Warren has written a superb nonfiction book. She alternates chapters between the actual account of the history of orphan trains in our society, and the true story of one boy, following him from his birth family through his orphanage years, his train ride, his adoptive family life, and finally his adult life in which he experiences both loss and wonderful surprises. An important book for classroom read-aloud/discussion of the social history of the orphan train movement within the context of its times.

A beautifully crafted, complex, philosophical novella set in a French village haunted by the ghosts of Jewish children who sought shelter there during the Holocaust. To be read quietly to children 9 and older, a chapter or two at a sitting, with plenty of time for discussion of the many issues raised by the book: from when one chooses to risk – or not to risk – his or her life for another, to communicating with the souls of the departed. The readalouder will want to read this book thoroughly before reading it to others in order to effectively lead the discussion, which will surely ensue.

Dash brings to life some courageous historical figures in this impeccably researched nonfiction account of the 1909 strike, which women launched in the New York garment industry. An excellent library and classroom resource, which can be read aloud to children in fourth grades and up. It stimulates discussion of early fights for women's rights and makes clear that there was plenty of discrimination towards poor women in the early part of the 20^th century. In fact, they did slave labor.