The Stolen Train

This book will make you feel like you're in the Civil War. The mission in this book was the biggest mission in the book. The book takes place in the 1860's. In the book the southern side was wining the war. Then Abraham Lincoln sent his best general's on the field. His name was General McClellan. His nickname was Young Napoleon. Lincoln thought by doing this dangerous Mission it would stop the confederate states from dominating even more. The train was very important to the south so by taking the train it would weaken them. I recommend this book to people who like history and the Civil War.

I first read this book when I was in elementary school and have reread it several times over the years. During the American Civil war a small band of Union soldiers sneak into the Confederacy and steal a train with their goal to drive it back to Union lines. Along the way, they plan on destroying tracks and burning railroad bridges. If successful, it would be impossible for the Confederacy to move men and material to the front fast enough to stop the Union advancement. It is based on a true story and had they been successful, it most likely would have shortened the war. This is a story of heroism and courage. The main character is Johnnie Adams, a fifteen year old private who can run fast and climb poles quickly. This character is fictitious, added to increase the appeal to young people. Johnnie is brave, doing his duty until the train must be abandoned, then managing to move alone through Confederate territory until he rejoins Union forces. The story ends with all of the surviving members of the band being decorated by President Lincoln in the White House. There were many aspects to the American Civil war; it was truly one where brother fought brother. In this story we see a different side of the violent struggle where men died horrific deaths. While some of the raiding party were hung as spies, no one dies in battle and there is an emphasis on success by daring and an avoidance of casualties. It is a good story about the cunning side of war.

I really enjoyed this book. It is ideal for the age group 9-12. While younger children would be able to read it they would probably find it confusing. I really like trains and it had good information about the trains of the era. I also am interested in the Civil War and that is another reason I liked this book.