Rudy Rides the Rails: A Depression Era Story (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781585362868)

In 1932, Akron, Ohio was no better off than other parts of the country. Since Black Tuesday in '29, companies are closed, men all over the state are out of work, and families are running out of hope. Thirteen-year-old Rudy wants to help but doesn't know where to turn. His father, sullen and withdrawn, spends his time sulking on their front porch. His mother is desperate, not knowing how she will feed and care for her family. When Rudy learns of other boys leaving town and heading west to seek their fortunes, he hops a train figuring at least there will be one less mouth to feed at home. As Rudy lives the hobo life while he "rides the rails" to California, young readers are given a snapshot view and testament of Depression-era America.Writer Dandi Daley Mackall met the real "Ramblin' Rudy" in 2000 and was inspired to capture his story and the spirit of adventure shown by many during the Great Depression. She conducts writing workshops across the United States and speaks at numerous conferences. Dandi lives in West Salem, Ohio. Rudy Rides the Rails is Chris Ellison's second book with Sleeping Bear Press. He also illustrated Let Them Play, which was named to the 2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People list. Chris is presently working on another Tales of Young Americans story about the Oklahoma Land Run. He lives in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Author: Dandi Daley Mackall
ISBN-10: 1585362867
ISBN-13: 9781585362868
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Language: English
Published: 03/01/2007
Pages: 40
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.08lbs
Size: 11.05h x 9.31w x 0.41d

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.3
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 115855 / Rudy Rides the Rails: A Depression Era Story

Award: Delaware Diamonds Award - Nominee

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 05/01/2007 pg. 91
School Library Journal 06/01/2007 pg. 152
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2007 pg. 299 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw