The early twentieth century was a very difficult time in the world with lots of poverty and hunger and New York was no exception, Violet who was only 11 years old had to develop her survival instincts quickly. I had never heard of the mercy trains and the relocation of thousands of children to the West.

I had never heard of the orphan trains before this story, very interesting part of America's history! I was very sad for Violet in regards to her mother and the fact that she just couldn't get herself together for her daughter's sake. I think because Violet did leave at an earlier age she didn't seem to have the hatred she might of had for her mother if she had stuck around into her teen years, this could have turned into a whole different story then! Violet seemed to feel sorry for her mom more than anything else and I think that came with Violet's age she still felt unconditional love for her mother and was too young and innocent to know any different.