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| A Tribute to Karen Cushman! |
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Rodzina
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-Twelve-year-old Rodzina Clara Jadwiga Anastazya Brodski tells the story of her journey across the United States on an orphan train in 1881 in this audio version of Karen Cushman's novel (Clarion, 2003). A strong-willed, not very attractive Polish girl from Chicago, Rodzina is convinced that she is unlovable and would only be adopted to be used as a slave. More than 20 orphans, along with the harsh Mr. Szprot and the strict Miss Doctor, make up the cast of characters. Narrator Becky Ann Baker's voice reflects the emotions and maturity level of each character. Despite the unfortunate situation that the orphans have found themselves in, the book has many funny and lighthearted moments, such as playing baseball on the train and having dinner with "circus" folk. Listeners see new cities in untamed parts of the West through the eyes of the children. Rodzina sees Indians riding on the platform between trains, meets mail-order brides, and reads the variety of notices posted at train stations along the way. The children on the orphan train worry about their fate, but Rodzina does her best to comfort them with Polish folktales and stories about her family. After the most appealing children have been adopted and Rodzina has made her escape from a few undesirable placements, we see her as the capable girl that she is. The narrator gives a slightly different voice to each character. Her pronunciation of the Polish words in the text is extremely helpful. Cushman gives us a valuable insight into American history, especially from a woman's perspective, and adds an extensive final note and list of resources for further information about orphan trains and orphans throughout world history. An introduction read by Cushman is particularly poignant as she tells about her own Polish family. An excellent choice for public and school libraries.
Casey Rondini, Westerly Public Library, RI
Other favorites include...
Catherine, Called Birdy (Clarion, 1994)
Matlilda Bone (Clarion, 2000)
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple (Houghtin MIfflin, 1996)
Rodzina (Clarion, 2003)
The Midwife's Apprentice
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