I Dream of Trains
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2003 · Est. 5 min read-aloud

I Dream of Trains

Written by Angela Johnson · Illustrated by Loren Long

A boy dreams of escape on trains, but losing his hero threatens his hope.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 211 ratings
32 pages· 604 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

A young boy finds solace in the rhythmic escape of passing trains while working in the cotton fields. His dreams ride with legendary engineer Casey Jones, but when tragedy strikes, he faces the challenge of holding onto his dreams. Can he find a new path to freedom, or will his aspirations vanish with his hero? This poignant tale explores the power of dreams and resilience in the face of loss.

From the publisher

The poignant words of two-time Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Angela Johnson and striking images from fine artist Loren Long join forces in this heartbreaking yet uplifting picture book about a boy, his love for trains, and his adulation of one legendary engineer. Papa says it’s the sound of leaving that speaks to my soul… A young black boy toils all day long on a cotton field where his one escape is watching the trains go by on the nearby tracks and imagining they’re carrying him somewhere far away–maybe with Casey Jones at the helm. But when the boy loses his hero, will he lose his dream, too?

Awards

Golden Kite Award (2004)
At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
32
Words
604
Reading age
5–7
Audience
Picture
Lexile
~549L
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from Angela Johnson

Explore Angela's bookshelf
All Different Now
Sale price
$1799

All Different Now

Ages 5–9 · 2013
Series
Sale price
$799

When I Am Old with You

Ages 4–8 · 1990

Just Like Josh Gibson

Ages 5–7 · 2004

A Sweet Smell of Roses

Ages 5–8 · 2005
The illustrator

More from Loren Long

Explore Loren's bookshelf

The Night Before Christmas

Ages 4–8

Never Forget Eleanor

Ages 4–8 · 2023

If I Was the Sunshine

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Little Tree

Ages 5–8 · 2015
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

Corduroy Writes a Letter

Ages 4–6

Casey Back at Bat

Ages 4–8 · 2007

Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Love Made Me More

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Hello, Mr. Dodo!

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Wherever You Go

Ages 3–6 · 2015

The Little I Who Lost His Dot

Ages 3–6 · 2018

Baby's First Bank Heist

Ages 3–6 · 2019
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
3.6
F&P level
~N
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
72439
Publication
Published
September 1, 2003
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780689826092

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo