In the summer of 1879, the young writer Robert Louis Stevenson received a telegram from America. Fanny, a dear friend in California, was ill. Stevenson packed his bags and left his home in Scotland. When the steamer reached the east coast of America, his journey had just begun. Stevenson had little money, so he traveled across America the cheapest way: he went by train. The trip from New York to Monterey, California, would take two exciting weeks. As the train chugged up mountains, through Indian territory, and over trestle bridges, Stevenson recorded his impressions of the rough, vast country and the people he met. Jim Murphy weaves a lively account of Stevenson's journey with fascinating glimpses of the construction of the transcontinental railroad. It is a vivid introduction to one of the most important chapters in the history of the American West. Richard M. Davidson's compelling narration makes the personal journey and the historical information truly accessible to young listeners.
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"Nice nonfiction about the American Railroad system's heyday framed in the story of author Robert Louis Stevenson's trip across America on one such train. Well-written and interesting subject matter, though definitely not for everyone." — Ellie (4 out of 5 stars)
"Nice nonfiction about the American Railroad system's heyday framed in the story of author Robert Louis Stevenson's trip across America on one such train. Well-written and interesting subject matter, though definitely not for everyone."
" I thought this book had a good point of view from Robert Stevenson's view. It was pretty good. "
" Rather boring. . .I had to read it for school. "
" Nonfiction about traveling across America during the early days of trains. It was interesting and has good photos. "
Jim Murphy is an editor and writer with more than a dozen books for young readers to his credit. Research Mr. Murphy was doing on the Civil War inspired his book The Boys’ War, as well as The Long Road to Gettysburg.
Richard M. Davidson is an actor and Earphones Award–winning narrator. Trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, he is well versed in theater and has had a long-standing career in acting, including a lead role in the show Diamonds, which aired on the CBS network, and a part in ESPN’s The Hustle.
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