Rodzina - by Karen Cushman (Paperback)

About the Book

"Rodzina Brodski knows she doesn't make a good first impression. Orphaned at age twelve, she's big, tough, smart, outspoken, and determined--and none of these are considered good qualities for a girl to have in the year 1881. But first impressions will be crucial as she rides the orphan train west from Chicago, to be looked over by families seeking to adopt a child. Skeptical Rodzina expects to be turned into a laborer, or worse, not adopted at all. Will she be shipped back to Chicago in disgrace--or will she finally find the right family and a new home?"--Back cover.

Book Synopsis

Rodzina Clara Jadwiga Anastazya Brodski, a strong and stubborn Polish orphan, leaves Chicago on an orphan train, expecting to be adopted and turned into a slave--or worse, not to be adopted at all. As the train rattles westward, she begins to develop attachments to her fellow travelers, even the frosty orphan guardian, and to believe that there might be good homes for orphans--maybe even for a big, combative Polish girl. But no placement seems right for the formidable Rodzina, and she cleverly finds a way out of one unfortunate situation after another until at last she finds the family that is right for her.

The compelling narrative is laced with wry humor and keen observation, full of memorable characters, and a thoroughly researched Afterword.

Review Quotes

"Especially interesting as a women's history title...a great story." ALA BOOKLIST, STARRED REVIEW Booklist, ALA, Starred Review "An engaging, well-fleshed-out heroine...narrative voice is by turns curious, resentful, humorous, and sad...a comfortable and informative read" BULLETIN FOR THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "A contemporary feel without anachronism." KIRKUS REVEIWS Kirkus Reviews "Engaging characters, a vivid setting, and a prickly but endearing heroine... first-person narrative captures [her] personality and spirit [with] poignancy amd humor." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, STARRED REVIEW School Library Journal, Starred "Rodzina is prickly, stubborn, and heart-sore but she's also honest, likable and smart...Enough unpredictability to nicely unsettle expectations." THE HORN BOOK Horn Book "[Cushman's] choice of subjects is always excellent...a delightful, thoroughly Polish, heroine." NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW The New York Times Book Review

About the Author

Karen Cushman was born in Chicago, Illinois and lives now on Vashon Island, west of Seattle, Washington. She received an MA in human behavior and one in museum studies. Ms. Cushman has had a lifelong interest in history. She says, "I grew tired of hearing about kings, princes, generals, presidents. I wanted to know what ordinary life was like for ordinary young people in other times." Research into medieval English history and culture led to the writing of her first two novels, the Newbery Honor book CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY and the Newbery Medal-winner THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE. She is also the author of MATILDA BONE, THE BALLAD OF LUCY WHIPPLE and, most recently, RODZINA.