Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1990 · Est. 13 min read

Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express

Written by Margaret K. Wetterer · Illustrated by Karen Ritz

Part of the On My Own History series

A storm-damaged bridge, a midnight train, and a race against time to save lives.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 233 ratings
48 pages· 1,556 words· Est. 13 min read
$8.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Fifteen-year-old Kate faces a perilous journey across a storm-battered bridge to stop a speeding train. With lives hanging in the balance, her courage and quick thinking are the only hope. Can she reach the station in time, or will disaster strike? This gripping true story of bravery unfolds in the heart of Iowa, where one girl's determination becomes a beacon of hope against the odds.

From the publisher

Kate stared at the rickety wooden bridge. There were boards loose on its narrow walkway. There was no railing to hold on to. She was afraid to cross this bridge even in daylight. But she had to cross it now. She had to get to the train station in time to stop the midnight express. When a heavy storm destroyed the bridge over Honey Creek, near Kate Shelley’s home in Moingona, Iowa, fifteen-year-old Kate bravely rushed out into the storm, saving the lives of two men and preventing hundreds of other lives from being lost. This is the true story of a young girl’s resourcefulness and courage in the face of great danger.

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
48
Words
1,556
Reading age
7–10
Audience
Transitional Reader
Lexile
570L
Themes & topics
Books about transportationBooks about trainsBooks about science and natureBooks about disasters
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 illustrator

More from Karen Ritz

Explore Karen's bookshelf
Ian's Walk
Sale price
$1699

Ian's Walk

Ages 6–8 · 1998

Windows With Birds

Ages 4–8 · 2010
The series

The On My Own History series

See the whole series
Series
Sale price
$899

Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie

Ages 7–10 · 1985

Buttons for General Washington

Ages 7–10 · 1986

An American Army of Two

Ages 7–10 · 1991
Sale price
$899

The Snow Walker

Ages 7–10 · 1995
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

Penny and Pepper

Ages 6–9 · 2011

The Crazy Cousins

Ages 6–8 · 2012
Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1399

Mad About Meatloaf

Ages 6–9 · 2021

The Bad Butterfly

Ages 6–8 · 2009

The Meanest Birthday Girl

Ages 6–9 · 2013

Gus and Grandpa and the Two-Wheeled Bike

Ages 6–8 · 1999

Nick the Sidekick

Ages 6–9 · 2018

The Battle of the Vegetables

Ages 6–9 · 2016
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
3.3
F&P level
~O
Scholastic level
M
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
6005
Publication
Published
September 1, 1991
First published
January 1, 1990
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780876145418

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