The story starts as Rydr boards a train that will carry her across the country to live with relations she has never met. As a minor traveling alone, she is assigned a attendant, Dorothea to keep an eye on her while she makes the long journey. At first Rydr (the readers isn't even sure that is her real name) sticks to herself, but eventually an empty stomach (she didn't have any money to buy food) and the long lonely miles compel her to interact with the other passengers and staff. As she does the reader comes to know her back story and the unfortunate events that have lead to the journey. She starts to hang out with a bunch of scouts, and one in particular becomes a closer friend. Soon friendships with other passengers and staff bloom until, when the end of the trip arrives, she feels like she has become a part of a loving family.This is a different and refreshing approach to the "social issues" trope. Rydr has a boat load (or I guess a train load) of issues, as do others on the train, but their forced physical proximity makes them come together and help each other cope. Rydr is a quirky and likeable character and her relationship with Dorothea, Neal the concessions guy, and the scouts are both complex and satisfying. I think this one has a shot at the Newbery. (192 p. 2017)
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