Write about It
The Orphan Train offered children a chance for a fresh start. But they would need all their courage to face an unknown future. In what new situation have you had to find courage?
Do you know somebody like Hugh, who tries to control others by threatening them? How do you handle bullies? By understanding Hugh’s story and what he really longs for, how might you deal differently with bullies from now on?
At first Ethan doesn’t know what to think about God being the Good Shepherd, who has His eye on everyone. Does that idea make you nervous or happy? Why? If you believe God really loves and cares about you, how might that change how you handle hard times?
Talk about It
Ethan was constantly responsible for watching over his younger brothers and sister. When have you been responsible for someone—a sibling, a pet, or a classmate? How did that feel?
Matron says two of the most important things you can say are “thank you” and “I’m sorry.” Do you agree? Why or why not? Do you think Hugh should have said “I’m sorry” to Ethan instead of just calling him “a pretty good kid” to make up for being mean to him? Explain.
Bert believes, “It’s always best to tell the truth. That way you don’t have to keep making up stuff to go with it.” Do you think that’s true? Why or why not?
Imagine It
Imagine you are going on a journey, and you can only take one small bag of belongings with you, like the children in this story did. What would you choose to take, and why?
Imagine you are Ethan. Hugh asks you to steal the box out of Mr. Lehman’s desk drawer. What would you do?
Imagine you are Hugh. Would you apologize to Ethan for being mean to him? Why or why not? And, if so, what would you say?