Books Like Orphan Train
Families who loved Orphan Train by Verla Kay often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Orphan Train by Verla Kay often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a major life transition, such as a move or a change in family structure, and needs a safe space to explore feelings of uncertainty and belonging. Verla Kay uses her signature short, rhythmic verse to follow three siblings as they journey across the country on an orphan train, eventually finding new homes and families. While the historical context of the 19th-century orphan trains is specific, the emotional core is universal. It touches on the sadness of loss and the anxiety of the unknown, but maintains a steady heartbeat of hope and resilience. Ideal for children ages 5 to 9, this story provides a gentle way to discuss how families are formed and how children can find courage when everything around them is changing.
