Across America on an Emigrant Train facts for kids
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| Author | Jim Murphy |
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| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Subject | Children's non-fiction, US history, |
| Published | 1993 (Clarion Books) |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 150 |
| ISBN | 9780395633908 |
| OCLC | 27066884 |
Imagine traveling across a huge country like America, not by plane or car, but by train – a long, long time ago! Across America on an Emigrant Train is an exciting history book for young readers, written by Jim Murphy in 1993. This book takes you back to 1879, following the real-life journey of a famous writer named Robert Louis Stevenson. He traveled all the way from New York City on the East Coast to California on the West Coast by train.
Contents
What is This Book About?
This book tells the story of what it was like to travel across the United States by train in the late 1800s. It focuses on the experiences of people who were moving to new places, often looking for a better life. These travelers were called "emigrants." The book uses the actual notes and writings of Robert Louis Stevenson, who made this very journey.
Who Was Robert Louis Stevenson?
Robert Louis Stevenson was a famous Scottish writer. He wrote many well-known books, like Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In 1879, he decided to travel across America by train. He wanted to meet his future wife, Fanny Osbourne, who was in California. His journey gave him a unique look at American life and the challenges of train travel back then.
Life on an Emigrant Train
Traveling by train in 1879 was very different from today. Emigrant trains were often crowded and not very comfortable. Passengers would sleep in their seats or on hard benches. They brought their own food and supplies for the long trip. The journey could take many days, even weeks, as the trains moved slowly across vast landscapes.
What Did Travelers See?
As the train moved, passengers saw many different parts of America. They traveled through busy cities, wide-open plains, and towering mountains. They saw small towns and huge, empty spaces. This journey showed them the incredible size and variety of the United States. It was a big adventure for everyone on board.
Awards and Recognition
Across America on an Emigrant Train has won some important awards. These awards show that the book is well-written and important for young readers.
- In 1994, it won the Jefferson Cup Award. This award is given to books that help young people understand American history.
- Also in 1994, it won the Orbis Pictus Award. This award celebrates outstanding non-fiction books for children.
