Rodzina is originally from Poland, but came to America so young that all she remembers is Chicago. She had a wonderful family, but through a series of accidents and illness, she’s now left an orphan. One of the local orphanages finds her on the street, and puts her on an orphan train heading west. She and other orphans are there to find new families.
This is a wonderfully written little slice of late 19th century American life. The other orphans are great characters, and the little interludes in the various places they stop are interesting studies in life in the west. Rodzina does ultimately find herself a home, and it’s a satisfying journey.