Extra! Extra! The Orphan Trains and Newsboys of New York is a  historical nonfiction that effectively communicates little known details about the orphan trains that departed New York City carrying more than 250,000 children from various East Coast orphanages to all points West across the United States to become the largest mass migration of children in US history.

Over 200 hauntingly good photographs weave history throughout an incredible collection of stories in this tome. From children who faced nearly insurmountable odds, to agonizing letters written by desperate mothers, to news stories of the latest train, or of newsboys looking out for each other, the humanity of individuals caught up in the sweep of history is unmistakable.

Praise for The Orphan Trains and Newsboys of New York

“Fending for oneself as a child is a rough endeavor. Extra! Extra! The Orphan Trains and Newsboys of New York tells the story of the fate of many children in the early twentieth century, and how the Children's Aid Society sought to help these young people through their early lives. From helping them find homes in rural America through the infamous orphan trains, to giving the newsboys of New York places to stay, the Children's Aid Society engaged in remarkable work. This book is a fascinating survey of the history of child welfare in the United States.” Midwest Book Review

“Extra! Extra! The Orphan Trains and Newsboys of New York reaches the heart of the reader, and the heart of America! As the developer of the musical theatrical production Orphan Train, I only hope this dramatic piece is as touching and important as this incredible book written by author Renée Wendinger.” Patricia Birch, Emmy Award winner, director and choreographer for musical theatre and film.
Grease, A Little Night Music, They’re Playing Our Song, West Side Story, etc.
New York, New York

"In a most beautiful and professional way, this book represents a true labor of love. A candid, humbling, but ultimately inspiring look at a very particular theme and period in American history. The archival photos of newsboys and bootblacks surviving on the streets of New York. Hauntingly good! With this volume alone, Renée Wendinger has made the planet a better place." John Graham Tucker, president of Norfleet Press, New York New York

" An absolutely incredible book! A timeless classic! Written like a newspaper (hence the Extra! Extra! in the book title) dispatches a fascinating story written by a very talented lady who portrays the children's stories so well. A concentrated New York College course has been built upon this accomplished book alone." Stephen Duer, New York Historian; Art and Susan Zuckerman, New York Professors of History, and Radio Station WVOX, New York, New York