The Transcontinental Railroad (A True Book: Westward Expansion)

by John Perritano

Overview

A True Book: Westward Expansion takes readers on an amazing journey to a fascinating time in U.S. history when the country was experiencing dynamic change and expanding westward.

This book provides the keys to discovering the important people, places and events that helped shape the western United States. An age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study is included.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780531212486
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	09/01/2010
Series:	A True Book (Relaunch)
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	6.80(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.20(d)
Lexile:	910L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 10 Years

About the Author

John Perritano is an award-wining journalist, author, and editor from Connecticut. He has written many books and articles on science, history, and current events. Perritano holds a master’s degree in American history from Western Connecticut State University.

Table of Contents

1 Rise of the Rails

How did people travel in the 1800s? 7

2 Finding a Way West

How did the Civil War affect the transcontinental railroad? 11

3 America Gets on Track

What was life like along the railroad's path? 19

4 Working on the Railroad

What problems did workers face when building the railroad? 27

Railroad Towns

What were railroad towns? 32

5|

What changes did the transcontinental railroad bring to the United States 35

True Statistics 43

Resources 44

Important Words 46

Index 47

About the Author 48

Editorial Reviews

Gr 3–5—These books provide elementary readers with clear explanations, maps, illustrations, time lines, and engaging reproductions of primary resources. Each volume contains eye-catching quick facts; illustrations and photographs are representational of regional Native Americans, pioneers, and explorers. This is ideal material for reports on the Westward expansion. Revised from the 2006 "True Book" series, these updated editions take on a more interactive approach, adding sidebars and lively graphics just right for today's millennium readers.—Melissa Smith, Green Valley Library, Henderson, NV

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