Customer Reviews

Fly Little Bird, Fly!

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The granddaughter of Oliver Nordmark tells the true story of Oliver's trip on an orphan train from New York to Kansas in 1906. He was accompanied by his brother, Edward. Author Donna Nordmark does an excellent job of describing the emotions the brothers felt on their westward journey, and details the trials and triumphs of their young lives in the homes of their foster families. The book ends with a cliffhanger - leaving one wondering if the two brothers will ever be reunited, after being placed in different communities from the orphan train. The sequel to this book is now available, and will undoubtedly hold the answer. This book is written for children ages 7-12, but can really be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Reviewed by Clark Kidder (Author of Orphan Trains and Their Precious Cargo - The Life's Work of Rev. H. D. Clarke (Heritage Books, Inc., Bowie, MD)

Oliver Nordmark is only seven when a single day's truancy lands him in a New York City youth detention center in 1905. Shortly thereafter, he is coldly informed that his mother has died and he and his three-year old brother are orphans. Life in the city orphanage is harsh, and when overcrowding causes city officials to ship the orphans out west by trains, it seems an opportunity for a better life. Oliver takes his young brother Edward under his wing, and they hope to be taken in by a loving family. But do the people who meet the train in Kansas want sons - or cheap labor? Fly Little Bird, Fly is a true story of life at the turn of the century, where little boys can't count on love or fairness and two brothers learn " the only one looking out for us -- is us."

In search of a place to belong, some will travel thousands of miles. "Fly Little Bird, Fly!" tells the story of Oliver and Edward, two orphans with no place to go. Riding a train from New York City to the Midwest, the two embark on an adventure in search of a family to love and to love them. A moving story of the determination of children, "Fly Little Bird, Fly!" is a fine novel for young readers, sure to please. Also of recommended is the book's sequel, "Beyond the Orphan Train", continuing the story of Oliver and Edward.

This is a great book! I am in 5th grade and just finished it. I can't wait for part 2 to find out what happened to Edward. I think kids will like this book because there is lots of adventure and also you learn some of history that maybe you didn't know about. I also love that everything was true in the book. This is my first non fiction book.

When Oliver Nordmark decided to play hooky from school one day in 1905, he never imagined that his mistake would lead to a life-changing event.

After one week in the Guarish Society Detention Center, he is told that his mother has died and his father is nowhere to be found. He and his little brother, Edward, are taken to the New York State Orphanage, and a few months later, both board one of the Orphan Trains heading west to be "resettled" with new families.

Finding himself now in charge of his younger brother, eight-year-old Oliver struggles to keep the two of them together. As the brothers try to make their way against dismal odds, they learn that they must rely on nobody but themselves.

Based on the true story of the author's grandfather and his travels on the Orphan Train in 1906, this story brings to life the grim reality that many children faced at the dawn of today's foster care system.

Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose

this is a great book you can't put down until your finished reading it. i can't wait to read the sequel.

I highly recommend this exciting, well-writen book. My son and I read this true story together. The history of the Orphan Train is much different when told from the perspective of someone who actually rode the train and not by someone writing a text book. This touching story reveals the sometimes untold reality of how many orphans were treated by their foster families. This is a must read for anyone with an interest in American History. We can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next!