Reviews

Alone in the World: Orphans and Orphanages in America by Catherine Reef

aoosterwyk's review

3.0

This book fills the historical gap between Oliver Twist and today's Department of Social Services. What to do with children whose parents die or can't support them? The orphan trains are also mentioned as well as how such transfers of human life were documented (or not). The consequences for families during the Civil War due to loss of income because of soldier's deaths or disabilities is also highlighted as well as the disparity between services available to children of different races.

ckausch's review

2.0

This is a non-fic book for young adults. It tells the story of orphans in US history, starting with the 1700s and moving up to today. While it does get a bit boring at times, it's pretty interesting to read about how children have been treated, and how it has differed by sex and race, too. There are pictures on every 2-page spread, which help draw the reader in. While it's not pleasure reading - there are some sad stories although nothing gets too graphic since it is for kids - it is an interesting way to learn about the realities of being an orphan.

thisfoxreads's review

4.0

An interesting look at how children have been helped through history--from local community to federal help. Along with orphans and half-orphans (one parent surviving but unable to care for them), others were sent by parents for other reasons. Several of my aunts were placed in an orphanage when their parents' marriage disintegrated--their mother performed in a traveling dance group while their father only wanted to take his son.

The photos are...wow. My heart aches.

Glad I read it.