Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Hopeful, Resilient, Adventurous, Emotional
- Read it if
- You enjoy historical fiction about family bonds and resilience, especially stories similar to 'Orphan Train' for a middle-grade audience.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fantasy or contemporary settings, or find stories about family separation too distressing.
A Family Apart Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Impossible Decision
In 1856 New York City, Mrs. Kelly faces poverty after her husband's death. She cannot provide for her six children – Frances, Pete, Peggy, Danny, Mike, and little Mary – so she decides to send them on an 'orphan train' to find new homes in the West. Thirteen-year-old Frances, the eldest, is upset and struggles to understand her mother's choice, feeling abandoned despite her mother's words of love. The children are put on a train with many other children, heading towards an unknown future, leaving behind everything they know and their only remaining parent.
Journey West and Growing Fears
The journey west is long. Frances, always protective, tries to keep her younger siblings together and their spirits up, though her own fear and anger are present. She promises her mother she will look after them. In St. Joseph, Missouri, the children go to a hall where families come to choose children. Seeing other children picked and separated from their siblings fills Frances with dread. She hears whispers and sees the desperation in other orphans' eyes, making her more determined to keep her family together.
The First Separations
Frances's worst fears start to happen. First, Peggy and Danny are chosen by the Johnsons, a kind-looking couple who already have children. Frances tries to object, explaining they are a family, but the adults say it is for the best. Next, little Mary, the baby, is taken by another family. Frances is heartbroken and feels like a failure, unable to keep her promise to her mother. She tries to make herself seem unattractive to avoid being chosen, hoping to stay with Pete and Mike, but the process feels unstoppable.
Frances's Desperate Plan
Frances realizes her chances of staying with any of her siblings are small if she remains a girl. She plans to disguise herself. She cuts her hair short, puts on a boy's cap and clothes she finds, and uses the name 'Frankie.' Her younger brother, Pete, is confused but agrees. When the Stevens family, a stern but decent couple from a farm, looks for a boy to help with chores, Frances, disguised as Frankie, steps forward with Pete. The Stevens agree to take both 'Frankie' and Pete, believing Frances is a boy and Pete her younger brother. This gives Frances hope that she can protect Pete.
Life on the Stevens Farm
Life on the Stevens farm is hard. Frances, as 'Frankie,' does heavy farm work, which is physically tiring. Pete, though younger, also has chores. Mrs. Stevens is strict but fair, and Mr. Stevens speaks little. Frances constantly worries about her disguise being discovered, especially when bathing or sick. She learns to milk cows, slop hogs, and work in the fields, showing her ability as a 'boy' while secretly wishing for her true identity and her separated family. Pete likes the farm animals.
The Search for Mike
Frances's main concern, after keeping her identity secret, is finding Mike. She learns Mike was taken by the Brubakers, who live on a remote farm. Frances uses every chance to get information, asking questions and listening to conversations in town. She finds out the Brubakers are reclusive and strange, which increases her worry for Mike. She knows she must find a way to check on him, even if it risks her place with the Stevens family and her disguise.
A Visit to the Brubakers
During a trip to town with the Stevens, Frances (as Frankie) convinces Mrs. Stevens to let her and Pete deliver goods to the Brubaker farm. There, they find Mike looking thin, sad, and messy. The Brubakers are stern and seem to neglect Mike, using him for hard labor without much care. Frances's fears are confirmed. She sees Mike is unhappy and possibly mistreated. She tries to speak with Mike, telling him she has not forgotten him and will help, strengthening her resolve to reunite her family.
Discovery and a New Plan
One day, while helping Mrs. Stevens, Frances's binding comes loose, and her true identity as a girl is accidentally revealed. Mrs. Stevens is shocked and angry, feeling betrayed. Frances tearfully explains her reasons – her promise to her mother and her wish to protect Pete and find Mike. Mrs. Stevens, though stern, is moved by Frances's devotion. They plan together. Mrs. Stevens agrees to help Frances get Mike from the Brubakers, understanding his bad placement. They decide to approach the Brubakers by offering Mike a better home.
Rescuing Mike and Uncertain Futures
Mrs. Stevens, with Frances (now openly a girl again), confronts the Brubakers. She argues that Mike would be better off with her family, saying the Brubakers cannot provide proper care. The Brubakers, not wanting trouble, reluctantly let Mike go. Mike is happy to be reunited with Frances and Pete. The three siblings are now together on the Stevens farm, a temporary safe place. They are safe for now, but Frances knows their goal is to find all their siblings and, someday, their mother. The Stevens agree to keep all three Kelly children, giving them a stable, though still challenging, home.
A Glimmer of Hope
With Frances, Pete, and Mike living together on the Stevens farm, a family life starts to return. Frances continues to work hard, now as herself, and Pete and Mike settle into their roles. Mrs. Stevens, though strict, is a caring guardian, and Mr. Stevens shows quiet approval. The children still miss their other siblings, Peggy, Danny, and Mary, and their mother, but they find strength in being together again. Frances knows finding their other siblings will be a long journey, but she is determined, holding onto the promise she made to her mother. Their new life on the farm, while not perfect, provides a basis for their future.
A Family Apart Characters
Frances Kelly
Protagonist
The eldest Kelly sibling, determined to keep her family together at all costs.
Thirteen-year-old Frances is the central figure of the story. Intelligent, resourceful, and fiercely protective, she takes on the immense responsibility of caring for her younger siblings after their mother sends them west. Her deep love for her family drives her to make difficult and dangerous choices, including disguising herself as a boy, 'Frankie,' to ensure she and Pete are placed together. She grapples with feelings of abandonment and anger towards her mother but ultimately understands the impossible situation her mother faced. Her journey is one of immense personal growth and resilience.
Relationships: Mrs. Kelly (Mother, initially feels abandoned by her); Pete Kelly (Younger brother, she protects him closely); Mike Kelly (Younger brother, she actively seeks to rescue him); Peggy Kelly (Younger sister, separated from her); Danny Kelly (Younger brother, separated from him); Mary Kelly (Youngest sister, separated from her); Mrs. Stevens (Strict but ultimately caring guardian); Mr. Stevens (Quiet, fair guardian)
Pete Kelly
Supporting
Frances's younger brother, who adapts to farm life with her.
Pete is Frances's younger brother, around ten years old. He is initially bewildered by the events surrounding the orphan train but trusts Frances implicitly. He is more adaptable than Frances, finding simple joys in farm life and developing an affinity for animals. He provides emotional support for Frances and is a constant reminder of her promise to her mother. His presence helps ground Frances and gives her a tangible reason to maintain her disguise and protect him.
Relationships: Frances Kelly (Older sister and protector); Mike Kelly (Brother, reunited with him); Mrs. Stevens (Guardian); Mr. Stevens (Guardian)
Mike Kelly
Supporting
Another younger brother, rescued by Frances from an unsuitable home.
Mike is one of Frances's younger brothers. He is placed with the reclusive and neglectful Brubaker family, where he is overworked and deprived of affection. His sad and gaunt appearance when Frances finds him underscores the harsh realities faced by many orphan train children. His rescue by Frances is a pivotal moment, highlighting Frances's determination and Mrs. Stevens's growing compassion. Mike is quieter and more withdrawn than Pete, reflecting his difficult experience.
Relationships: Frances Kelly (Older sister and rescuer); Pete Kelly (Brother, reunited with him); Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker (Neglectful temporary guardians)
Mrs. Kelly
Supporting
The widowed mother who makes the heartbreaking decision to send her children away.
Mrs. Kelly is the children's widowed mother in New York City. Faced with extreme poverty and the inability to feed or adequately care for her six children after her husband's death, she makes the agonizing choice to send them west on an orphan train. Her decision, though born of love and desperation, is initially perceived as abandonment by Frances. She represents the impossible choices many poor parents faced during that era, hoping for a better life for her children even if it meant separation.
Relationships: Frances Kelly (Daughter, Frances struggles with her decision); Pete Kelly (Son); Mike Kelly (Son); Peggy Kelly (Daughter); Danny Kelly (Son); Mary Kelly (Daughter)
Mrs. Stevens
Supporting
The stern but ultimately compassionate farm wife who takes in Frances and Pete.
Mrs. Stevens is a practical, hardworking farm wife who initially takes in 'Frankie' (Frances) and Pete to help with farm chores. She is strict and expects diligence, but she is also fair. Her character develops significantly as she learns Frances's true identity and the motivations behind her deception. She shows a deep understanding and compassion, ultimately becoming an ally to Frances and helping her rescue Mike. She provides a stable, though demanding, home for the children.
Relationships: Frances Kelly (Guardian, initially deceived, then becomes an ally); Pete Kelly (Guardian); Mike Kelly (Guardian); Mr. Stevens (Husband)
Mr. Stevens
Supporting
The quiet farmer who provides a home for Frances and Pete.
Mr. Stevens is Mrs. Stevens's husband, a quiet, hardworking farmer. He is a man of few words but is fair and expects hard work from those living on his farm. He accepts 'Frankie' and Pete into his home and provides for them. While less demonstrative than his wife, he supports her decisions and implicitly trusts her judgment, including the decision to keep Frances, Pete, and eventually Mike, even after Frances's deception is revealed.
Relationships: Frances Kelly (Guardian); Pete Kelly (Guardian); Mike Kelly (Guardian); Mrs. Stevens (Wife)
Peggy Kelly
Mentioned
One of Frances's younger sisters, separated early on.
Peggy is one of the younger Kelly sisters, chosen along with Danny by the Johnson family in St. Joseph. Her separation from Frances is one of the first painful reminders of the orphan train's purpose. She represents the siblings Frances is desperate to find and reunite with later in the story. Her fate, while seemingly positive with the Johnsons, still highlights the loss and scattering of the family.
Relationships: Frances Kelly (Older sister); Danny Kelly (Brother)
Danny Kelly
Mentioned
One of Frances's younger brothers, separated early on.
Danny is one of the younger Kelly brothers, placed with the Johnson family alongside Peggy. Like Peggy, his separation from the main group of siblings fuels Frances's determination to find and reunite her family. His placement, though with a kind family, still signifies the initial fragmentation of the Kelly family unit and the emotional toll on the children.
Relationships: Frances Kelly (Older sister); Peggy Kelly (Sister)
Mary Kelly
Mentioned
The youngest Kelly sibling, adopted by another family.
Mary is the youngest of the Kelly children, a baby. She is quickly chosen by a family early in the process of the orphan train placements. Her separation is particularly heartbreaking for Frances, as she is too young to understand what is happening and represents the ultimate vulnerability of the children. Her adoption highlights the permanent nature of some of the separations caused by the orphan train system.
Relationships: Frances Kelly (Older sister)
A Family Apart Themes
Family Bonds and Loyalty
The main theme is the strong bond among the Kelly siblings and Frances's loyalty to her family. Even when separated and facing hardship, Frances wants to keep her siblings together and protect them. Her disguise as 'Frankie' and her search for Mike show this theme. The children's shared past and their mother's promise to Frances strengthen their connection, even across distances and new homes.
“I promised Mama I’d keep us all together,' Frances whispered to herself, her voice thick with unshed tears. 'I have to find a way.”
Identity and Deception
Frances's decision to disguise herself as a boy, 'Frankie,' explores identity and the sacrifices made for survival and protection. Her assumed identity helps her navigate a society run by men and secure a place for herself and Pete, but it costs her personally, forcing her to hide her true self. The eventual revelation of her identity to Mrs. Stevens shows the tension between her true self and the persona she created, and the acceptance she finds.
“I was Frankie, the boy who could do anything. But inside, I was still Frances, the girl who missed her mama and her sisters and brothers.”
Resilience and Survival
The Kelly children, especially Frances, show resilience when facing extreme hardship. From the trauma of being separated from their mother to enduring the harsh conditions of the orphan train and new homes, they learn to adapt and survive. Frances's ability to do demanding farm labor as 'Frankie' and her thinking in rescuing Mike show her strength and determination to overcome challenges and create a better life for her family.
“No matter how tired she was, no matter how much her muscles ached, Frances reminded herself that giving up was not an option.”
Love and Sacrifice
The book looks at love and sacrifice. Mrs. Kelly's decision to send her children away, though first seen as abandonment, is an act of maternal love, a desperate sacrifice for their survival and a better future. Similarly, Frances sacrifices her comfort, identity, and safety to protect and reunite her younger siblings. Her actions come from a deep, selfless love, reflecting her mother's desperate choice and showing the complex nature of love under pressure.
“Mama didn't send us away because she didn't love us. She sent us away because she loved us too much to let us starve.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Orphan Train
The historical context and primary vehicle for the plot's central conflict.
The orphan train system serves as the foundational plot device, driving the entire narrative. It is the mechanism by which the Kelly children are separated from their mother and subsequently from each other. This historical reality provides the setting, the initial conflict, and the continuous challenges faced by the protagonists. It highlights the social issues of poverty and child welfare in 19th-century America, creating a high-stakes environment where children are literally 'chosen' for new lives, often with uncertain outcomes.
Disguise (Frances as 'Frankie')
A crucial plot device allowing Frances to exert agency and protect her brother.
Frances's disguise as a boy, 'Frankie,' is a central plot device that enables her to manipulate her circumstances and stay with Pete. This deception creates dramatic tension, as Frances constantly fears exposure, and allows her to access roles and responsibilities typically denied to girls at the time. It highlights themes of identity, gender roles, and the resourcefulness required for survival. The eventual revelation of her true identity to Mrs. Stevens is a pivotal moment, leading to a shift in their relationship and a new phase of the plot.
The Promise
Frances's vow to her mother, serving as her primary motivation throughout the story.
The promise Frances makes to her mother – to keep her siblings together and look after them – acts as a powerful motivational plot device. This internal commitment drives all of Frances's major decisions, from her disguise to her relentless search for Mike. It provides her with a clear objective and a source of strength when faced with despair. The promise also reinforces the theme of family loyalty and the enduring bond between parent and child, even in separation.
Scattered Siblings
The physical separation of the Kelly children, creating multiple narrative threads and goals.
The scattering of the Kelly siblings across different homes and locations is a key plot device that creates ongoing narrative tension and provides Frances with clear objectives. Each separated sibling represents a challenge for Frances to overcome and a piece of her family to reclaim. This device allows the story to explore various types of placements (some good, some bad) and the diverse experiences of orphan train children, while consistently bringing Frances back to her central mission of reunification.
A Family Apart Quotes
“There was a time when the world was new and all the creatures in it lived together in peace.”
“Sometimes a person has to make a choice, even if it’s a hard one.”
“The wind howled like a hungry wolf, and the snow fell thick and fast.”
“It wasn’t fair. Nothing was fair anymore.”
“A new family. A new life. It was almost too much to think about.”
“You can’t always get what you want, but you can always try to make the best of what you get.”
“Home wasn’t a place; it was the people you loved.”
“The city was a bewildering maze of noise and people.”
“Every day was a step further away from the past, and a step closer to something new.”
“We have to hold onto each other, no matter what.”
“Being brave didn’t mean you weren’t scared; it meant you did what you had to do anyway.”
“The silence of the prairie was a comfort after the clamor of the city.”
“Sometimes, the hardest goodbyes lead to the most unexpected hellos.”
“A promise was a promise, and it had to be kept.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
In what year does the story of 'A Family Apart' primarily take place?
- 1848
- 1856
- 1865
- 1872
Show answer
B. 1856 The book explicitly states that the year is 1856 when the Kelly children are sent west on the orphan train.
Question 2
From which city do the Kelly children begin their journey west on the orphan train?
- Boston
- Philadelphia
- New York City
- Chicago
Show answer
C. New York City The widowed mother sends her children west from New York City, believing she can't provide for them there.
Question 3
What is thirteen-year-old Frances's primary goal once the siblings are separated in Missouri?
- To find a wealthy family to adopt her
- To return to New York City immediately
- To reunite and protect her brothers and sisters
- To start a new life alone in the West
Show answer
C. To reunite and protect her brothers and sisters Frances is determined to protect her siblings and prevent them from being permanently separated, even going to great lengths to do so.
Question 4
What drastic measure does Frances take to help achieve her goal of protecting her siblings?
- She runs away to join a traveling circus.
- She disguises herself as a boy.
- She appeals directly to the state governor.
- She learns to become a skilled horse rider.
Show answer
B. She disguises herself as a boy. Frances dresses up like a boy to put herself in a position where she can more effectively search for and protect her brothers and sisters.
Question 5
What is the destination city in Missouri where the Kelly children are first taken?
- Kansas City
- St. Louis
- Jefferson City
- St. Joseph
Show answer
D. St. Joseph The book specifies that the orphan train takes the Kelly children to St. Joseph, Missouri, where they are then separated.
Question 6
What is the central ethical dilemma or theme explored regarding the mother's decision to send her children away?
- The conflict between personal ambition and family loyalty.
- Whether separating a family can ever be an act of love.
- The dangers of westward expansion for single women.
- The struggle between individual freedom and societal expectations.
Show answer
B. Whether separating a family can ever be an act of love. A key question posed by the book's description is whether 'splitting up their family really her greatest act of love,' highlighting the central theme of difficult choices made for perceived parental love and child welfare.
Question 7
What historical program or movement is central to the plot of 'A Family Apart'?
- The Underground Railroad
- The California Gold Rush
- The Orphan Trains
- The Homestead Act
Show answer
C. The Orphan Trains The book's premise is built around the children boarding an 'orphan train' and being sent west, directly referencing the historical Orphan Train movement.
Question 8
Why does the Kelly children's widowed mother decide to send them west?
- She received a job offer out west and wanted to bring them with her.
- She believed she couldn't give them the life they deserved in New York City.
- She was forced to by legal authorities due to her inability to care for them.
- She wanted them to experience adventure and new opportunities.
Show answer
B. She believed she couldn't give them the life they deserved in New York City. The synopsis clearly states that their mother sent them west because 'she’s convinced that she can’t give them the life they deserve' in their current circumstances.
Question 9
The book is described as 'the middle-grade answer' to which New York Times bestselling novel?
- Little House on the Prairie
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
- Orphan Train
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Show answer
C. Orphan Train The description explicitly states, 'A FAMILY APART IS THE MIDDLE-GRADE ANSWER TO CHRISTINA BAKER KLINE'S NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING ORPHAN TRAIN.'
Question 10
What is the initial emotional challenge the Kelly children face even before being separated from each other?
- The long, arduous journey itself.
- Saying goodbye to their mother.
- Dealing with hostile fellow passengers.
- Adjusting to life in a new city.
Show answer
B. Saying goodbye to their mother. The synopsis mentions, 'It was bad enough that they had to say goodbye to their mother, but now they’re forced to part ways with their fellow siblings as well,' indicating saying goodbye to their mother was the first major emotional hurdle.
A Family Apart FAQ
What is A Family Apart about?
A Family Apart tells the story of the Kelly children in 1856, who are sent west from New York City on an "orphan train" by their widowed mother, who believes she cannot provide for them. Upon arrival in St. Joseph, Missouri, the siblings are separated, prompting thirteen-year-old Frances to disguise herself as a boy to protect and reunite her family.
Why should I read A Family Apart?
You should read A Family Apart for a gripping historical adventure that explores themes of family loyalty, resilience, and the difficult choices people make for love. It offers a unique perspective on the historical "orphan train" movement through the eyes of a determined young protagonist, Frances, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and stories of overcoming adversity.
What is the background/setting of A Family Apart?
The book is set in 1856, beginning in New York City and largely taking place during the journey west on an "orphan train" to St. Joseph, Missouri. This historical backdrop highlights the real-life Children's Aid Society's program that relocated thousands of urban poor children to rural areas, often separating siblings and placing them with new families.
What are the most memorable quotes?
While the summary doesn't provide direct quotes, the core themes suggest memorable lines would revolve around Frances's unwavering resolve to keep her family together, her mother's heartbreaking decision, and the children's resilience in the face of separation. Readers often remember moments that encapsulate Frances's bravery and the emotional weight of their journey.
What writing style does the author use?
Joan Lowery Nixon uses a clear, engaging, and empathetic writing style typical of middle-grade historical fiction. The narrative focuses on Frances's perspective, allowing readers to deeply connect with her emotional journey and the challenges she faces, while also providing vivid historical context without overwhelming the young audience.
What minor details add significant meaning?
The detail of Frances dressing as a boy, not just for disguise but to access opportunities and protections unavailable to girls in that era, adds significant meaning, highlighting the gender inequalities of the 1850s and Frances's extraordinary determination. Her decision underscores the desperation and resourcefulness required for survival.
What are some subtle foreshadowing moments?
The initial conversations among the Kelly children about their future, particularly Frances's protective instincts towards her younger siblings even before they board the train, subtly foreshadow her later heroic actions. Her early displays of leadership and responsibility hint at her capacity to take drastic measures to keep them together.
What unexpected character connections exist?
Beyond the immediate family, unexpected connections often arise from the diverse group of children on the orphan train and the various families they encounter. These interactions, sometimes brief, reveal surprising kindness or cruelty, showing how strangers can profoundly impact the children's journey and Frances's resolve.
What are unspoken character motivations?
Frances's unspoken motivation is a fierce, almost primal, need to maintain the family unit, driven by the trauma of losing her father and the fear of complete abandonment. Her mother's unspoken motivation is a profound self-sacrifice, believing that separating her children, despite the pain, is the only way to offer them a chance at a better life than she can provide.
What psychological complexities do characters exhibit?
Frances exhibits complex psychological resilience, masking her fear with bravado and determination, constantly battling her own vulnerability while projecting strength for her siblings. Her mother grapples with immense guilt and love, making a choice that causes immediate pain but is fueled by long-term hope for her children's welfare.
What are the major emotional turning points?
A major emotional turning point is the forced separation of the Kelly siblings in St. Joseph, Missouri, which solidifies Frances's resolve to act. Another is the moment Frances decides to disguise herself as a boy, marking her transformation from a protective sister to an active agent of change, taking her destiny into her own hands.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
The relationship dynamics between Frances and her siblings evolve from typical sibling squabbles to a profound bond of mutual reliance and unwavering loyalty, strengthened by adversity. Her relationship with her mother, initially strained by the separation, is ultimately understood through the lens of her mother's desperate love and sacrifice.
Which parts remain ambiguous or open-ended?
While the core story of Frances reuniting her siblings might find resolution, the long-term implications of their individual experiences on the orphan train and their emotional recovery from the trauma of separation often remain somewhat open-ended. The full extent of their future with their mother, and how they truly heal, is left for the reader to ponder.
What are controversial scenes or decisions?
The most controversial decision is the mother's choice to send her children away on the orphan train, which, despite her loving intentions, is a painful and debatable act of parenting. Frances's decision to run away and impersonate a boy, while heroic, also puts her and her siblings in significant danger, sparking debate on the risks she takes.
A Family Apart ending explained: how it ends & what it means
The ending typically sees Frances successfully reuniting her siblings, demonstrating her incredible courage and resourcefulness. It signifies the triumph of family bonds over adversity and the power of a child's love. It also offers a bittersweet understanding of the mother's initial decision, suggesting that her act of 'splitting up their family' was indeed born from a profound, albeit painful, love, ultimately leading to their survival and a chance for a better future.
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