Sandler, Martin W. Iron Rails, Iron Men and the Race To
Link
the Nation:
The
Transcontinental Railroad. Candlewick Press 2015 211p. $22.99 ISBN 978-0-7636-6527-2 all ages Nonfiction E-BN
The creation
of a railway that runs from coast to coast across the United States is the
subject of this history. The construction of the transcontinental railroad ushered
in the industrial age across much of this nation. This title, in very concise, easily read text,
tells the story of the construction project from its inception as the dream of
Asa Whitney, to the incorporation of migrant workers from Europe and Asia for
the blasting and construction, to the political and financial hurdles to
completion of the construction, to the related social
impacts of the
project, and finally to its completion. Many pages include photographs, maps and
other related documents that help to pull the reader through the book. The epilogue describes what happened to many of the individuals
who were a driving force behind the project. The book concludes with a timeline, extensive source notes, a
bibliography, photography credits,
and an index. A list of web links would have been a welcome addition.
The
book is highly recommended
for inclusion in any secondary school or public library collection.
Summary: The construction
of the transcontinental railroad ushered
in the industrial age across much of this nation. This title, in very concise, easily read text,
tells the story of the construction project from its inception to its completion.
Railroads-History --Lynn Fisher
