Across America on an Emigrant Train

Reach for this book when your child is curious about the hidden history of the American West or if they are preparing for a major life transition, like moving to a new place. It serves as a grounded look at how grit and observation can help someone navigate a grueling journey into the unknown. Jim Murphy weaves together the true travel diaries of Robert Louis Stevenson with the industrial history of the transcontinental railroad, offering a sophisticated look at 19th-century life. Through Stevenson's perspective, readers encounter the harsh realities of the emigrant experience, from the cramped quarters of the trains to the diverse people seeking a fresh start. This book is ideal for middle schoolers as it balances technical historical details with deep emotional resonance regarding resilience and empathy. It encourages children to look beyond the myths of the 'Wild West' to see the human stories of those who built and traveled the rails.