Review by Booklist Review
Reviewed with Daniel Rosen's Independence Now0 . Gr. 3-5. Designed to shed light on themes in U.S. history, these volumes in the new Crossroads America series pair colorful, dramatic illustrations--most, but not all, period--with easily digested narratives divided into one- or two-page topical segments. Halpern traces the construction and influence of the transcontinental railroad, providing glimpses of everything from train robbers and travel aboard first-class Pullman and last-class "Zulu" cars to the railroads' effects on emigration. Focusing on just a few major battles, Rosen views the American Revolution as a kind of civil war, lucidly showing how a combination of military mismanagement and persistent misjudgment of their opponents caused the British to lose the war. Both authors consider the contributions of women and minority groups, tuck numerous pithy quotes into side boxes, and close with short glossaries. Aside from a pair of URLs on the back flaps, there are no further resources, and Rosen misleadingly labels two famous paintings of Washington "primary sources," but these titles effectively give young readers overviews of pivotal events, as well as food for thought. --John Peters Copyright 2004 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-6-Arranged in six chapters with one-page subtopics, this book presents a brief but thorough discussion of the railroad as it relates to the history, environment, and social conditions in the United States. Halpern covers the need for improved transportation, the planning and funding of the railroad, the opposition to its construction, the workers and working conditions, the "great race," and the advent of train robbers. The pleasing format features wide margins, neatly arranged text, sidebars, and numerous illustrations (vintage black-and-white photos, sepia photos, two maps, and several attractive softly tinted, pen-and-ink drawings). Informative captions and quotations from famous Americans of the time enhance the narrative. Rhoda Blumberg's Full Steam Ahead (National Geographic, 1996) has several similarities (including five photos) to this title, but offers more in-depth coverage on a higher reading level, making the two books good companions. This is a first-choice purchase for its visually appealing presentation and its succinct yet thorough treatment of the topic.-Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Each short book highlights an important period in American history. Full-page color spreads of reproduced paintings and photographs are much more attractive than the bland texts. Eye-pleasing borders and overlays often overshadow rather than illuminate the texts. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Crossroads America titles: Railroad Fever and Independence Now.] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
