Review: Orphan Train

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In modern-day Maine, Molly, a defiant foster child is on the verge of being kicked out of yet another home. Enter Vivian, a 91 year old, wealthy widow, who gives Molly an opportunity to fulfill community service hours to avoid going to Juvie. Through the 50 hours spent "cleaning" Vivian's attic, little is discarded, but much is learned. As each item is unboxed, memories of a childhood spent in rundown tenements, traveling as an orphan on a train across the country, living in destructive homes, and loss beyond measure are unveiled, while friendship and hope develop. Part historical fiction, part tale of friendship, and mostly a great story (even though things wrap up a bit too nicely for me).

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