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
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? This uplifting novel about the power of faith and the true meaning of family launches the Hidden Histories series, spotlighting little-known tales from America's past, and the children behind those stories. Includes authors' note and further resources.
Michaela MacColl has published several historical fiction novels. Prisoners in the Palace received a starred review from School Library Journal and was selected as an Indie Next Choice. Promise the Night received starred reviews and was selected for the ALA Amelia Bloomer List, IRA's Notable Books for a Global Society, and Bank Street College's Best Books of 2012. She has degrees in multi-disciplinary history from Vassar College and Yale University. Rory's Promise is the first in the Hidden Histories series published by Calkins Creek books. She lives in Westport, Connecticut. Visit michaelamaccoll.com.
View titles by Michaela Maccoll
Rosemary Nichols has loved history all her life, especially the history of ordinary people. She has two history degrees from the University of Washington and a law degree from the University of Chicago. This is her first book for children. She lives in upstate New York. rosemarygailnichols.com.
View titles by Rosemary Nichols
"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
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
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? This uplifting novel about the power of faith and the true meaning of family launches the Hidden Histories series, spotlighting little-known tales from America's past, and the children behind those stories. Includes authors' note and further resources.
Author
Michaela MacColl has published several historical fiction novels. Prisoners in the Palace received a starred review from School Library Journal and was selected as an Indie Next Choice. Promise the Night received starred reviews and was selected for the ALA Amelia Bloomer List, IRA's Notable Books for a Global Society, and Bank Street College's Best Books of 2012. She has degrees in multi-disciplinary history from Vassar College and Yale University. Rory's Promise is the first in the Hidden Histories series published by Calkins Creek books. She lives in Westport, Connecticut. Visit michaelamaccoll.com.
View titles by Michaela Maccoll
Rosemary Nichols has loved history all her life, especially the history of ordinary people. She has two history degrees from the University of Washington and a law degree from the University of Chicago. This is her first book for children. She lives in upstate New York. rosemarygailnichols.com.
View titles by Rosemary Nichols
Praise
"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
