite kind of book -- spunky characters, fun to read, and along the way I learn something!Recommended for girls 9-12 -- and I enjoyed it, too!

Used it for class and was a hit with students.

A gaggle of orphans leaves Chicago, bound west toward slavery or worse--at least that's the prevailing opinion among the children. Rodzina, a twelve year old Polish immigrant who lost her family to fire and illness, narrates this journey with humor, candor, sadness, and humanity. As the miles click away, we learn something of the time and places through which we are taken. In the tradition of Lucy Whipple, Catherine Called Birdy, and Matilda Bone, Rodzina is another example of a strong girl making sense of her desperate situation. This book is perfect for children in grades four through nine, and for fans of children's literature no matter what age. Karen Cushman is a gifted storyteller.

Rodzina, a young orphan heading west on the orphan train may not be cute and young enough to be chosen like so many orphans who find new homes along the way, but her courage and her strength of character are unforgettable. The story is well written and will keep one reading. It is also a great way to learn about the way many orphans were shipped out West, some to be adopted, others to work for their keep, a time that is well documented in New York City's history.

This is not my favorite of Karen Cushman's books-I prefer the medieval ones, but is still a good book for girls. I received the book quickly and it was well packed.

Karen Cushman does her research, uses imagination and empathy and comes up with a wonderful, engaging. and informative narrative (for any age).

This book really made history come alive for me. I have always enjoyed any kind of books that have to do with history. The Magic treehouse books and The Al Capone shines my shoes by Jennifer tail Danko are my favorites. The characters in those books really pop. The offers and those books really made the characters come to life for me I have learned a lot about the errors that those 2 Books Take Pl. in. I love books that make me learn and I do not realize I am learning. I really highly recommend those books.

This was a nice story. I did not like the ending but overall it was good.