Across America on an Emigrant Train

By Jim Murphy

Book Overview

An account of Robert Louis Stevenson's twelve-day journey from New York to California in 1879 to see his ailing fianc? provides the opportunity to experience a cross-country journey firsthand. Drawn from Stevenson's journal, Across America offers a unique and fascinating primary-source account of transcontinental train travel.

Interwoven with descriptions of traveling companions, other emigrants, and their collective experiences, Across America weaves together the broader story--the building of the transcontinental railroad and the settling of the West.

Stevenson's journey becomes the dramatic and moving window through which to experience the effect of the railroads on the territories they crossed; the disruption and destruction of Native American life they caused; the slaughter of the buffalo; as well as portraits of the towns that quickly came and vanished as the construction crews moved on. Through Stevenson's memoirs, one also experiences the excitement of hope and the lure of the West.

Illustrated with numerous period maps, drawings, photos and engravings that bring the story of westward expansion uniquely to life.

NCTE Orbis Pictus Award * The Jefferson Cup Award * An ALA Notable Children's Book

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395764831
• ISBN13: 9780395764831
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 150 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.4" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Across America on an Emigrant Train

I am currently working on a project that will help boost the literacy rate here in America. I have chosen the 1860's as my time period. This book gives a lot of background that I needed to compose great stories. The stories will center on trains, both those who worked them and those who rode them. A great deal will be about the life of orphans. The best part about these stories will be that everyone will be allowed to participate in writing them.

Excellent book

This is a short easy and fun history book that blends excerpts Robert Louis Stevenson's "Amateur Emigrant" and "Across the Plains" with Jim Murphy's prose and descriptions. I was expecting a kids book but far from it - while not academic or even pretentiously so, it's on par with a PBS episode of "American Experience" and reminds me of how fun history can be. The historical photo's are excellent, numerous and tightly connected to the text. Highly recommended for anyone interested in RLS, American history and the immigrant experience of the late 19th century. Jim Murphy has written about a dozen books like this including some Newbury award winners, hope to read some more, the language and prose is easy and leaves a strong impression of time and place, very enjoyable.

Anonymous_tsimp_dtown

A very interesting book with all you need to know about the railroad, transcontinental or Robert Louis Stevenson. Very descriptive, Great Literature.