Across the Border

Beyond the Orphan Train series by Arleta Richardson contains four books in one. Beyond the Orphan Train contains Looking for Home, Whistle-Stop West, West Prairie Homestead, and Across the Border. The books show the life of Ethan Cooper from May 1907 through May 1912. Ethan is eight years old at the beginning of the series and he promised to take care of his younger siblings. The family’s mother passed away and their father took off. The older siblings all have jobs and cannot take care of the younger children. Ethan, Simon, William, and Alice are sent to an orphanage where they eventually get on an orphan train headed west. The orphanage hopes that each child will find a home. The Cooper children want to find a home for all of the together (which is next to impossible). Join Ethan and the other children on an adventure to find forever families. Beyond the Orphan Train is well-written and easy to read (has a good flow). The stories are for children, but I believe that readers of all ages will enjoy these heartwarming stories as well. They are Christian stories that include history (from the areas including Pancho Villa) and talking points at the end (that you can use with kids especially if reading the book in a class or for homeschooling). I enjoyed these sweet stories. The book emphasized that God is always with you if you believe (have faith). I give Beyond the Orphan Train 5 out of 5 stars. I received a complimentary copy of Beyond the Orphan Train from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.