The Forgotten Home Child

The Home for Unwanted Girls meets Orphan Train in this unforgettable novel about a young girl caught in a scheme to rid EnglandΓÇÖs streets of destitute children,and the lengths she will go to find her way homeΓÇöbased on the true story of the British Home Children. 2018 At ninety-seven years oldWinnifred Ellis knows she doesnΓÇÖt have much time leftand it is almost a relief to realize that once she is gonethe truth about her shameful past will die with her. But when her great-grandson Jamiethe spitting image of her dear late husbandasks about his family treeWinnifred canΓÇÖt lie any longereven if it means breaking a promise she made so long ago… 1936 Fifteen-year-old Winny has never known a real home. After running away from an abusive stepfathershe falls in with MaryJackand their ragtag group of friends roaming the streets of Liverpool. When the children are caught stealing foodWinny and Mary are left in Dr. BarnardoΓÇÖs Barkingside Home for Girlsa local home for orphans and forgotten children found in the cityΓÇÖs slums. At BarkingsideWinny learns she will soon join other boys and girls in a faraway place called Canadawhere families and better lives await them. But WinnyΓÇÖs hopes are dashed when she is separated from her friends and sent to live with a family that has no use for another daughter. Insteadthey have paid for an indentured servant to work on their farm. Faced with this harsh new realityWinny clings to the belief that she will someday find her friends again. Inspired by true eventsThe Forgotten Home Child is a moving and heartbreaking novel about placebelongingand familyΓÇöthe one we make for ourselves and its enduring power to draw us home.