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 Goodreads · 211 ratings
32 pages· 604 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud· ~550L
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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
~550L
The author

More from Angela Johnson

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The illustrator

More from Loren Long

Explore Loren's bookshelf
Your next read

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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
Publisher
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780689826092
LCCN
98052886
OCLC
40453005

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