Reviews for Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline highlight its engaging narrative and emotional depth, with readers appreciating the historical context and character development. Some critique the predictability of the plot and occasional lack of depth in secondary characters. Overall, it's considered a poignant and enlightening read with minor flaws.

Readers who enjoy Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline are likely fans of historical fiction with deep, emotional narratives about resilience and identity. Comparable to Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees and Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants, this novel appeals to those who appreciate intricate character development and historical contexts.

In Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline, 91-year-old retiree Vivian and 17-year-old foster youth Molly form an unexpected friendship as Molly helps Vivian clean her attic. Their bond grows as they share their experiences: Vivian's history as an Irish immigrant and orphan train rider and Molly's life as a Penobscot Indian in foster care, leading both women towards healing and self-discovery. The book addresses topics of childhood trauma and systemic challenges within foster care.

Heartwarming / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Nostalgic

- Orphan Train has been featured on USA Today's "Top 100 Books" list for over two years, highlighting its enduring popularity and impact.
- Inspired by real events, Christina Baker Kline wrote Orphan Train after learning about the historical relocation of orphaned children via train from the East Coast to the Midwest during her college years.
- To enrich the novel's historical context, Kline conducted extensive research, including interviews with individuals who had experienced the orphan train firsthand.

Christina Baker Kline

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Orphan Train | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Orphan Train Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Part 1 (Pages 3-46)

Orphan Train Part 1 (Pages 3-46) Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Part 2 (Pages 47-68)

Orphan Train Part 2 (Pages 47-68) Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Part 3 (Pages 69-126)

Orphan Train Part 3 (Pages 69-126) Summary & Analysis

Part 4 Part 4 (Pages 127-168)

Orphan Train Part 4 (Pages 127-168) Summary & Analysis

Part 5 Part 5 (Pages 169-200)

Orphan Train Part 5 (Pages 169-200) Summary & Analysis

Part 6 Part 6 (Pages 201-236)

Orphan Train Part 6 (Pages 201-236) Summary & Analysis

Part 7 Part 7 (Pages 237-273)

Orphan Train Part 7 (Pages 237-273) Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Orphan Train Character Analysis

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Themes

Orphan Train Themes

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Important Quotes

Orphan Train Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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Introduction

Orphan Train Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Orphan Train Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Orphan Train Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Orphan Train Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Orphan Train Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Orphan Train Activities

Essay Questions

Orphan Train Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Orphan Train Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Orphan Train Exam Answer Key

Orphan Train

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