Iron Rails, Iron Men, and the Race to Link the Nation: The Story of the Transcontinental Railroad

Written by Martin W. Sandler

What does it take to build a railroad that crosses a nation? Simply put, it takes a nation – tycoons, engineers, immigrants, craftsmen, politicians, and citizens united in a game changing cause. In his book, Sandler describes in detail both the main individuals in building the coast to coast railroad and the circumstances that occurred before, during, and after its construction. It is long but I found myself pulled into the narrative. Even if you are only slightly interested in railroads and only a minor history buff, this is a book worth checking out. Though at a higher reading level, it would be an appropriate history book for any school.

Review by Teresa Edmunds, Westbrook Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 6-12

Iron Rails, Iron Men, and the Race to Link the Nation: The Story of the Transcontinental Railroad
Written by Martin W. Sandler
Candlewick Press
211 pages
Release Date: September 8, 2015

Tags:

2015 YA Nonfiction, exploration, History, Immigrants, Iron Rails Iron Men and the Race to Link the Nation, Martin W. Sandler, Railroads, Teresa Edmunds, Transcontinental Railroad, U.S. History