This story is about two young girls who are taken from their parents and have no idea why. They are soon placed on a train and perspective parents eye them in order to decide if they want to adopt them or not. The story follows the twin girls on their journey to find their family and a place to belong during the early 20th century. The characters are relatable for girls in grades 4-6 and also gives them a small glimpse of what some families had to go through during these tough times. ( )

I loved this book. It is middle grade and there is illustrations and pictures in it that only add to the story being told. Your heart goes out to these twins and their brother (and all the others!), and you end up rooting for them so much by the end. I would recommend this book. 5 out of 5 stars. ( )

NETTIE AND NELLIE CROOK: ORPHAN TRAIN SISTERS by E. F. Abbott is based on the true experiences of twin girls in the early 20th century.

When their parents can no longer take care of them, Nettie and Nellie are taken by the Children’s Aid Society to live in an orphanage. Eventually, they travel to Kansas then South Dakota to be adopted.

Orphan train stories are popular with children. Readers will enjoy the biographical information and the historical photographs will bring the time period to life for readers.

Librarians will find that this new series is a good way to introduce middle grade youth to the heartbreaking reality of children’s lives in key time periods in American history. Although written as historical fiction, the books are based on real events. The titles are short and easy-to-read making them useful for classroom activities.

Other books in the new “Based on a True Story” series include Sybil Ludington: Revolutionary War Rider, John Lincoln Clem: Civil War Drummer Boy, and Mary Jamison: Native American Captive.

Published by Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan on February 16, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher. ( )