A sequence of novels based on the true experiences of New York City children sent between 1854-1929 on orphan trains to live with foster families in the West concludes with Danny and Peg's story. The author's uses of archival material is coupled with her skill in developing believable characters in unusual situations. The device of opening and closing the novel with a short contemporary scene links present-day children with their ancestors. Other books about the Kelly children are A FAMILY APART (1987); CAUGHT IN THE ACT (1988); and IN THE FACE OF DANGER (1988). (Ages 10-13)

Danny and his younger sister, Peg, are placed in St. Joseph, Missouri, with kind Alfrid and Olga Swenson. Danny is thrilled to have a "real" father again, but when Olga suddenly dies, he is devastated—until he thinks of an ingenious plan to find Alfrid a new wife.