Scan barcode
stellababe's review
4.0
A really great middle grade read. Perfect for book clubs or independent reading for high-low readers.
alextblue's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
ejthephoenix's review
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
I really didn't get to finish this, but I didn't like the book that much. It's a good book, don't get me wrong! But it's not for me. If you really like historical fiction or the box car children you might like books like this.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Racism, and Classism
hollysue22's review
4.0
this is a children's/young adult read and i'm an adult, but i still enjoyed it just the same. it's interesting fiction for kids but also teaches them real things about history like orphan trains, the underground railroad, etc.
prairiedances's review
3.0
I think I read this book for the first time in 6th grade. I'm feeling a bit nostalgic lately so I've been rereading books from my childhood. I remembered that while I liked the Orphan Train series, It always bugged me that at some point (I don't remember which book) the children were allowed to go back and live with their mother and most of the 6 children declined. Having reread it, it still bugs, but I can see why the children chose to live apart through the characterization of Frances Mary in this first installment. Good reason or not, their mother abandoned them. There has to be ramifications stemming from that.
Anyway, this books sets the stage for the rest of the series as the children are sent out west on the Orphan Train. History wise, at times it appears as if the author read a few textbooks and went from there trying to explain historical events like the Missouri Compromise or the Fugitive Slave Act through wooden and clunky dialogue.
The climax in which Frances Mary, who disguises herself as a boy in order to be adopted with her youngest brother is cliche and predicable. She joins her new family in helping slaves on the Underground Railroad and is nearly arrested for her part. However, once everyone realizes she's a girl all is forgiven and the charges are dropped. I can't decide if that's historically accurate or merely the stereotype of the period. The Underground Railroad part is strange as well. It is interesting to read about Frances Mary's new relatives leaving their privileged homes in New England to move to Kansas in order make it a free (non slave) state. However, Frances Mary too easily accepts (and her adoptive parents too easily tell) their views on slavery and the like. Would a very poor, uneducated, Irish girl from New York City really know as much about slaves and slavery as Frances Mary does?
Yet, A Family Apart is a young adult book that tries to educate this historical time period for young readers. In the sense the book works. It is a quick read that will have you reaching for the next book in the series not long after you turn the last page.
Anyway, this books sets the stage for the rest of the series as the children are sent out west on the Orphan Train. History wise, at times it appears as if the author read a few textbooks and went from there trying to explain historical events like the Missouri Compromise or the Fugitive Slave Act through wooden and clunky dialogue.
The climax in which Frances Mary, who disguises herself as a boy in order to be adopted with her youngest brother is cliche and predicable. She joins her new family in helping slaves on the Underground Railroad and is nearly arrested for her part. However, once everyone realizes she's a girl all is forgiven and the charges are dropped. I can't decide if that's historically accurate or merely the stereotype of the period. The Underground Railroad part is strange as well. It is interesting to read about Frances Mary's new relatives leaving their privileged homes in New England to move to Kansas in order make it a free (non slave) state. However, Frances Mary too easily accepts (and her adoptive parents too easily tell) their views on slavery and the like. Would a very poor, uneducated, Irish girl from New York City really know as much about slaves and slavery as Frances Mary does?
Yet, A Family Apart is a young adult book that tries to educate this historical time period for young readers. In the sense the book works. It is a quick read that will have you reaching for the next book in the series not long after you turn the last page.
amycbooks's review
3.0
This was a fun read, both for the memories tied to this book and for the actual story. For a middle grade book the writing is well developed. The stoy is a great glimise tino an aspect of our American history, and it is a great tool to explain bits and pieces of history to children. The story was well developed, with interesting characters and I was really loving it until the last 5-10 and everything just wrapped far too quickly. It didn't have the same feeling or details as the rest of the book and it just left me feeling rather disappointed. In spite of that it was still an enjoyable read and I look forward to continuing in the rest of the series.
mozzysticks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ahaycraft's review
5.0
This book series was a favorite of mine as a child and I still loved it re reading as an adult. The characters and the plot are very well done and informative about historical events. The characters still feel so real. I’m glad I was able to find this book again!
liarose95's review
I used to check these ones out of the library ALL THE TIME when I was maybe 9. I was closely attached to these books.
mdoubleb's review
5.0
I think I read A Family Apart in third grade. I just remember that it made a big impression on me, enough so that I related the whole plot, details and all, to my grandmother in one sitting.
More...