Stop the Train!
Grade 5-8-This exciting historical novel opens in the year 1893 when the Oklahoma Land Rush is in full swing. Cissy Sissney and her parents have just arrived to stake a claim in the future town of Florence. Their mode of transportation is a train, the Red Rock Runner, soon to become a major factor in the story. Angered that the settlers can't be talked into selling him their claims, the railroad owner vows never to allow stops in Florence. He becomes all the more determined when his son throws his lot in with the town. If the newcomers can't change his mind, their town is doomed. A colorful cast of characters works to solve this dilemma but every plan seems destined to fail. A teacher is hired and opens the world's most unconventional school, and everyone is thrilled when a traveling troupe of actors comes to town. So well do they perform their melodrama that a member of the audience stands up and shoots the villain, who then stays and becomes another citizen of Florence. There is also a real villain and a major feud between two families, resulting in a child actually being tied to the tracks to stop the train. There is much tongue-in-cheek humor in this rollicking tale, and wonderful figurative language abounds. However, the true appeal lies in the eccentric but lovable characters and their unusual exploits. Plus, the story, based on true events, is just downright fun to read.Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NCCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.