Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
238th out of 533 books
—
1,388 voters
Rodzina
In 1881, 12-year-old Rodzina Clara Jadwiga Anastazya Brodski wishes she didn’t have to board the orphan train in Chicago. But she has no home, no family, and no choice. Rodzina doesn’t believe the orphans are on their way out West to be adopted by good families. She’s sure they will become slaves to strangers. Anyway, who would ever adopt a large, tough, stubborn girl of P...more
Paperback, 224 pages
Published
January 11th 2005
by Yearling
(first published March 20th 2003)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,112)
Jul 04, 2012
K.
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
people interested in the American orphan train
Another contender for 12/13 read aloud. This one a probably.
This is another "Orphan Train" book, but so much better done than "Gratefully Yours." Rodzina herself was a fabulous character, I loved her almost from her first sentence. This book seemed to capture all the heartbreak and the anticipation and the fear and the worry that might have been wrapped up in the small breast of an orphan sent out on the Orphan Train.
Cushman did a great job with the characters. There were some surprises about...more
This is another "Orphan Train" book, but so much better done than "Gratefully Yours." Rodzina herself was a fabulous character, I loved her almost from her first sentence. This book seemed to capture all the heartbreak and the anticipation and the fear and the worry that might have been wrapped up in the small breast of an orphan sent out on the Orphan Train.
Cushman did a great job with the characters. There were some surprises about...more
Rodzina is a 12 year old orphan living in 1881 Chicago when she is forced to board an Orphan Train headed west. As one of the oldest girls on the train, she becomes like a big sister to the younger ones: Joe and Sammy (“Joe ain’t my brother!”), whiny green-eyed Gertie, and the loveably gullible Lacey. Without a home or parents, this is all Rodzina has, and she wonders where fate will place her.
I really enjoyed this story, and it’s a good historical fiction pick that will evoke a lot of discussio...more
I really enjoyed this story, and it’s a good historical fiction pick that will evoke a lot of discussio...more
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 wer...more
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 wer...more
Rodzina is a twelve year old Polish American girl that was boarded onto an orphan train in Chicago when her parents died and not even the orphanage wanted her. She has fears about traveling to the West and a life of unpaid slavery. On the train, she meets Lacey, a "slow" sweet girl who wants to be Rodzina. She also meets Miss. Doctor a female doctor who is very strict. With the other orphans and Miss. Doctor, she travels to the west and changes her heart.
When I first opened this book, I thought...more
When I first opened this book, I thought...more
This story was good and enjoyable but at the same time there wasn't much to it. I think the author tried to be light and fluffy on a heavy subject and it ends up diluting the story a little. It still is an easy read. I also think it's a bit insightful because all of us really just want to be accepted and loved.
Before this book I had no idea there even were orphan trains. It was eye opening. This story does end happy but by the sounds of it there were many true stories that did not end so. Here a...more
Before this book I had no idea there even were orphan trains. It was eye opening. This story does end happy but by the sounds of it there were many true stories that did not end so. Here a...more
This is a historical fiction story of a Polish girl, Rodzina, who is part of the Orphan Train heading west to be adopted. The two people in charge of these orphans, Miss Doctor and Mr. Spracht (spelling? I listened to this, not read it), often leave Rodzina in charge of the older orphans. Rodzina feels that they are both uncaring and fears she is being taken to be sold as a slave. She desperately wants someone to love her and want her...she wants a family. Yet it seems that no one decent will wa...more
Rodzina is a great historical fiction chapter book about a young polish orphan. The story tells of Rodzina, who unfortunately lost her family in a series of unfortunate events. She is left alone in Chicago and later is taken to an orphanage. Rodzina, being a large 12 year old polish girl, is not very hopeful that she will be placed in a good home. Rodzina goes through several homes until she finds one that is right for her.
This story can be used for upper elementary students. I could see studen...more
This story can be used for upper elementary students. I could see studen...more
Jun 11, 2009
Marcia
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
childrens-lit,
historical-fiction
The book Rodzina tells the coming-of-age story of a strong female character and her resilience to never give up her search for a family. The story shows Rodzina’s strong will, hope, and personal integrity. Rodzina gave fate a fighting chance. Rodzina is an excellent historical fiction book for upper elementary students. It tells a good story and gives the image of the hardship, loneliness, fear, and struggles of these orphaned children. The author’s note provides additional information on the or...more
Doesn't this book make you feel lucky and grateful? Chances are... we haven't had it nearly as rough as most of this book's characters. I admire how the author allows us to admire her characters' strength and it in turn is a reminder to me to be thankful for the era in which I live. Thank goodness that we have regulations over orphanages. Thank goodness we have regulation on what is considered child abuse/neglect. While the setting is tough, the writing and story-telling has plenty of perks so i...more
It will sound corny, but I have to say again how much I love Karen Cushman. She keeps getting better with every book I read and Rodzina is no exception. From the first paragraph I was hooked, and all I can say is wow. I literally could not put the book down and finished it in four hours. The characters are so interesting and they build as the story continues, taking on new layers with each stop of the train. Though the ending is a bit predictable, it really doesn't become so until the last few c...more
“That’s pronounced Rodzina,” I interrupted, making that sound between a D and a G and a Z that it seemed only Polish mouths could make, sort of like the G-sound in bridge or cage or huge, but not quite. The lady doctor sounded like a bumblebee with her Rod-zzzzzz-ina."
Rodzina is the name of a Polish girl who lived in Chicago after her family had left Poland. Sadly, her two brothers died in a fire, her dad died because a crazy horse hit him in the head, and her mom was weak and sick so she died....more
Rodzina is the name of a Polish girl who lived in Chicago after her family had left Poland. Sadly, her two brothers died in a fire, her dad died because a crazy horse hit him in the head, and her mom was weak and sick so she died....more
Overall this was a good kids chapter book. But that is precisely why I didn't like it as much as Cushman's other books I have read. The Midwives Apprentice, for example I thought could be read and enjoyed equally by all ages, but Rodzina did not hold the same quality. While it did have issues and perspectives that were very meaningful and more mature it just didn't read as well as it could have. I liked the history in it and the culture of the American West in the 1800s, it was very interesting....more
I KNEW I had read this book! KNEW KNEW KNEW IT!!! All it took was finding the right cover *feels triumphant*
Its been a while since I read this book. Several years in fact! Yet I can never forget it. Never forget the main character and the things she went through on the orphan train. I could't put it down. I rooted for her, loved the ending, and never forgot it. Ironically, it was one of the last books I read in the kid section before moving up to teens, which explains why I never found it again....more
Its been a while since I read this book. Several years in fact! Yet I can never forget it. Never forget the main character and the things she went through on the orphan train. I could't put it down. I rooted for her, loved the ending, and never forgot it. Ironically, it was one of the last books I read in the kid section before moving up to teens, which explains why I never found it again....more
Wonderful historical fiction account of the orphan trains in young America. I loved Rodzhina from the first chapter (but don't tell her that!) Poor kid...she had so many things that were going against her. She tried to be tough, but her heart was so big. I was thankful for the glimpses into all the things that could go so wrong for her, and relieved when she managed to use her wit and intelligence to overcome. I know that in real life these kids must've had it so heart-breakingy hard, but I am h...more
Nov 02, 2010
Sandy
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
probably ages 10 and up
Shelves:
fiction-juvenile
This book is the story of a 12 year old Polish girl who has lost her family who finds herself aboard the orphantrain in 1881, leaving Chicago and heading west. Supposedly the orphans will be adopted into loving families, but Rodzina is doubtful. Despite the many "failures" of the orphan train, the book has humor and shows Rodzina's determination to see herself "well-settled". There are many interesting characters in the book. In addition, one gains a feel for what it might have been like to have...more
I'm afraid the first thing I need to start with is the cover. I am not one who usually makes a big deal about what the cover of a book has (though my graphic designer husband says everyone judges books by their cover even if they don't know they are doing it). First of all I really like Trina Schart Hyman. I love a lot of her art work. I can tell she read this book and thought a lot about Rodzina and what she would possibly look like. Second, I admit this is what I imagine Rodzina looked like at...more
Coming from Karen Cushman, I thought it would be better. It's a good book about the orphan train, and I was impressed at the way language was used to convey who the character was, internally, but ... it seemed to lack what I so much enjoyed in Catherine Called Birdy and The Midwife's Apprentice. Maybe I just need to find more children's historical fiction from the medieval period.
It is 1881 and Rodzina,12,is an orphan on the streets of Chicago. She is herded into an orphanage for a few days before she will be on the Orphan Train heading west to California. She lost her father to an accident, her mother to the 'fever' and her brothers to a fire. She is alone, scared and not as grown up as she dares to be. The train she is on is filled with 20 orphans all hoping to be placed in a loving home, all the while, they fear it could be a home of slavery, poverty or abuse. Rodzina...more
This book was all right. It was a fast read, obviously, being juvenile, but I wasn't overly attracted to the characters or the situation. Rodzina is a 12 year old girl who reluctantly boards an orphan train heading west, believing firmly that she would be handed over to someone who would want her for a slave. Rodzina is twice selected by a family at the stops the train makes along the way, and both times, it turns out that she was pretty much right in assuming that these people would want someth...more
Apr 19, 2010
Megan
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
pre-teens
Recommended to Megan by:
Teresa
Shelves:
childrens-lit
This is another book my sister-in-law's class is reading this year (she is a 5th grade teacher), and she subsequently recommended to me. I was very surprised to learn about the existence of orphan trains, which brought children from over-crowded eastern cities out west to be placed in families. It also serves as a great introduction to America in the late 1800's and talks a bit about immigration, factory work, gender and racial issues, as well as the day-to-day hardships that many families faced...more
(US 1881) Rodzina and a group of Chicago orphans travel by train assisted by Miss Doctor, who helps them find hospitable homes. Rodzina bonds with the orphans especially with Lacy who tells prospective parents that she's "slow." Rodzina puts the orphans first and takes great care of them but also longs for a good home for herself. This is a strong first person narrative and a good historical depiction of a journey west with great hopes for the future.
I think I like Karen Cushman's books because I don't have to worry about any shocking content coming out of the CD player while my children are listening to them. (I know, what a concept--children's books that are actually appropriate for children to listen to.)
I also thought the whole orphan train issue was really interesting from a historic perspective. It makes you wonder how many of these children were able to go on and live happy lives.
I also thought the whole orphan train issue was really interesting from a historic perspective. It makes you wonder how many of these children were able to go on and live happy lives.
I wasn't completely sure if I was in the mood for this orphan-train story when I picked it up, but I should have know I would like a Karen Cushman book. It realistically depicted an orphan train experience (although maybe Rodzina herself had as many experiences as several individual children), and added another likable female character to Cushman's large cast. I thought the audio edition was well done, including the Polish pronunciation!
Only 12 years old but looks almost big enough to be an adult, Rodzina is an orphan. She misses her parents and desperately wants somewhere to belong. She’s been put on an Orphan Train headed west and fears she will be sold as a slave. Due to her size she is often put in charge of the younger orphans, but she really wants someone to be in charge of her. Cross country the trains carry her and the others looking for homes and families.
What I like about Karen Cushman: Every book she writes has a female heroine who has been given a set of problems to overcome. They always triumph in the end, but they aren't rescued by any prince or knight in shining armor. They learn to work through their problems through hard work and perseverance. The heroine is always feisty and has a lot of spunk which is what makes her keep going when things get rough and what she really want's to do is lay down and die.
Also, you can tell that Ms. Cushman...more
Also, you can tell that Ms. Cushman...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
A very interesting book giving background information on innercity orphans who were sent on trains out west to be adopted. A children's book. Rodzina finds herself an orphan in Chicago. A big, surly looking girl she finds herself unwanted on every stop along the way west. Will she become a slave? A mail order bride? Behind the hard exterior is a sweet, scared girl.
Quick read about an interesting topic: the orphan trains of the 1880s. Nice mix of interesting characters and a story that moved along at a good clip. Ending was OK but not clear-cut...almost the potential for a sequel. Not Cushman's best but I liked it. Very informative author's note with resources on the orphan trains and child relocation programs.
This book was pretty good... it wasn't terrific, but still, it was fun to read. It's about a girl whose an orphan and her long trip on an orphan train. The weirdest part is when you find out that one of the "boy" passengers is actually a girl. You'd think that it would be too hard to hide that fact for three months!
Really charming book about a girl heading west on the oprhan trains. Plenty of fun characters, and Rodzina herself is a gem. I love that she uses the word "radishes" as a fake curse word. Great historical details that didn't feel forced.
Of course, everyone ends up all right in the end, but I think I'm okay with that.
Of course, everyone ends up all right in the end, but I think I'm okay with that.
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Karen Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois.
She entered Stanford University on a scholarship in 1959 and graduated with degrees in Greek and English. She later earned master’s degrees in human behavior and museum studies.
For eleven years she was an adjunct professor in the Museum Studies Department at John F. Kennedy University before resigning in 1996 to write full-time.
She lives on Vashon Isla...more
More about Karen Cushman...
She entered Stanford University on a scholarship in 1959 and graduated with degrees in Greek and English. She later earned master’s degrees in human behavior and museum studies.
For eleven years she was an adjunct professor in the Museum Studies Department at John F. Kennedy University before resigning in 1996 to write full-time.
She lives on Vashon Isla...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
Jan 11, 2012 06:57am