Synopses & Reviews
Before the accident Nathaniel's life seemed pretty good. His help around the farm made his father proud. But now, with a busted leg, Nathaniel can't do farmwork anymore, so his father adopts another son through the Orphan Train. Feeling replaced and useless, Nathaniel attends school for the first time. Meanwhile, sturdy and strong John is able to do the work that earns Pa's attention. andlt;BRandgt; andlt;BRandgt; But the truth is, John Worth has his own set of troubles. He is treated more like a servant than a son. Kept awake at night by nightmares of his family's death, he remembers having a pa who took pride in him. But now he has no one, until a community battle and a special book reveal a potential friend -- and a chance for understanding.
Review
"Lyrical."
-- Publishers Weekly
Review
"[The] Narrative is brutally honest."andlt;BRandgt; -- andlt;iandgt;Booklistandlt;/iandgt;, starred review
Review
"Lyrical."andlt;BRandgt; -- andlt;iandgt;Publishers Weeklyandlt;/iandgt;
About the Author
A. LaFaye (the "A" is for Alexandria) is the author of
The Year of the Sawdust Man, Nissa's Place, The Strength of Saints, Edith Shay, Strawberry Hill, and
Dad, in Spirit. She teaches at California State University at San Bernardino during the school year and at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia, in the summer.
Alexandria writes: "I'd read about the Orphan Train and felt sympathy for those kids who were plopped down in a whole new world after facing great family tragedies. But I began to wonder about the families who took them in, especially those families that already had children. I wanted to look at how the new additions shaped the family." She'd love to hear what you think of the book.