title: Iron Rails, Iron Men, and the Race to Link the Nation: The Story of the Transcontinental Railroad
author:  Martin W. Sandler 
description: Gr 7 UpSandler chronicles the development of the transcontinental railroad, from its genesis through its legacy, with an abundance of photographs and lively text. Alternating chapters describe the progress made by the two companiesthe Central Pacific and the Union Pacificand the author incorporates maps and images, appropriately placed along the way, to further convey the magnitude of the railroad. The pacing, particularly when the two teams meet, is spot-on and mimics the advances of a train. Sandler tempers this engineering feat with details about the corruption that surrounded it, the "Hell on Wheels" towns that appeared alongside the tracks, and the human and environmental toll it took, which enables readers to look critically at an historical event. Sidebars and primary sources, which highlight people and innovations and enrich the narrative, interrupt the story's flow in a few places. Even though Sandler expounds throughout on the sacrifices made by Chinese workers and the irreparable impact on Native Americans and their culture, the book is written from the perspective of those in power. VERDICT Sandler tells a good story, filled with complex characters, adventure, and heartache, and he meticulously documents his research efforts.Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY
zlib_text: Published by The History Press
  Charleston, SC
  www.historypress.com
  Copyright © 2019 by Mike Cox
  All rights reserved
  First published 2019
  e-book edition 2019
  ISBN 978.1.43966.777.4
  Library of Congress Control Number: 2019940044
  print edition ISBN 978.1.46713.934.2
  Notice: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. It is
  offered without guarantee on the part of the author or The History Press. The author and The
  History Press disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.
  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
  whatsoever without prior written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief
  quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
  
  CONTENTS
  Preface
  Prologue: The View from the Barn
  Katy Comes to Texas
  The Not-So-Gay Nineties
  Workin’ on the Railroad
  Railroad Wreck Made to Order
  A Man with a Very Apropos Name
  The Sincerest Form of Flattery
  Building Steam
  “The Most Nove