Across America on an Emigrant Train

Name: Across America on an Emigrant Train
Brand: Recorded Books
Availability: InStock
Author: Jim Murphy
ISBN: 9781436136914

Author: Jim Murphy

Narrator: Richard M. Davidson

Unabridged: 2 hr 32 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 06/06/2008

Categories: Children's Nonfiction, History, Us History

Synopsis

In the summer of 1879, the young writer Robert Louis Stevenson received a telegram from America. Fanny, a dear friend in California, was ill. Stevenson packed his bags and left his home in Scotland. When the steamer reached the east coast of America, his journey had just begun. Stevenson had little money, so he traveled across America the cheapest way: he went by train. The trip from New York to Monterey, California, would take two exciting weeks. As the train chugged up mountains, through Indian territory, and over trestle bridges, Stevenson recorded his impressions of the rough, vast country and the people he met. Jim Murphy weaves a lively account of Stevenson's journey with fascinating glimpses of the construction of the transcontinental railroad. It is a vivid introduction to one of the most important chapters in the history of the American West. Richard M. Davidson's compelling narration makes the personal journey and the historical information truly accessible to young listeners.

About Jim Murphy

Jim Murphy has written two Newbery Honor books: An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793 (which was also a National Book Award finalist) and The Great Fire. He lives in New Jersey. Visit his Web site at www.jimmurphybooks.com.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Carol

2.5stars. Listed as geared towards grades 5-8. I can't imagine that anyone in that age group would find this entertaining. I love Robert Louis Stevenson's collection of poetry, _A Child's Garden of Verses_. So, I appreciated learning a little more about him.......more

Goodreads review by Malicia

Across America on an Emigrant Train is a historical filled nonfiction book that takes the reader along the journey of Robert Louis Stevenson which started in Scotland and ended in San Francisco to be with his true love, Fanny. This journey takes pace during 1879, a time when many people were migrati......more

Goodreads review by Amanda

The use of Robert Louis Stevenson as the primary source for this opens up the idea of what it was to be an emigrant here in America. I'm always seeking ways to open up young people's minds to the idea that immigrating didn't end at Ellis Island.=.......more

Goodreads review by Alicia

Across America on an Emigrant Train is a book about a man named Louis Stevenson and his trip from New York to California in 1879. Murphy explains that many emigrants chose to travel west in the United States because of “a combination of genuine opportunities and freedom, shrewd business, and good ad......more