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When the Whistle Blows Audiobook
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(3.05) - 326 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Meet a town and a train and a time and a boy—Jimmy Cannon. And meet his father—as strong as a Mallet locomotive—whom Jimmy simply cannot figure out! But who, in a dramatic and unexpected twist, turns out to be so much more than Jimmy ever knew. In a book that goes to the core of boyhood—its Halloween mischief, its hunting day mystery, its championship football game surprise, and its nighttime adventures—Fran Cannon Slayton brings her listeners to the breathtaking crossroads of an unforgettable West Virginia railroad town, a family that matters, and adulthood itself.
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"Inspired by Thomas and Beulah a book by Rita Dove and frequent stories from Slayton's father about the B&O railroad in Rowlesburg WV the reader will enjoy a chance to look at life in its simplest terms. Each chapter a short story exposes us to a time where money was scarce and a single industry would surround a town. The railroad was a constant in the life of Jimmy serving generation after generation but more then that we meet a small town that took care of one another. In sickness and health has real meaning be prepared for tears."
— John (4 out of 5 stars)
When the Whistle Blows Listener Reviews
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" I really enjoyed the last few chapters. My only criticism of this book is that I am not sure if kids and teens would like this book. Hope I am wrong! "
— Joy, 2/6/2014 -
" Great story by local author -- having an interest in West Virginia helps too! "
— Monica, 1/16/2014 -
" A coming of age story about the relationship between a father and son, eventually. Told over a series of All Hallows Eve's, the main character grows and comes to eventually understand his father and their complicated relationship. "
— Afton, 1/8/2014 -
" Although this book was published for YA, I believe many adults would enjoy it thoroughly. It is a nostalgic look at a family where the father and older sons work on the railroad in a small W.Va. town in the 40s. The youngest son wants to follow in their footsteps despite his father's wise advice. Those who read Robert Morgan or Fred Chappell will like this. "
— Karlan, 11/15/2013 -
" I think the book was cool and funny because stubby's car was suppose to get hit by rotten food but they end up hitting a cops car "
— Dakota.peterscarrolltigers.org, 10/25/2013 -
" a gift from my grandma. "
— Kiley, 7/31/2013 -
" Very enjoyable -- love to read about fairly local settings (West Virginia, next door to us). The format was different, and it was a great story. "
— Janet, 6/15/2013 -
" Humor, voice. Coming of Age book in WV with trains. Each chapter takes place on All Hallow's Eve. "
— Judith, 5/1/2013 -
" This is my debut novel! "
— Fran, 3/5/2013 -
" Each chapter offers a vivid All Hallow's Eve snapshot of Jimmy Cannon's family and his community in a small WV railroad town during the 1940s. The underlying theme of Jimmy's relationship with his father is beautifully depicted in this moving book. "
— Lisa, 12/19/2012 -
" It is not Me and Caleb. "
— Kathy, 11/5/2012 -
" Great, fun middle grade read! Cool vignette format. "
— Jocelyn, 5/21/2012 -
" Good book. Story gets better as one reads it - nice ending. "
— Dorcas, 1/27/2012 -
" I love the realism of this book. I could feel the character's emotions and actions play out in front of me as if I were watching a movie. I especially think that boys would enjoy this book. "
— Mallory, 1/13/2012 -
" Great book, especially for boy middle schoolers. Regional story set in a West Virginia train town in the 40's and 50s, this book relates the tale of a boy and how he relates to his father as he grows up and his father ages. "
— Lisa, 11/23/2011 -
" Humor, voice. Coming of Age book in WV with trains. Each chapter takes place on All Hallow's Eve. "
— Judith, 3/30/2011 -
" It is not Me and Caleb. "
— Kathy, 12/23/2010 -
" I thought it was O.K. "
— Jackson, 10/18/2010 -
" This was a great coming of age book. I liked the vignettes and the relationships among the characters. "
— Ali, 8/20/2010 -
" Once you get used the style, the stories end up being touching and memorable. A cast of characters that belong on your classroom shelf. "
— JB, 7/5/2010 -
" Reminded me a little of Rocket Boys/October Sky. Loved it. "
— Janssen, 4/19/2010
About Fran Cannon Slayton
Fran Cannon Slayton is the author of the children’s book When the Whistle Blows. She lives in Charlottesville, Virginia
About Peter Berkrot
Peter Berkrot, winner of Audie and Earphones Awards for narration, is a stage, screen, and television actor and acting coach. He has narrated over 450 works that span a range of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, thriller, and children’s titles. His audiobook credits include works of Alan Glynn, Eric Van Lustbader, Nora Roberts and Dean Koontz. In film and television, he appeared in Caddyshack, America’s Most Wanted, and Unsolved Mysteries. He performs in regional and New York theaters and directs the New Voices acting school.