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promises.
mother that she’ll take care of her younger sister, Violet.
Violet: Nothing will ever, ever separate them.
more difficult than even spunky, Irish Rory Fitzpatrick ever imagined.
 |
| From http://christinabakerkline.com/blog/my-next-novel/ |
facts of the Orphan Trains in this fictionalized account starring Rory as the
sharp-witted, courageous heroine. Between
1853 and 1929 250,000 orphaned, abandoned, or homeless children were put on
trains and brought out west. The Children’s Aid Society of New York sponsored
many of them. At times, the families used the children for underage labor; this was before there were child labor and foster care laws. On the other hand, The Foundling, a Catholic organization, took great care to place the orphans in
their care in “good, Catholic families.”
 |
| http://www.chsfs.org/blog/evolution-orphan-train-new-practices-and-waiting-children |
placing the children; George Swayne, the agent who worked with The Foundling; Father Constant Mandlin a young French priest who couldn’t communicate well with his parishioners
as well as the white women who were furious when Mexican working-class families
received children and they didn’t.
 |
| http://www.neh.gov/humanities/2007/novemberdecember/feature/lost-children-riders-the-orphan-train |
But I am getting ahead of the story.
this story forward. As far as she’s concerned, not even plans to take Vi out
west to the Arizona territory will stop her. Although she successfully sneaks on board the orphan’s
train, her journey is not without moments of doubt.
Families who couldn’t have children of their own wanted cute little 5-year-olds—but
would anyone want her sister also?
But the more happy families she saw, the more she wondered if Vi had a future that might not include Rory. If Vi had a chance for parents
and a home, could Rory stand in the way of that? p. 144
everyone is shocked. First, the stench
of sulfur and a building belching dark smoke greet them. Rory soon learns that
the town revolves around mining copper. In the small station, a mob of
loud, white women pound on the train’s windows. Later Rory is told,
“This place is bad for making babies. The air is thick with
fumes and the water is full of metals from the mines. Nothing grows here. No
trees. No babies.” (pp.171-2)
women believe they have a right to the children since they are the same race
and skin color. But the children have been promised to the Mexicans so they can
be raised in “good, Catholic homes.”
when Violet and a little boy, William, are assigned to two kind Mexicans, Elena
and Ramon Martinez. But her relief that Violet has found a family is tempered
by her anguish of wanting to stay with her sister. Can she find a way to
convince the Martinez family to adopt her also?
 |
| Downtown Clifton, circa 1915 http://visitcliftonaz.com/rich-history/ |
challenged and her courage and loyalty are severely tested. She needs every ounce of her abilities to think
quickly and to act fast to help the orphans and to keep her promises.
favorite parts of this book. At the end,
when she tells Violet about the Martinez’s plan to take them both to Mexico
Rory says,
“We’ll never see the Foundling again—or Sister Anna or the
other kids,” she warned. “We’ll have to learn a new language too, Vi. And there
won’t be any American kids to play with. We’ll always be different.”
“Special?” Vi asked, her blue eyes shining with pleasure.
“”I guess so,” Rory said ruefully. (p. 250)
have a different perspective on what their new life will be!
American history, when Mexican families fought for the right to adopt white
children. Also useful as a classroom book, Rory’s Promise will spark some interesting discussions about diversity. If you are interested in adding this book to
your library or donating it to a classroom, please leave a comment by
Thursday, June 4. If you are new to my blog, please leave your email address also.
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Wow, what an amazing story! I found myself welling up, even while reading your excellent summary. I want to know more about Orphan Trains, about the Foundlings and this period in history. And I want, too, to know how Rory is ultimately able to fulfill her promise.
Thanks, Melodye. Your name is first on the giveaway list!
This sounds like a great story. I'd love to add it to my Little Free Library.
Thanks, Glenda. Great idea!
This book has been on my radar for awhile. I sure hope I can get to it soon. Thanks for the review and a chance to win a copy.
Thanks Rosi. You're in!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carol, I've read quite a few orphan train stories but never one with this angle, with white children being adopted by Mexicans. Fascinating. When I look back to the stories of the Irish Catholics though, I am not surprised. That's what the parents would've wanted. Thanks for a great review.
Thanks, Vijaya- I thought of you as I read this book. I'll enter your name, as well as poetry in leaves' name. Thanks for leaving comments!
Carol,What a fantastic story. Your summary and review have me wanting more. Another great one to read. You know how to find them! Lots of challenges and tension in this one.
Thanks, Linda. You're in! I'm fortunate to receive books from publishers–as well as to know many great authors myself!
I have every intention of reading this book. Thanks for encouraging me to hurry up on that. It truly sounds terrific.Yay for another great Calkins Creek book!
I've been away and have been caring for my mother. Just read your wonderful blog and got caught up! This sounds wonderful. I will purchase Rory's Promise and enjoy reading. Is it out now?'
Yes, it is! Sheri
Hi Carol, I am playing catch-up on my blog reading. Great review. Thank you for introducing us to RORY'S PROMISE. It is about events in history that I am not familiar with and am now intrigued!
This book has been on my horizon for awhile. I really hope to be able to read it soon. I love the cover! Thanks for your review and a chance to win a copy.
I would absolutely love to win this but I notice that it is dated June 2015?? Great review even if the giveaway is over!Conniecps1950 (at)gmail (dot)com
Thank you for reviewing this excellent historical fiction novel, Carol! I have my very own copy signed by Michaela MacColl. Lucky me!
Wow, what an amazing story! I found myself welling up, even while reading your excellent summary. I want to know more about Orphan Trains, about the Foundlings and this period in history. And I want, too, to know how Rory is ultimately able to fulfill her promise.
Thanks, Melodye. Your name is first on the giveaway list!
This sounds like a great story. I'd love to add it to my Little Free Library.
Thanks, Glenda. Great idea!
This book has been on my radar for awhile. I sure hope I can get to it soon. Thanks for the review and a chance to win a copy.
Thanks Rosi. You're in!
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carol, I've read quite a few orphan train stories but never one with this angle, with white children being adopted by Mexicans. Fascinating. When I look back to the stories of the Irish Catholics though, I am not surprised. That's what the parents would've wanted. Thanks for a great review.
Thanks, Vijaya- I thought of you as I read this book. I'll enter your name, as well as poetry in leaves' name. Thanks for leaving comments!
Carol,What a fantastic story. Your summary and review have me wanting more. Another great one to read. You know how to find them! Lots of challenges and tension in this one.
Thanks, Linda. You're in! I'm fortunate to receive books from publishers–as well as to know many great authors myself!
I have every intention of reading this book. Thanks for encouraging me to hurry up on that. It truly sounds terrific.Yay for another great Calkins Creek book!
I've been away and have been caring for my mother. Just read your wonderful blog and got caught up! This sounds wonderful. I will purchase Rory's Promise and enjoy reading. Is it out now?'
Yes, it is! Sheri
Hi Carol, I am playing catch-up on my blog reading. Great review. Thank you for introducing us to RORY'S PROMISE. It is about events in history that I am not familiar with and am now intrigued!
This book has been on my horizon for awhile. I really hope to be able to read it soon. I love the cover! Thanks for your review and a chance to win a copy.
I would absolutely love to win this but I notice that it is dated June 2015?? Great review even if the giveaway is over!Conniecps1950 (at)gmail (dot)com
Thank you for reviewing this excellent historical fiction novel, Carol! I have my very own copy signed by Michaela MacColl. Lucky me!