railroads

In mid-1860s, two railroad companies had a huge job in front of them: building the transcontinental railroad. The railroad would run from east to west across the United States. As the grueling work began, there were many choices to make. Now the choices are yours. Would you rather blast rock to lay track in the Sierra Nevada mountain range or build bridges across raging rivers in the Great Plains? Would you rather sleep in a cold mountain tunnel or in a camp infested with bedbugs and rats? It's your turn to pick this or that!.

"Simple text and full-color photography introduce beginning readers to how trains work. Developed by literacy experts for students in kindergarten through third grade"--Provided by publisher.

Thomas the Tank Engine can't move any further along on the track because the rails were broken, causing a problem all along the line.

A little engine decides it could go much faster without pulling all the other cars, so it takes off by itself.

Introduces different types of trains from freight trains to subways, and discusses their history, engineering feats, and where trains get their power.

"In 1863, America is divided not just by the civil war but by months of travel over thousands of miles. Two railroad companies, one each from East and West, are given the task of connecting the nation by rail. Building this railroad will be a monumental undertaking, difficult and dangerous. The work falls to immigrant laborers from the lowest economic classes. They accomplish astounding feats of engineering while waiting for an answer: Will those who connect the country be accepted into it?"-- Provided by publisher.

Mae is a little girl, and Bear is a bear, but they are both afraid of trains and traveling to places they do not know, so they put on courage hats; Mae's has bear ears, and Bear's has people ears, and when they meet on the train going through bear country to the city, they take courage in each other's company and soon become friends--and when they arrive they exchange hats, which is a lot like exchanging hearts.

Mr. Complain always has something to grumble about, even as he takes a spectacular train ride through mountains, volcanoes, caves, and oceans, but as his trip comes to an end he realizes he genuinely enjoyed the journey and is ready to go again.

Readers will learn interesting and historical facts about the fast trains that run through parts of Europe, like when they began operation and how they are used today.

"John Henry is the strongest, fastest hammerman working on the railroads in the years after the American Civil War. One day, a salesman comes by with a machine he says can drill faster than any man. John is determined to prove no fancy device can beat him"--Back cover.