About This Book
The Midnight Train Home tells the poignant story of Deirdre O'Rourke, an 11-year-old girl sent with her brothers on an orphan train from their impoverished home. Separated from her siblings and placed with a stern, unloving family, Deirdre bravely escapes to join a traveling vaudeville troupe. This historical fiction novel explores themes of resilience, belonging, and self-discovery as Deirdre navigates life on the road, hones her singing talent, and holds onto the hope of reuniting with her older brother, Sean. It offers a window into a unique period of American history, providing a gentle yet honest look at the challenges faced by children in the early 20th century.
When their mother can no longer care for them, eleven-year-old Deirdre and her brothers board the Orphans' Train for placement with families out West, but Deirdre, a talented singer, finds a different type of family when she joins a traveling vaudeville troupe. Includes a note on the Children's Aid Society which operated the orphan trains from 1854 to 1930.
separation_from_parent
peril_danger
abandonment
Discussion Prompts
1
How did Deirdre show bravery throughout her journey? Can you think of a time you had to be brave?
2
What does 'family' mean to Deirdre at different points in the story? How does her idea of family change?
3
If you were Deirdre, would you have joined the vaudeville troupe? What would be exciting or scary about that?
4
What did you learn about the orphan trains and vaudeville from this book?
5
How did Deirdre's singing help her find her voice, both on stage and in her life?
External Reviews
If Your Family Enjoyed This
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how this book landed with your family.