Now available in LARGE PRINT!
In the mid-1850s, there were over 30k children living on the streets of New York City. Children as young as four and five who had to lie, cheat, and steal just to survive. Some of the children were true orphans, others were not. Either way, their situation was dire and something had to be done. So, between 1854 and 1929, over 250k children from New York and Boston were sent west on what was later referred to as ‘the orphan trains’ to find new homes. Children most people haven’t heard about.
My goal with this saga is to keep those children’s memories alive.
The early stories are based on true events, and then I use history to weave the rest of the story.
Each book will tell one child’s tale. The reader will follow each child from their earliest memory and find out what caused them to be without a home.
The reader will journey with the children on the train and follow as they grow.
When I began writing this historical fiction saga, I thought I was writing towards adults. While each book starts with the person’s first memory, the children grow up, and there are real-life situations.
With that said, the books are void of swearwords and there is no overly graphic content. Since Discovery’s release in December of 2018, I’ve received e-mails from children as young as nine, letting me know how much they are enjoying this saga, and the history that surrounds it. So, now when I‘m asked I just say it’s for ages 9 to 109.
Lastly, while Discovery can be read and enjoyed on its own, if you decide to keep reading – which I hope you do - you’ll want to read the first six books in order as some of the children’s lives are so intertwined that a subsequent book will give you a greater understanding of something from a previous book when told from a different perspective.
My goal with this saga is to keep those children’s memories alive.
The early stories are based on true events, and then I use history to weave the rest of the story.
Each book will tell one child’s tale. The reader will follow each child from their earliest memory and find out what caused them to be without a home.
The reader will journey with the children on the train and follow as they grow.
When I began writing this historical fiction saga, I thought I was writing towards adults. While each book starts with the person’s first memory, the children grow up, and there are real-life situations.
With that said, the books are void of swearwords and there is no overly graphic content. Since Discovery’s release in December of 2018, I’ve received e-mails from children as young as nine, letting me know how much they are enjoying this saga, and the history that surrounds it. So, now when I‘m asked I just say it’s for ages 9 to 109.
Lastly, while Discovery can be read and enjoyed on its own, if you decide to keep reading – which I hope you do - you’ll want to read the first six books in order as some of the children’s lives are so intertwined that a subsequent book will give you a greater understanding of something from a previous book when told from a different perspective.
Endurance Book Seven in The Orphan Train Saga, coming January 20, 2025 |