In her book, 'The Sun Won’t Come Out Tomorrow: The Dark History of American Orphanhood', Kristen Martin draws from her own experience of losing both parents to highlight that orphanhood is a profound reality for many, not just a literary trope.

Reflecting on her childhood in the 1990s, Martin was influenced by optimistic portrayals of orphans in stories like 'Annie' and 'The Boxcar Children', which often feature happy endings.

However, Martin argues that such narratives oversimplify the complexities of real orphanhood, framing orphans either as pitiable victims needing rescue or as self-sufficient heroes.

Martin emphasizes that poverty has been a primary factor in rendering children vulnerable, rather than the absence of parents, and that societal views on poverty often lead to stigmatization.

Historically, many children in orphanages had living parents who were simply too poor to care for them, challenging the common misconception that orphanhood is solely about parental death.

She also discusses the shift from private to public care systems, which has led to increased regulation of families of color, framing children as instruments of social control rather than individuals in need.

In her analysis, Martin poses critical questions about societal perceptions of deserving parents and children, particularly in relation to race and immigration.

The care of orphans has historically been influenced by charitable and religious institutions, which have systemic biases that often excluded Black children and immigrant families from receiving adequate care.

Martin contrasts fictional narratives of orphanhood with the harsh realities faced by many orphaned children throughout American history, shedding light on the darker aspects of this issue.

Despite the dark history of orphanhood, Martin's work carries a sense of hope, advocating for accountability and improvement in the treatment of vulnerable families in America.