Rory's Promise
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Books, Best of the Best
Missouri State Teachers Association Reading Circle Recommended Book
Twelve-year-old orphan Rory Fitzpatrick lives with her younger sister Violet at New York City's Foundling Hospital in the early 1900s. But when Rory discovers that Violet will be sent to the Arizona Territory to be adopted, her world is shattered.
Although too old to be adopted herself, Rory—brave and smart—is determined to stay with her sister, even if it means hiding out on a train traveling west. When Rory and Violet arrive in Arizona, everything that could go wrong does go wrong. Will Rory give up? This uplifting novel about the power of faith and the true meaning of family launches the Hidden Histories series, spotlighting little-known tales from America's past, and the children behind those stories. Includes authors' note and further resources.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Inspired by historical events in the early 1900s, MacColl (Nobody's Secret) and debut author Nichols launch the Hidden Histories series with the gripping story of 12-year-old Rory Fitzpatrick and her determination to stay with her younger sister, Violet. Ever since their parents died three years earlier, the girls have lived in New York City's Foundling Hospital, where Rory assists the nuns in caring for the children there. In order to make room for new arrivals, Violet and other young ones are being sent to a town in Arizona Territory, where Catholic families will adopt them. Strong-willed and brash, Rory sneaks onto the orphan train and talks her way into meeting Violet's new family. When Rory arrives in the town of Clifton, there's no gas or electricity, frequent flooding, and a violent rift between the "Mexicanos," who have arranged to adopt the children, and the "Anglos," who dislike the idea of white children being adopted by Hispanic families, and aim to steal the children away. Endearing (and enduring) relationships and a suspenseful plot make for an exciting and at times wrenching voyage into America's past. Ages 9 12.
