Runaway Train: Saved by Belle of the Mines and Mountains

Reviewed by: Barbara Merritt - Scarborough School Department, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 1, 2015

Review

This book is a play, part of a series of historical fiction books. Bella and her family move from Ohio to the south so her father could get work. She finds it difficult fitting in with Southern girls and ends up helping on the railroad where she becomes a hero. The story is told from the perspective of the young Bella and also from the now elderly Bella looking back on her life. That may be confusing to children. These books would encourage group reading and could help bring history to life for children acting out the plays. It would be a good--and different--addition to your history shelves.

Overall Book Score: good