I give 5 stars for Brent Maher's unique musical novel "Night of the Orphan Train." This work is actually a musical historical novel as it brings to life the real story of the Orphan Train program that took abandoned kids off the streets of New York City from the 1880s to 1920 or so-- I am well studied in American history but did not know of this story, which placed over 200,000 kids in homes across the country. The story features a small group of kids who band together and form a strong bond on the streets of NYC only to be separated by their permanent placement in different parts of the United States and then find themselves brought together again by fate and World War I. The music is SUPERB! as would be expected since it was written and produced by 7 Grammy Award winner Brent Maher. Many of the songs in the novel can stand alone as classics. I think The Night of the Orphan Train would make an excellent gift for young people, as it brings history to life and may help children really appreciate their families and homes. The narrator makes the novel come alive. This musical novel is ideal for listening in the car with the kids! I highly recommend this wonderful musical novel by Brent Maher! JC Anderson