We Were There at the Driving of the Golden Spike

by David Shepherd, William K. Plummer

Travel back to the 1860s to witness the dramatic track-laying contest between the Union and Central Pacific Railroads. Join Irish immigrants Sheamus and Nora Cullen and their children, Mike and Feena, as the family travels westward by freight car and riverboat to begin a new life on the American frontier.
The We Were There series brings history to life for young readers with engaging, action-packed entertainment. These illustrated tales combine fictional and real-life characters in settings of landmark events from the past. All of the books are reviewed for accuracy and approved by expert historical consultants.

Genres: Historical Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

David Shepherd was a respected English cricketer and one of the most beloved and recognizable umpires in international cricket. After playing for Gloucestershire from 1965 to 1979 as a dependable middle-order batsman, Shepherd transitioned into umpiring, where he left a much greater legacy. Appointed a first-class umpire in 1981, he went on to stand in 92 Test matches—more than any other English umpire—and 172 One Day Internationals, including three consecutive World Cup finals in 1996, 1999, and 2003.
Famed for his affable personality, fairness, and eccentric superstitions—such as hopping on one leg when the score reached 111 (known as a "Nelson")—Shepherd was adored by fans and respected by players worldwide. His trademark hand-shaking signal for a boundary remains an iconic image in the sport. He was also the first umpire to officiate a Test match in every then-Test-playing nation, and one of the inaugural members of the ICC Elite Panel of umpires.
Shepherd was known for his excellent man-management and his ability to create a calm and respectful environment on the field. His handling of serious moments, like removing Pakistan's Waqar Younis from the attack for dangerous bowling during the 2003 World Cup, demonstrated both courage and authority.
In recognition of his service to cricket, he was appointed MBE in 1997. Following retirement in 2005, he returned to his native Devon, where he remained active in the cricket community until his passing from lung cancer in 2009. David Shepherd is remembered not only for his achievements but as a true embodiment of the spirit of cricket.

Reviews

[Rebekah Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting look at the work of the great continental railroad. Told in story form from the perspective of an Irish immigrant family, it was an easy read packed with information. I enjoyed reviewing my history on this important time in America.

[Cedrik Vb · Rating 4 out of 5]

We were there , driving of the golden spike




The book We Were there, the driving of the golden spike is a book about a family who came from Ireland, and finds a job with the Transcontinental Railroad building. The book's setting is in the years 1867 to 1869 , The story goes like this, in 1867, Sheamus Cullen and his family come to the US and later find work with the Transcontinental railroad because Mr Cullen gets fired. after an Indian attack on the train the Cullen family was taking to the TR Railroad site, the family loses everything they owned and come tired ,poor and sad to the railroad site. After Breaking his Back a year later, Mr. Cullen could not work again, so Mike Cullen has to take over. On May 10, 1869, The Cullen family visit and then buy a farm near the place where they worked.

I would recommend book to people wanting to just read for fun or if it's the only book they have not read in their Library but it is not a very good book to read for a report on the Transcontinental Railroad, its historical fiction, with 60% fiction and 40% Historical properties.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though this is a chapter book for young readers, I was disappointed. There is nothing in the story to grab the readers attention. I was hoping for more ‘real history’. Living close to Promontory I wanted to introduce the history/story to the grands before taking them for the experience. Didn’t find it in this book. I’ll keep looking.