Author Reef uncovers the true history of orphanages, revealing what it was like to eat, sleep, study, and play in such institutions, why children were sent to live there in the first place (not always because their parents were dead), what happened to them after they left, and more. Carefully researched and brought to life through accessible writing, first-hand accounts, and more than 70 archival photographs and prints.--From publisher description.

Thrown upon the world -- Asylum children -- Saving youthful hearts -- Let society beware! -- Soldiers' orphans -- Everyone's business -- This army of children -- Afterword: where life led some of the children who appeared in this book.