Rory's Promise
Orphan trains. Kidnapping. Adventures.
Twelve-year-old orphan Rory Fitzpatrick lives with her younger sister Violet at New York City's Foundling Hospital in the early 1900s. But when Rory discovers that Violet will be sent to the Arizona Territory to be adopted, her world is shattered. Although too old to be adopted herself, Rory—brave and smart—is determined to stay with her sister, even if it means hiding out on a train traveling west. When Rory and Violet arrive in Arizona, everything that could go wrong does go wrong. Will Rory give up?
Interest Level: 9 - 12
Pages: 288
ISBN-13: 9781620916230
Reviews:
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Books, Best of the Best
Missouri State Teachers Association Reading Circle Recommended Book
MacColl and Nichols team up for the first title in the new Hidden Histories series, which spotlights lesser-known historical moments. . . intrepid Rory is a likable protagonist with determination and heart, all of which will endear her to readers. . ." Booklist
"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. . . The injustice, drama and action will have readers riveted. . . an exciting, eye-opening read." Kirkus Reviews
" . . . 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 discussion." School Library Journal
Check out the trailer!
Boyds Mill Kane produced this video about Rory’s Promise - it has footage of the NYC Foundling Hospital and the territory of Arizona in 1904.
Boyds Mill Kane Book Trailer
Excerpt:
Rory’s hands caught hold of Brigid’s. Her knees and feet banged, hard, against the side of the train. The clicking of the wheels against the rails sped up and the passing air pushed against her body, blowing her skirt up over her head.
Luckily there was no one to notice. Rory glanced down to see that the train had cleared the platform. If she fell now she’d drop to sharp stones.
“Pull yourself up,” Brigid gasped.
“I’m trying,” Rory gasped. “Don’t let go!”
Rory struggled to climb up, the toes of her worn boots sliding. Rory could see the top of the window was cutting into Brigid’s arms, but the girl’s grip didn’t loosen. Rory kicked at the side of the train but her feet couldn’t find any purchase.
“Hurry!” Rory cried.
With a huge yank, Brigid hauled Rory up. Rory let go with her right hand and took hold of the window sash. Brigid grabbed Rory’s shoulders and pulled her inside. Rory tumbled through the window and to the wooden bench beneath.
— Rory’s Promise