A thorough academic exploration of the so-called orphan trains, including the societal beliefs about childhood. Very well researched and well-sourced. I was glad to see mention of Boston's limited use of the orphan trains, before Charles Loring Brace attempted it in New York a few years later, a fact many accounts overlook.

A great one for research or if you're really interested in the facts of the orphan trains. I prefer to read more first-hand or personalized accounts, so this one was not for me.
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Describes plan and operation of sending women, children and orphans from poverty-stricken city areas to the West to solve the labor shortage there. Program was in operation from the 1850's to the 1920's.