Fort Orphans — Aren Lerner

Juvenile historical fiction for all ages about 10 and up, Book 1 opens in 1861 as Lizzy Rogers and Andrew Black, two orphans working for their keep at Fort Raven under a gruff and demanding army captain, are convinced that their lives will always stay the same. But changes begin when the Civil War breaks out in the East and a friendly young couple arrives at the fort from Kansas. The fort garrison is soon sent further west to protect the Union's gold mines, and they all set out on an exciting journey, one that will take them far into the mountains of Montana Territory, while bringing them some new experiences, new friends, and some surprising new perspectives on life.