Extra! Extra! The Orphan Trains and Newsboys of New York

by Renee Wendinger

Thousands of immigrants crammed into tenement housing, clamoring for employment. Dreams of America dashed by the harsh reality of the streets. As a result, families were forced to give up their children handing off newborns to orphanages and releasing mere youths to fend for themselves as newsboys or bootblacks. 

Times were challenging, but the truly visionary found ways to make a difference in children’s lives. 

And so ran the orphan trains from New York to points west over the course of decades carrying more than 200,000 children to their new lives in rural America. 

Wendinger assembles stories of children who faced nearly insurmountable odds. From agonizing letters written by desperate mothers to news stories of the latest train or of newsboys looking out for each other, the humanity of individuals caught up in the sweep of history is unmistakable.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

180 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kristi LaFollette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly beautiful nonfiction book! The Orphan Trains and Newsboys of New York sheds light on the story of a piece of history we don’t talk very much about. Through various source materials, such as newspaper articles, letters, and poignant photographs, Wendinger tells the stories of some incredible children and those who saw a future for them. Interwoven with these narratives are informative passages that add much to the reader’s experience. I particularly like how widely accessible this book is- with aids like a glossary of common terms, this book could be enjoyed by upper-elementary through adult readers.

^I received this book through a goodreads giveaway

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun authentic book about the Orphan Train riders and newsboys of New York. My book club had just read the novel "The Orphan Train" a few months ago and I was so pleased when I won a copy of this book from Goodreads!

This book was well researched with lots of interesting history. I really liked the stories of the Orphan Train riders, including the author's mother!

I shared it with the women in my book club and they were delighted to see the book.

[T.H. Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative book. It was difficult to read about so much tragedy that befell small children, yet it's such an important part of American history that so few people even know about. This topic should be taught in all schools. Our country is so much better now at taking care of those less fortunate in today's world. Any American who reads this book will be less likely to take their lives for granted.

[Nora Olmo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I AM SHELL-SHOCKED ABOUT THIS BOOK....

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and would recommend it. The stories of the children made me cry, laugh, and thankful for the ones that did get saved. I would have given it five stars except that the reports of the trains and the advertisements for the children going out west were a little lengthy and a bit hard to get through. The personal touch of the authors mother being one of the orphan children was heartfelt and very intersting. Thank you.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book but it was one I probably would have bought since I was intrigued by it.
I love it. I enjoy the stories and pictures. Well done. This book will be borrowed to my dad and father in law now. It is a book that you will enjoy if you enjoy history.
It would make a great gift for Father's Day too!!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun to look at, especially since I live in the area that this book focuses on. Also, Newsies is one of my favorite movies, so that made it even better.