We are a part of history
Michael Patrick
We are a part of history
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
The Story of the Orphan Trains
by Michael Patrick
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What would you do if you had to leave everything behind and ride a train to a new home far away? Imagine being one of thousands of children from New York's crowded streets, sent on a journey to find a better life in the unknown. Their stories are filled with hope, challenges, and the courage to start fresh—but what happened to them next?
Quick Assessment
This historical fiction explores the orphan trains of the mid-19th century, when thousands of homeless children from New York were relocated to foster homes across the Midwest and South. Suitable for ages 9-12, it sensitively depicts themes of abandonment, adoption, and resilience, supported by real stories and photographs. Parents should note that while the book addresses serious social issues, it does so in an age-appropriate and hopeful manner.
Why we rated We are a part of history 9ME
We are a part of history is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 157 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, We are a part of history works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate We are a part of history as 9ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, We are a part of history explores adoption & foster care, family, historical, coming of age, and social justice — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers. Each of these themes is concrete enough to seed a real conversation, not just a moral lesson.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about adoption & foster care, family, historical.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
5/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The orphan trains
Alice K. Flanagan
The orphan trains
Alice K. Flanagan
Train I ride
Paul Mosier
Train I ride
Paul Mosier
Orphan trains to Missouri
Michael Patrick
Orphan trains to Missouri
Michael Patrick
Adoption Is...
Deirdre A. Royster
Adoption Is...
Deirdre A. Royster
A Family Apart (Orphan Train Adventures)
Joan Lowery Nixon
A Family Apart (Orphan Train Adventures)
Joan Lowery Nixon
Caught in the Act (Orphan Train Adventures)
Joan Lowery Nixon
Caught in the Act (Orphan Train Adventures)
Joan Lowery Nixon
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780898659214
- Pages
- 157
- Publisher
- Michael Patrick
- Published
- 1994
- Type
- Nonfiction