Oliver and Edward Nordmark are young boys in 1906 when they are plucked from their New York orphanage and placed on one of America's Orphan Trains to Kansas. After being sent to different farms, the brothers lose track of one another. In 1913, 15-year-old Oliver decides to hop a freight train and strike out on his own in hopes of finding his lost brother. Follow Oliver's true story of adventure and discovery as he learns to live by his wits and survive on his own - a child alone in a man's world. Where will he go? How will he earn a living? What kind of people will he meet along the way? Will he be able to find Edward? All your lingering questions will be answered in this, the companion story to the author's first book, Fly Little Bird, Fly!
Professional Reviews
Ellen Taylor, Geneologist
Oliver was really a larger than life character. He was so tough and such a good person. This story should be made into a movie. The book is very well written - my goodness, what a man!
Beyond the Orphan Train is the true story of the author’s grandfather’s life, and it was a sad and difficult life for certain. Sometimes it seems as if Oliver and his brother must be terribly unlucky to have so much unwarranted misfortune in their lives. And yet, through it all, Oliver maintains his dignity, his determination, and his sense of humor. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” is his philosophy. Sadly, Edward’s character does not develop in the same positive manner, which the reader will come to find out before the end of the book. A wonderful depiction of American life in the early days of the twentieth century, Beyond the Orphan Train will be sure to educate and entertain readers of all ages. Oliver Nordmark represents the all-around American youth – optimistic, keen to learn, and willing to make his way in the world through hard work and resourcefulness.
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