What is the central idea of Orphan Train?

Important Themes Orphan Train tackles some pretty heavy themes, such as finding family and figuring out your identity. But in interviews, and on her blog, Kline says one of the major themes she wanted to tackle was rootlessness.

What happened at the end of Orphan Train?

The novel ends just after Vivian and Sarah make eye contact outside of Vivian’s house. Ballinger-Dix, Elizabeth. “Orphan Train Plot Summary.” LitCharts.

Why did Molly steal a book in Orphan Train?

The stories appear to be very separate- in the present day, Molly who has been caught stealing is sent to help the elderly Vivian clean out her attic while the story set in 1929 is about a poor Irish immigrant girl who is sent on an orphan train to find a new family.

Is Orphan Train a true story?

Kline’s book is fictional, but it’s based on the very true history of thousands of children shipped to the Midwest. Kline joins NPR’s Rachel Martin to discuss the history of the trains, how young girls were often passed over by families and the most surprising fact she learned from train riders.

What is the setting of orphan train?

Spruce Harbor, Maine, 2011 This is the novel’s primary setting, the physical context in which its action plays out. The larger environment is frequently described as beautiful and peaceful, while Vivian’s large mansion is depicted as stately and well-maintained.

Where does the book Orphan Train take place?

Moving between contemporary Maine and Depression-era Minnesota, Orphan Train is a powerful tale of upheaval and resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendship.

What news does Molly have to share with Vivian?

She tells Vivian the whole truth about who she is and the real reason she has to complete the fifty hours. Vivian is taken aback by this news, but accepts Molly into her home. As part of a school project, Molly asks Vivian to share her life’s story. Vivian’s story begins in New York City in 1929.

What object does Molly have from her past?

For Molly, the necklace represents the strength and comfort she finds in the memory of her family. It also represents her connection to her past and her cultural identity as a Penobscot Indian.

What is the significance of Molly’s name in Orphan Train?

She goes back to using Niamh and is returned to being called Dorothy before the Nielsens ask her to take the name of their daughter, Vivian, who died of diphtheria. Molly herself was named for Molly Molasses, page 133, a famous Penobscot Indian.

Why did orphan trains end?

In 1912, the U.S. Children’s Bureau was established with the mission of helping states support children and families and alleviate many of the factors that led to children living on the street. As state and local governments became more involved in supporting families, the use of the Orphan Trains was no longer needed.

Are any orphan train riders alive today?

The Orphan Train Movement carried orphaned or abandoned children from New York and other East Coast cities west to small towns, as part of a social experiment by Children’s Aid, the New York Foundling Hospital and other nonprofit organizations. Only a few hundred of the original train riders are still alive.

Who is the main character in Orphan Train?

Vivian Daly Vivian is one of the two main characters in the book. She was born in Ireland and immigrated to New York City with her family in 1929. Her family was killed in a fire and she was sent to the Children’s Aid Society. They put her on the Orphan Train which took her to Minnesota to a new life.