Lucy's Wish (Orphan Train Children) [Library Binding]

Joan Lowery Nixon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Orphan Train Children (Book 1)

Ten-year-old Lucy Griggs's mother has just died, leaving Lucy orphaned and living on the streets of 1866 New York City. Then Lucy hears about the Children's Aid Society, a group that sends orphans out West to new homes. Lucy knows she'll never replace her mum, but maybe now she'll find a family--and even a little sister--to love.



But the family that takes her in is far from ideal. Mr. Snapes seems kind, but Mrs. Snapes is a bitter, angry woman. And Emma isn't the sister Lucy has dreamed of. Emma is a girl who people call "simple." Can Lucy learn to love this less-than-perfect family?

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6AIn 1866, Lucy Griggs, 10, becomes an orphan. After surviving alone on the streets of New York City for several weeks, she learns about the Children's Aid Society, an organization that helps children find homes. The group sends Lucy and other orphans west by train, hoping that they will be adopted. Lucy is afraid that no one will want a girl her age, but eventually a farmer takes her to his home in Missouri. Although her new family is not what she envisioned, she is grateful that she has gained a sister. The story is mostly upbeat; Lucy is compassionate and good spirited. A glossary and interesting information about the orphan trains, New York City, and the Children's Aid Society are included. This is the first novel in a new series and can be introduced with two excellent nonfiction titles: Annette Fry's The Orphan Trains (Silver Burdett, 1994) and Andrea Warren's Orphan Train Rider (Houghton, 1996).AMary M. Hopf, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Inside Flap

Ten-year-old Lucy Griggs's mother has just died, leaving Lucy orphaned and living on the streets of 1866 New York City. Then Lucy hears about the Children's Aid Society, a group that sends orphans out West to new homes. Lucy knows she'll never replace her mum, but maybe now she'll find a family--and even a little sister--to love.

But the family that takes her in is far from ideal. Mr. Snapes seems kind, but Mrs. Snapes is a bitter, angry woman. And Emma isn't the sister Lucy has dreamed of. Emma is a girl who people call "simple." Can Lucy learn to love this less-than-perfect family? --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 116 pages
• Publisher: Tandem Library (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613138740
• ISBN-13: 978-0613138741
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,009,629 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book, February 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Lucy's Wish (Orphan Train Children) (Hardcover)

This book is about Lucy Amanda Griggs, a ten year old orphan. After her mother dies from cholera, Lucy is left homeless on the streets of New York City, until she is told about the orphan trains that take city orphans west to new homes. Maybe now Lucy will get the little sister she's always wanted. But Lucy discovers a very special sister in Emma, whom many of the local children tease because she is "simple."

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Lucy's Wish" touched my heart., April 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lucy's Wish (Orphan Train Children) (Hardcover)

This is a little story that can touch your heart. It is about a little orphan whose mother has died. Lucy learns of the Orphan Train through a friend and wishes for a little sister and a kind mother and father. Lucy meets two friends on the Orphan Train, a Princess and Daisy. All three find families, but will Lucy get her wish? This reader spent most of one night reading the book until she finished and learned the answer to that question.

4.0 out of 5 stars Lucy Gets Her Wish, October 18, 2004

By 

Kimberly Swanger "ESL teacher" (Council Bluffs, Iowa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lucy's Wish (Orphan Train Children) (Paperback)

In 1866, Lucy's mom died. Lucy was living in the streets of New York City. Then she went on the orphan train. She wanted to find parents and a little sister. At the first stop, no one picked her as a daughter. Then, at the second stop, Mr. Snapes picked Lucy. She got a sister but she was mentally retarded. Lucy almost got her wish. She was happy because she had a mom, dad and little sister. It was a good book. Anyone could enjoy this book.

Laura