Orphan Train Rider: One Boy's True Story

Overview: Orphan Train Rider: One Boy's True Story is about Lee Nailling, whose mother died when he was seven. Lee and a younger brother, Leo, were placed in an orphanage. Two years later, along with yet another brother, the boys were sent west on an orphan train.

When their train reached a small town in Texas, the youngest brother was quickly chosen by a couple who took him away. Lee and Leo went home together with an elderly couple who had selected Leo,but at his request, agreed to try Lee as well. Two weeks later, they decided they didn't want Lee, and he went to another home, and then another. By then he was a bitter little boy who distrusted all adults. His new parents, Ben and Ollie Nailling, gradually won him over with kindness and patience, and Lee grew to love them deeply. He was able to stay in touch with his brothers and, late in adult life, they was reunited with his other siblings.

Lee Nailling died in March 2001, and I miss him. He was a dear man who did all he could to help promote the history of the orphan trains, and he was proud of "his" book.

Read an Excerpt:  In the following excerpt, Lee and his brother are boarding an orphan train. But before that happens, they get a big surprise.