Rodzina Audiobook By Karen Cushman cover art

Rodzina

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Rodzina

By: Karen Cushman
Narrated by: Becky Ann Baker
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In 1881, 12-year-old Rodzina Clara Jadwiga Anastazya Brodski wishes she didn't have to board the orphan train in Chicago. But she has no home, no family, and no choice. Rodzina doesn't believe the orphans are on their way out West to be adopted by good families. She's sure they will become slaves to strangers. Anyway, who would ever adopt a large, tough, stubborn girl of Polish origin? As the train heads west, all Rodzina has is a small suitcase and her family memories from the past. Will Rodzina ever step off the train to find the family that deep in her heart she's searching for?©2003 Karen Cushman (P)2009 Listening Library Family Life Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Heartfelt

Critic reviews

"Rodzina's musings and observations provide poignancy, humor, and a keen sense of the human and topographical landscape." ( School Library Journal)
"A natural for American history or social studies classes, this is especially interesting as a women's history title, with Rodzina portrayed as an unromantic protagonist, big, angry, tough. . . . Cushman talks about the history in a lengthy final note, and she includes a bibliography of other orphan books. ( Booklist)
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And not only is the narrator an adult, she reads the book as if she’s reading to four-year olds. The book is written for 9-14 year olds, so why oh why read it in a baby voice? There are plenty of great narrators that are either very young or naturally sound like young tweens/teens, who would’ve done a MUCH better job of bringing out the true “feeling” of the 12-year old girl recounting this story.

Why do they get adult narrators for child roles?

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Would you listen to Rodzina again? Why?

I would absolutely listen Rodzina again. You can always count on Karen Cushman for a vibrant and compelling story with a gutsy and beautifully human heroine. Becky Ann Baker really brought the story to life.

Wonderful

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I love Karen Cushman's books. They transport you to other worlds and times! Great Read!

great!

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We follow a group of orphans from Chicago on a train to the west, stopping at some cities to see if there are homes for the children. The train ride gives a picture of some of the kids and we are either worried, happy, or dismayed as the children leave with families we know little about. A few find loving homes, others are expected to be slaves and another - the 12 year old girl who is the narration, taken as a helper with a batch of kids, but really to come into the bed of a man whose wife is dying.
Well worth the listen.

Wonderful, based on true stories

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What made the experience of listening to Rodzina the most enjoyable?

Rodzina grabs you from the very first!A very different heoine, great story line I had to listen to the whole thing right away!!

What did you like best about this story?

the development of the main character, you want her to find what she is looking for

Have you listened to any of Becky Ann Baker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the ending of the book! What a great way to end the story!!dont want to give it away!!

Great Book

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This is a simple but lovely story. It is narrated in a young voice of the main character.

Simple but lovely story

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