Orphan Train

Vivian and Molly help each other, and their relationship leads to fundamental change in both characters. Who changes more: Molly or Vivian? How do they change? Consider these ideas as you reflect on your answer:

• How does Molly approach her first day at Vivian’s?
• What do Vivian’s stories about her past illustrate about her?
• What actions demonstrate a shift in both characters?
• What does the last scene of the novel reveal about both characters?

Teaching Suggestion: Because there is no right answer, this discussion works well with a Socratic seminar or shared inquiry. While it could be tempting for students to debate, encouraging students to maintain an open mind and build knowledge together will lead to higher levels of critical thought. At the end of the discussion, a journal reflecting on their thinking during the discussion could be powerful for students. They could write about their ideas before the discussion began, the details that others brought up that were valuable, and how their thinking changed afterward.