Nathaniel, sidelined by an injury, feels replaced when his father adopts John from the Orphan Train. As John grapples with his own haunting past, both boys navigate a tense household. Amidst farm duties and school, they face a community conflict that could forge an unexpected friendship. Can they find their place and understanding in a world that seems to have moved on without them?
Before the accident Nathaniel’s life seemed pretty good. His help around the farm made his father proud. But now, with a busted leg, Nathaniel can’t do farmwork anymore, so his father adopts another son through the Orphan Train. Feeling replaced and useless, Nathaniel attends school for the first time. Meanwhile, sturdy and strong John is able to do the work that earns Pa’s attention. But the truth is, John Worth has his own set of troubles. He is treated more like a servant than a son. Kept awake at night by nightmares of his family’s death, he remembers having a pa who took pride in him. But now he has no one, until a community battle and a special book reveal a potential friend – and a chance for understanding.
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