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.

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.

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