Synopses & Reviews
Orphanages and other homes for children have long fueled the imaginations and fantasies of young people. In the first book of its kind, award-winning nonfiction author Catherine Reef uncovers the true history of orphanages, revealing what it was like to eat, sleep, study, and play in such institutions, why children were sent to live there in the first place (not always because their parents were dead), what happened to them after they left, and more. Carefully researched and vividly brought to life through accessible writing, first-hand accounts, and more than 70 compelling archival photographs and prints, this intriguing piece of our countrys history should satisfy all curiosity seekers. Endnotes, bibliography, index.
Review
"The highly readable text gives readers a powerful glimpse into the living conditions of these orphans" KIRKUS REVIEWS
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"Intensely dramatic history...exhaustive detail...thoroughly documented...stirring photos and historic prints...there's a lot to talk about here." BOOKLIST
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"[A] thoroughly researched history...[a]fascinating account. An important historical resource for public and school libraries." SLJ, starred
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"Exhaustively detailed...attractively designed...offers a perceptive look at American society's evolving views of childhood." HORN BOOK
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"Reef presents a balanced picture...fascinating, disturbing, with dozens of heartbreaking photographs of lost children..." VOYA
Review
"The highly readable text gives readers a powerful glimpse into the living conditions of these orphans" KIRKUS REVIEWS Kirkus Reviews
"Intensely dramatic history...exhaustive detail...thoroughly documented...stirring photos and historic prints...there's a lot to talk about here." BOOKLIST Booklist, ALA
"A striking assortment of archival photographs and informative captions...carefully researched and sourced...a thorough overview." BCCB Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"[A] thoroughly researched history...[a]fascinating account. An important historical resource for public and school libraries." SLJ, starred School Library Journal, Starred
"Exhaustively detailed...attractively designed...offers a perceptive look at American society's evolving views of childhood." HORN BOOK Horn Book
"Reef presents a balanced picture...fascinating, disturbing, with dozens of heartbreaking photographs of lost children..." VOYA VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)
About the Author
Catherine Reef is the author of more than 35 nonfiction books for young people. Her books for Clarion include the highly acclaimed John Steinbeck and Sigmund Freud which was the recipient of the 2002 Sydney Taylor Award, presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries. She lives in College Park, Maryland.