Between 1854 and 1904, nearly one hundred thousand orphans were transported by train across America to new homes in the Midwest. Based on the courageous children who experienced this historic event, this series follows the lives of several girls who ride the train in search of fresh beginnings and loving families. Abandoned by her actress mother, exuberant Toddy is taken in by a wealthy family to befriend an invalid child. Before long, Toddy wins the familys hearts with her optimism and zest for life. Yet happiness eludes her. Is Toddy's yearning for a home only a dream? This Orphan Train West series, previously published for an adult audience (over 161,000 copies sold), has been abridged for girls ages 1014.