Rory's Promise

September 29, 2014
Inspired by historical events in the early 1900s, MacColl (Nobody's Secret) and debut author Nichols launch the Hidden Histories series with the gripping story of 12-year-old Rory Fitzpatrick and her determination to stay with her younger sister, Violet. Ever since their parents died three years earlier, the girls have lived in New York City's Foundling Hospital, where Rory assists the nuns in caring for the children there. In order to make room for new arrivals, Violet and other young ones are being sent to a town in Arizona Territory, where Catholic families will adopt them. Strong-willed and brash, Rory sneaks onto the orphan train and talks her way into meeting Violet's new family. When Rory arrives in the town of Clifton, there's no gas or electricity, frequent flooding, and a violent rift between the "Mexicanos," who have arranged to adopt the children, and the "Anglos," who dislike the idea of white children being adopted by Hispanic families, and aim to steal the children away. Endearing (and enduring) relationships and a suspenseful plot make for an exciting and at times wrenching voyage into America's past. Ages 9â12.

September 1, 2014

Gr 5 Up-Twelve-year-old Rory Fitzpatrick, a feisty red-haired orphan, helps care for the youngest children at the Foundling Hospital in New York where she lives with her younger sister, Violet. When Rory finds out that about 50 of the youngest orphans, including Violet, will be sent by train to "good Catholic homes" in the West, she secretly vows to accompany them, making a promise to Violet that they will always stay together. Despite the firm and loving guidance of head nun Sister Anna, Rory stows away on the train leaving behind the safety and comforts of the orphanage, (running water, hot meals). When she's finally discovered, the overwhelmed nuns let her stay on and assist with the journey. Fairly predictable up to this point, the story takes a dramatic and unexpected turn when the train arrives in the isolated mining town of Clifton, in the territory of Arizona. The only adoption location not to be pre-vetted in person because of distance, Clifton is inhospitable from the start. Smoke and fumes from the mining operations fill the sky and a menacing mob of women meets the train. Issues of racial violence and environmental illness have deeply divided the town. Most of the women are unable to bear children so when the predominantly white orphans arrive intended for Catholic (Mexican) families, the Caucasian families demand justice on moral grounds-and kidnap the children. Rory is caught in a desperate situation as she struggles to keep herself and Violet safe. Readers will enjoy the fast-paced action and likable main character. Based on a true story and an actual event that took place in 1904, this is a historical novel with a unique topic and plenty of substance, making it especially suitable for class or group discussions.-Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2014
This first in the Hidden Histories series of middle-grade novels highlights an episode in which New York City's Foundling Hospital sent white youth to unfamiliar Arizona Territory to be adopted by Mexican Catholics, raising the ire of Protestant Anglos and revealing the depths of their prejudice.Ever since Rory Fitzpatrick and her baby sister, Violet, arrived at the Foundling after their parents died, Rory has worked to remain with Vi. It seems for naught when Sister Anna decides to send Vi west to be placed. Rather than lose her last family member, Rory stows away on the train, appearing only when she cannot be sent back. It's a good thing, too, as the nuns cannot care for the tots without Rory's help. And when they arrive in Clifton to a riot caused by desperate, angry white women, only Rory fully understands the threat. Although Rory's heroism is improbable, youngsters will find it heartening. Rory escapes when kidnapped, then negotiates a deal to secure safe passage for the majority of orphans and nuns-all before the happy ending. The injustice, drama and action will have readers riveted. A historical note sheds some light on the complicated issues. However, why so many women gave up their babies will warrant discussion, given Rory's conflicted view of the matter (she makes a somewhat disturbing distinction between being an orphan and a foundling). Despite this point, children will find this an exciting, eye-opening read. (Historical fiction. 9-11)

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September 15, 2014
Grades 5-8 MacColl and Nichols team up for the first title in the new Hidden Histories series, which spotlights lesser-known historical moments. Twelve-year-old Rory Fitzpatrick's life at New York City's Foundling Hospital is upended when her younger sister, Violet, is set to be adopted in Clifton, a town in the Arizona Territory. Unbeknownst to the nuns in charge, Rory sneaks onto an orphan train to stick with her sister. Upon arrival in the mining town, they are thrust into an ongoing disagreement between the wealthier Anglo women and their intended adoptive parents, Mexican Catholics. Though the pace sometimes slows thanks to the dry narrative style, intrepid Rory is a likable protagonist with determination and heart, all of which will endear her to readers. Multifaceted adult characters drawn from history, especially Sister Anna, bring to life the complex dynamics in Clifton at the turn of the last century. Extensive back matter provides further historical context and lesson tie-ins. Pair with Christina Baker Kline's Orphan Train (2013) for an even more comprehensive look at this part of American history.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)