“New York City in the 1860s was a mess- crowded, disgusting, filled with garbage. You see, way back in 1860, there were no subways, just cobblestone streets. That is, until Alfred Ely Beach had the idea for a fan-powered train that would travel underground. On February 26, 1870, after fifty-eight days of drilling and painting and plastering, Beach unveiled his masterpiece-and throngs of visitors took turns swooshing down the track. The Secret Subwaywill wow readers, just as Beach’s underground train wowed riders over a century ago.”

What Kind of Book is The Secret Subway

Topics

trains New York history 19th century the underground or subway systems

Genres

fiction

Reviews

Marmee

4.75

The Goodfather

6.50

The Secret Subway is both very engaging and enjoyable. It entertains readers while also educating them about this fascinating piece of New York City subway history. The illustrations are unique and wonderfully match this tale of an inventor's ambitious undertaking.

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The Creatives Behind the Book

Author

Shana Corey

Shana Corey has written several picture books, among them Here Come the Girl Scouts!, a New York Times Editors’ Choice, and You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer, which the New York Times called “a picture book girls are likely to love.” She has always been intrigued by New York City history, so when she came across a passing mention of Alfred Ely Beach’s underground train, she wanted to know more. It wasn’t long before she was skulking around Warren and Murray Streets, looking for the site of Devlin’s department store, and seeking out Boss Tweed’s grave in Greenwood Cemetery. Learn more at shanacorey.com.

Illustrator

Red Nose Studio

CHRIS SICKELS, the creative force behind the award-winning Red Nose Studio, has illustrated Here Comes the Garbage Barge! by Jonah Winter (4 starred reviews, New York Times Best Illustrated Book Award) and The Secret Subway by Shana Corey (3 starred reviews, Amazon Best Children’s Book of 2016). His 3-D illustrations are built from wire, fabric, wood, found objects, and more. His work has appeared in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal and as a poster for the NYC subway. He has been awarded three gold medals and one silver by the Society of Illustrators. Visit him at rednosestudio.com or on Twitter @rednosestudio.