Orphan train is a novel which shows how important it is to trust in a better future, fight your fears, and just be kind and compassionate. The author sends a powerful message to people of different age groups, origins and beliefs. The purpose of this book is to teach readers to value what is often taken for granted – for instance, family – and be grateful. It is all about kindness and an ability to survive through thick and thin, up and down.
Molly Ayer is am embodiment of an angry teenager. Being rather lonely and betrayed by her own parents – for if her mother wouldn’t be imprisoned Molly’s life would be obviously better -, neglected by foster parents and mocked by her classmates, she forgets how to trust others and rely on those who like and love her from time to time. It would be unfair to blame her because this girl hasn’t seen a lot of good. More often than not, she notices that her passive-aggressive attitude prevents her from enjoying her life and building relationships with other people. Luckily for her, she finds friendship in the most unlikely of places. In spite of the fact that Vivian and Molly belong to different generations, they have impressively a lot in common. They know how painful and dreadful it is to be left alone and how unpleasant it is to be unwelcome and unloved in new families.
Unfortunately, for now, more than 140 million children worldwide are orphans and they are as scared, angry and lonely as Molly and Vivian used to be. The author brings up an issue which worth constant attention of the world. It shouldn’t be like that. Those, who agree to be foster parents, have to realize that a child or a teen is not a toy to play and not a slave to use. The social workers, who feel that they haven’t any wish to deal with others’ problems, shouldn’t even apply for this position. It is difficult to protect an adopted child from abusive parents – Vivian’s example is probably the best one – but it doesn’t meant that there is no need to try. The next thing which is worth public’s attention is emotional readiness of a future parent to deal with aggressiveness and anti-sociality of a child.
Dina, who has never really wanted to adopt a child, doesn’t want even to make an attempt to improve her and Molly’s relationships. So, foster parents to be should read this story in order to prepare for difficulties which might wait for them. Teens from nuclear or one parent families should read the story in order to value their families and never take them for granted. Children, who look for a new home or who can’t be with their parents for whatever reason should read this story in order to start believing in their own strengths. Life might be harsh, but it could be improved.
