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

With lively prose and striking photographs, Sandler tells the amazing story of engineering marvels, extraordinary courage, and sheer determination…A dramatic story related in dramatic fashion.—Kirkus ReviewsThe pacing, particularly when the two teams meet, is spot-on and mimics the advances of a train…Sandler tells a good story, filled with complex characters, adventure, and heartache, and he meticulously documents his research efforts.—School Library JournalA plethora of archival photographs highlight daring men and rugged landscapes in this well-researched and fascinating adventure in history.—BooklistAlternating chapters follow the railroad’s progress westward from Omaha with the Union Pacific Railroad and eastward from Sacramento with the Central Pacific Railroad, until the two lines meet in Promontory Summit, Utah…Well-positioned and comprehensive sidebar material adds fascinating detail about the people (investors, surveyors, engineers, laborers) and places involved in the project.—The Horn BookThere is a wealth of documentation and a timeline that will assist in those wishing to pursue more information in this satisfying introduction to a major historical event.—School Library Connection

Martin W. Sandler has written more than seventy books for children and adults, including The Impossible Rescue: The True Story of an Amazing Arctic Adventure. He has also written and produced seven television series. He lives with his wife in Massachusetts.