Boxcar Benji-Riding the Rails

By Les C Newvine

This is the story of two teenage boys who meet in Chicago's Hooverville during the Great Depression. From their discussions on baseball during their search for food for their families, they become more connected, and friendship develops. Benji, a Cubs fan, wears a cap with a large C stitched on the crown. George, a White Sox fan, wears a cap with an S stitched on the crown.

The hardships and struggles they face together become more of a challenge with each passing day. During their attempt to search for food, which becomes more scarce, the boys realize something more has to be done. One evening, they decide it best to leave their families.

Finally, they depart Hooverville, and both are wearing their signature baseball caps, frayed, worn-out jackets, long-sleeved shirts, scuffed-up pants, and shoes. Each carries a pocketknife. Upon their departure, Benji and George are fourteen and sixteen years old, respectively, and form a closer bond that is more like that of being blood brothers. The thrill of riding the rails is motivated by false hopes and the feeling they could conquer the world.

The boys head west, traveling through different states, looking for a better life, but riding the rails isn't the glamorous life they anticipated. They face numerous challenges along the way. At times, life isn't much better than at Chicago's Hooverville. Benji and George's adventure is one of being on a roller-coaster ride as they face the daily struggles of attempting to secure personal safety, have enough food to eat, and a place to rest their weary heads.

Even though the story focuses on Benji and George's friendship and the interactions between them, it is also about the friendships they form with others to help them overcome the hardships they encounter. It is about two boys' determination, persistence, hope, and courage while trying to survive through the most difficult of times--the Great Depression.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0F6T6R57T
• ISBN13: 9798894275208
• Release Date: April 2025
• Publisher: Fulton Books
• Length: 182 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 13 to 18 years
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary