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. After her mother dies, shy, sensitive Laurel is adopted by a loving couple. As she grows up, though, Laurel longs to discover her true identity, and her search reveals secrets from her past. Will Laurel's new life come between her and the love she desires? This Orphan Train West series, previously published for an adult audience (over 161,000 copies sold), has been abridged for girls ages 1014.