for Gunpowder Man

Midwest Book Review
The construction of the western section of the first transcontinental railroad is revealed in a blend of western history and biographical sketches of individuals involved in the endeavor. Middle school readers will best appreciate this lively, revealing history which at times reads like fiction, but which always packs in facts.

From Booklist, Lauren Peterson, October 15, 1996
Laughlin offers a readable, behind-the-scenes look at the political maneuvers, backstabbings, and financial dealings that went into the building of the Central Pacific Railroad. With her young audience in mind, she begins the story of the five men largely responsible for the railroad's inception with a glimpse of their teen years, and because she continues to focus on the people rather than the machinery, she keeps the history interesting. Dates and statistics are nicely interwoven within the context of the story; a handy time line is appended; and a selection of maps, historic photographs, and other memorabilia from the time period lend authenticity. Budding engineers, politicians, economists, and railroad or U.S. history buffs will find this a pleasant way to expand their knowledge. Bibliography and notes appended.