Rudy Rides the Rails: A Depression Era Story

Tales of Young Americans

by Dandi Daley Mackall, Chris Ellison (Illustrator)

In 1932, Akron, Ohio was no better off than other parts of the country. Since Black Tuesday in '29, companies are closed, men all over the state are out of work, and families are running out of hope. Thirteen-year-old Rudy wants to help but doesn't know where to turn. His father, sullen and withdrawn, spends his time sulking on their front porch. His mother is desperate, not knowing how she will feed and care for her family. When Rudy learns of other boys leaving town and heading west to seek their fortunes, he hops a train figuring at least there will be one less mouth to feed at home. As Rudy lives the hobo life while he "rides the rails" to California, young readers are given a snapshot view and testament of Depression-era America.Writer Dandi Daley Mackall met the real "Ramblin' Rudy" in 2000 and was inspired to capture his story and the spirit of adventure shown by many during the Great Depression. She conducts writing workshops across the United States and speaks at numerous conferences. Dandi lives in West Salem, Ohio. Rudy Rides the Rails is Chris Ellison's second book with Sleeping Bear Press. He also illustrated Let Them Play, which was named to the 2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People list. Chris is presently working on another Tales of Young Americans story about the Oklahoma Land Run. He lives in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2007

About the author

A professional writer for over 20 years, Dandi Daley Mackall has written dozens of articles for popular magazines and published around 500 books for children and adults alike, with sales of over 4 million.

A frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, she lives in rural Ohio with her husband, three children, horses, dogs, & cats. Awards include the Edgar Award for Best YA Mystery, the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children's Literature; Distinguished Alumni Award from Mizzou; ALA Best Book; Christian Children's Book of the Year, Amelia Bloom, Mom's Choice Awards. Her YA novel, My Boyfriends' Dogs, is now a Hallmark movie.

Reviews

[Anna W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for information about the Great Depression and trains. Lots of jargon about trains (U.P. for Union Pacific, rattler, cowcatcher, etc.) and details about the Depression are within the story. These aspects themselves would be great for students and younger children to learn about history.

My only reason for a 4 instead of a 5 is how quick the story--the traveling across the country--ends for Rudy. There isn't a clear chronology, which may have been on purpose, but I thought it went much too fast for how much work Rudy was doing and how far he traveled to not mention time.

A nice historical fiction piece for young readers--I'd suggest 2nd grade and up, 3rd if wanting to know more about the time period.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been touched by Sleeping Bear Press' Young Americans series about children experiencing life during the Great Depression, world wars, and other national tragedies. These are stories of strength, family, resilience, and community care that we would do well to take into the next era.

As a person, reading hidden histories is invaluable to me. Thank you, Sleeping Bear Press.

Companion reads:
- "The Lucky Star" by Judy Young and Chris Ellison
- "Megan's Year: An Irish Traveler's Story" by Gloria Whelan and Beth Peck (same publisher, different series)
- "Lily's Victory Garden" by Helen L. Wilbur and Robert Steele
- "Rettie and the Ragamuffin Parade: A Thanksgiving Story" by Trinka Hakes Noble and David C. Gardner

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have enjoyed all of the Tales of Young Americans series that we have read so far. For second grade, we have not yet begun a formal curriculum. Instead, we have been learning about people and stories in history through books like this and biographies. The kids really enjoyed the small graphics on each spread that were markings that "hoboes" used to use to mark places letting other travelers know whether the place was friendly or to use caution. We could flip to the back to find out what each one meant, and it usually had something to do with what was happening in Rudy's story. We also liked the messages of kindness, cooperation, generosity, and hospitality that were present in the book.

[Randa Norton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre- Historical Fiction
Audience- 5-8 years
Author: Dandi Daley Mackall
Illustrator: Chris Ellison
Rudy travels to California by "riding the rails" and living the hobo life.
1. 1932, The Depression, in the middle of the nation, the "Dustbowl", Akron, Ohio
2. The story is told from a third person point of view. The perspective impacts the story by helping the reader understand how Rudy was viewed and what was going on in the world around him. The third person point of view helps the reader to see the story as if they were there watching it all happen.

[Emily Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Rudy's change of mind from just looking out for himself and his family to helping others was very moving. The illustrations showed a great deal of the character's emotions. The hobo Glossary at the end of the book and the descriptions of hobo signs within the story were fascinating.

[Sunny Kim]

it was a fun and adventurous story and feel bad for him

[wildct2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book and pictures

[Zoey Matzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was cool how the hoboes communicated with each other, it was like a secret code. I also liked how the hoboes looked out for each other.

[Caroline K. Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

best Depression era story

This was fast paced, upbeat and informative. The language was easy to understand and age appropriate despite the dangers of the rail life.

[Hannah Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was a good perspective of the Great Depression from a teen hobo who rides the boxcars looking for work. He learns an important life lesson.

[Rebecca Hipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rudy Rides the Rails: A Depression Era Story is a unique picturebook. It was the first I have read that described life during the Depression Era. I found that the dedication and “Author’s Note” at the beginning of the book was helpful to set the stage for reading the book, as well as to aid the reader in understanding the author’s personal connection to the story. This book has a very authentic feel to it. From the burlap background on the title page, to the tree carving symbols throughout the book, Mackall and Ellison accomplish the task of historical fiction to transport their readers back to the depicted era, and give their reader an experience from the time. The muted gray and brown paint tones create a mood of hopelessness and despair, aligning with the feelings of the traveling hoboes. I feel that this story is an important one for children to hear in modern times, as people struggle through the current recession. This picturebook provides a great opportunity for readers to relate to history.

[Kacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why this book? Historical fiction book that adds to the collection of books that tell stories about signifigant times in the history of the United States, specifically The Great Depression and how this time affected American families

Genre: Historical Fiction

Theme/Keywords: The Great Depression, Travel, California, Family, History

Characteristics of quality: Children will enjoy the natural, vivid language that reflects the mood of the story and the well-established characters.

Special Features: Quality illustrations with great attention to details

Gender of primary character: Male

Race/ethnicity of primary character: Caucasian

Cultural considerations: American history highlighted in the ideas and language of the book as well as the gender roles and morality issues presented
Language considerations: Written in English with longer and more complex sentences, words and ideas.

Open Ended Question: Why does Rudy think he can help if he ventures West?

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The word hobo isn't used much any more, so this will be a new idea for many kids. Parents or teachers using this book with kids should talk about the dangers of riding the rails (unsavory companions, possibility of injury) and how it's definitely not something that should be attempted today. It's an interesting look at a time when this was the only choice some people had. I also really liked the use of the hobo signs and the "vocabulary" of them at the end of the book. Some of these signs carved at this time are probably still visible on buildings and trees today, and I understand that the signs are still used by modern-day hobos. Recommended.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rudy Rides the Rails is a Great Depression historical fiction text about a young boy riding the rails in order to find work and earn money for his family to survive during the depression. Due to circumstances outside of his reach, Rudy had to be a provider for his family. This is a fantastic book to talk about character as well as poverty. Rudy’s family may have been dealt a “bad” hand, but he did something about his situation for the better.

[Amber Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the great depression hits a young 13 year old's home, he is faced with a difficult decision to leave home and find work to support his family. A wonderful truthful tale of hardship and history. Great for upper elementary grades, especially 5-6, but also young elem. grades as well who are learning about historic events. The illustrations definitely set the mood for the story. Well written story.

[Stephanie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book would go along perfectly with a lesson about the Depression with older students. Although it is a picture book,it is for older children because it involves poverty, homelessness, and leaving home. I thought this book would go along with a lesson because it has a very helpful dictionary and picture guide in the back of the book about words that were frequently used in the Depression.

[Alexandria Shafer]

I liked this book. It's a good historical depiction of the past and what it was like to live back then. It also taught a bit about another culture you could say, showing different signs and terminology that the traveling people or hobos of that time used. Very educational book and also a good well written story.

[Rex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure this book does a good job connecting with children, but I think it's a fantastic picture book.

[Dana Pressnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction picture book about hoboes during the Great Depression. Highlights famous hobo Rudy but book is fiction. Series is tales of young Americans series. Informative.

[Carna]

Historical fiction

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minus a star because literally everyone in the illustrations is white, even though the protagonist travels across the US. Otherwise, a great look at Depression-Era hustling, train-hopping, and circumstances that separated families.