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10 Routes That Crossed the World
Written for middle-grade readers, 10 Routes That Crossed the World explores famous roads, trails, and pathways across the globe that have played a significant role in human history. Chapter subjects include the first crossing of humans into North America across the Bering Strait; the Camino de Santiago trail in Spain and its importance to pilgrims for centuries; how the Inca Trail in Peru helped both build an empire and facilitate its destruction; the war-torn Khyber Pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan; the building of the Trans-Siberian Railroad under extreme conditions; the short but treacherous Chilkoot Trail, which led hopeful gold prospectors to riches; and the Serengeti migration trail, traveled by millions of animals and Maasai people for generations. Dramatic fictionalized stories with accompanying artwork open each chapter, and colorful pages include a variety of archival and modern photos.
164 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2017
About the author
Gillian Richardson
24 books2 followersGillian Richardson became a world traveler at three months of age when she emigrated from England to Canada with her parents and older sister. After living briefly in Vancouver and Montreal, the family settled in southern Ontario.
Books can be best friends to shy kids, and they opened up the world of reading for Gillian. It turned out to be the perfect foundation for a future writer. Her favorite books were about animals, like the Thornton Burgess series of animal adventures. “One day, I found a cocoon and took it home. It hatched into hundreds of praying mantis babies. They were everywhere! That experience later inspired a picture book,” recalls Gillian.
Gillian graduated from McMaster University and St. Catharine’s Teachers’ College (Brock University). After a summer course for elementary school teacher-librarians, she found teaching positions in Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.
As an adult, her interest in nature really bloomed. With so much to discover in the PEI countryside around her home, it was natural to begin writing. “I had worked as a teacher-librarian for almost eight years when I began to wonder if my own writing skills could match those of the children’s authors I encouraged my students to read,” says Gillian.
A move to the prairies in 1982 gave her the chance to try writing seriously, which she did while working until 1997 in school libraries in Regina. She has been teaching writing to adults as an instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature (Connecticut) since 2002. She is a co-founder of the Saskatchewan Children’s Writers Round Robin, a critique group that celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2009. During that time, she wrote sixteen books, and many short stories and articles for children’s magazines.
Since 1999, she has reviewed children’s books for CM, an online periodical. The review of an Annick Press book led to an invitation to write Kaboom!: Explosions of all Kinds (2009). “When I heard the topic would be explosions, I wondered how it might fit with my experiences of writing about nature. In fact, there were many links, from geysers to decomposition, from exploding seed pods to avalanche control.” Gillian had already developed a fascination with volcanoes after visiting two in Costa Rica, and Mount St. Helens in Washington to see the aftermath of an eruption first hand. Between drafts of Kaboom!, she peered into steam vents at Hawaii’s Kilauea. “Thinking back to university days when I opted to study languages (most useful for a wordsmith!), I wish science and environmental topics had also been on my list. But I’ve found that experiencing nature, and reading and writing about it, are great ways to learn, and to share. Write about what stirs your curiosity!”
Gillian joined the Regina Natural History Society to find out about local wildlife when she lived on the prairies. She now enjoys hikes and the annual Christmas Bird Count as an active member of the Shuswap Naturalist Club. She’s still traveling, too. From her home near Sorrento, B.C., she and her husband regularly explore the province and northwestern states in their RV.
Books can be best friends to shy kids, and they opened up the world of reading for Gillian. It turned out to be the perfect foundation for a future writer. Her favorite books were about animals, like the Thornton Burgess series of animal adventures. “One day, I found a cocoon and took it home. It hatched into hundreds of praying mantis babies. They were everywhere! That experience later inspired a picture book,” recalls Gillian.
Gillian graduated from McMaster University and St. Catharine’s Teachers’ College (Brock University). After a summer course for elementary school teacher-librarians, she found teaching positions in Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.
As an adult, her interest in nature really bloomed. With so much to discover in the PEI countryside around her home, it was natural to begin writing. “I had worked as a teacher-librarian for almost eight years when I began to wonder if my own writing skills could match those of the children’s authors I encouraged my students to read,” says Gillian.
A move to the prairies in 1982 gave her the chance to try writing seriously, which she did while working until 1997 in school libraries in Regina. She has been teaching writing to adults as an instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature (Connecticut) since 2002. She is a co-founder of the Saskatchewan Children’s Writers Round Robin, a critique group that celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2009. During that time, she wrote sixteen books, and many short stories and articles for children’s magazines.
Since 1999, she has reviewed children’s books for CM, an online periodical. The review of an Annick Press book led to an invitation to write Kaboom!: Explosions of all Kinds (2009). “When I heard the topic would be explosions, I wondered how it might fit with my experiences of writing about nature. In fact, there were many links, from geysers to decomposition, from exploding seed pods to avalanche control.” Gillian had already developed a fascination with volcanoes after visiting two in Costa Rica, and Mount St. Helens in Washington to see the aftermath of an eruption first hand. Between drafts of Kaboom!, she peered into steam vents at Hawaii’s Kilauea. “Thinking back to university days when I opted to study languages (most useful for a wordsmith!), I wish science and environmental topics had also been on my list. But I’ve found that experiencing nature, and reading and writing about it, are great ways to learn, and to share. Write about what stirs your curiosity!”
Gillian joined the Regina Natural History Society to find out about local wildlife when she lived on the prairies. She now enjoys hikes and the annual Christmas Bird Count as an active member of the Shuswap Naturalist Club. She’s still traveling, too. From her home near Sorrento, B.C., she and her husband regularly explore the province and northwestern states in their RV.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 1, 2017
I was so curious about the roads of antiquity and they were covered so well, I learned so much from this book. First I learned about Beringia and from there, we have the introduction to ancient man on the move, I was captured.I knew about the Bering Strait, but I did not realize there was a large landmass right under the shallow sea. The author was quite interesting with her presentation of what might be sometimes considered just facts. Not I, I was involved in the search and exploration of the roads and routes dating back 15000 years. How could I not be?
With roads and trails being covered all over the world from England's Roman roads to South America where the preciseness of their mountain trails crisscrossing several countries. Beware these routes if you have a fear of heights. Images of these routes and roadways were just as impressive as the narrative.
Seeing the line of gold miners lined up the side of a mountain covered in snow peaked my interest in the Chilkoot trail in Alaska. I had heard it described in a book once, but seeing it, made quite an impression. From the trails that went across the deserts and those that go through the deepest jungles, they are all covered here with photos and so much incredible detail about the people that built them.
If you have a love of history, the world, and world travelers from the beginning of time, you should read this book. It is amazingly detailed. I was allowed to read this book through NetGalley and the publishers for the purpose of an honest review.
With roads and trails being covered all over the world from England's Roman roads to South America where the preciseness of their mountain trails crisscrossing several countries. Beware these routes if you have a fear of heights. Images of these routes and roadways were just as impressive as the narrative.
Seeing the line of gold miners lined up the side of a mountain covered in snow peaked my interest in the Chilkoot trail in Alaska. I had heard it described in a book once, but seeing it, made quite an impression. From the trails that went across the deserts and those that go through the deepest jungles, they are all covered here with photos and so much incredible detail about the people that built them.
If you have a love of history, the world, and world travelers from the beginning of time, you should read this book. It is amazingly detailed. I was allowed to read this book through NetGalley and the publishers for the purpose of an honest review.
April 16, 2017
I really like this series- it's great how various areas history is woven into the routes, providing historical and geographical context. The writing is compelling the layout is good but I really don't like the full page illustrations- ugly colors and I just can't see it appealing to the target audience/ age group.
March 13, 2017
This is a book that you didn't know you wanted to read. Sure, most people, in the States, have heard of Route 66 and the Oregon Trail (which actually is only mentioned in passing here), and perhaps, depending on your age, the Ho Chi Minh trail, but how many have Khyber Pass and Camino de Santiago. This and six others are covered nicely in this middle-school level book.
Each route is shown, a little history is given, and what the trail is used for today.
Lots to learn, and a well written book to explain it. Some trails are also thrown in when talking about one of the trails, such as the Trail of Tears, when talking about Route 66, because some of its route followed a bit of the trail.
Would highly recommend this book to schools, libraries and individuals. What a cool book to explain the use of trails, and why each of them was important.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Each route is shown, a little history is given, and what the trail is used for today.
Lots to learn, and a well written book to explain it. Some trails are also thrown in when talking about one of the trails, such as the Trail of Tears, when talking about Route 66, because some of its route followed a bit of the trail.
Would highly recommend this book to schools, libraries and individuals. What a cool book to explain the use of trails, and why each of them was important.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
February 6, 2019
This book is very informative and a great read for young and old. I really enjoyed it. Everyone should read this book.
April 2, 2017
I thought this sounded a bit interesting when I requested the galley, but it was infinitely more fascinating than I had imagined! I'm definitely keeping my copy. I enjoy children's non-fiction as it's often far less dry and more accessible to read than some adult non-fiction, while still being informative! And in this case wonderfully detailed.
I have to admit that after the first two I skipped over most of the short fictional stories at the start of each chapter. I was much more interested in learning the facts!
The ten routes were:
The Bering Strait/former land bridge (connecting Alaska and Russia)
Roman Roads (mostly in England, a lot of which still exist in some form)
Camino de Santiago (pilgrimage in Spain)
Inca Roads (similar to Roman but for human and llama traffic not horse and carts)
Khyber Pass (and Silk Road)
Trans Siberian Railway (a friend of mine is on that RIGHT NOW and I'm seeing all the photos on Facebook so this one was especially awesome, and I would have liked a lot more!)
Chilkoot Trail (in the Yukon - Klondike Goldrush era)
Serengeti Migration
Route 66 (as a non American I honestly knew nothing about Route 66 other than its name! This was awesome and made me think of the Neon Boneyard in Las Vegas)
Ho Chi Minh Trail
An easy and fun read as well as very interesting, I read this entirely today and was quite sad when it ended. I'd have loved it to have been rounded up to twelve to maybe include the Kokoda track and the Eyre Highway!
I have to admit that after the first two I skipped over most of the short fictional stories at the start of each chapter. I was much more interested in learning the facts!
The ten routes were:
The Bering Strait/former land bridge (connecting Alaska and Russia)
Roman Roads (mostly in England, a lot of which still exist in some form)
Camino de Santiago (pilgrimage in Spain)
Inca Roads (similar to Roman but for human and llama traffic not horse and carts)
Khyber Pass (and Silk Road)
Trans Siberian Railway (a friend of mine is on that RIGHT NOW and I'm seeing all the photos on Facebook so this one was especially awesome, and I would have liked a lot more!)
Chilkoot Trail (in the Yukon - Klondike Goldrush era)
Serengeti Migration
Route 66 (as a non American I honestly knew nothing about Route 66 other than its name! This was awesome and made me think of the Neon Boneyard in Las Vegas)
Ho Chi Minh Trail
An easy and fun read as well as very interesting, I read this entirely today and was quite sad when it ended. I'd have loved it to have been rounded up to twelve to maybe include the Kokoda track and the Eyre Highway!
March 5, 2018
10 Routes That Crossed The World offers up exactly as the title describes, but in the best way possible. Richardson provides lively accounts of the history different routes from around the world, giving a unique perspective on a variety of histories.
Accompanied by a varied mix of illustrations (skillfully offered up by Kim Rosen), and photographs of the sites and peoples along the way, the story is brought to life through visuals and writing. There were areas that I knew almost nothing about, and feel I learned a lot about (Serengeti, Trans-Siberian Railway, Inca roads). There were areas that I already had background knowledge in, but still learned a great deal from this book (Beringia, Route 66, Khyber Pass). By providing an historical narrative for these different routes, roads, trails, and paths, Richardson has offered up an enjoyable framework for much larger histories.
I would like to add a side note that I really appreciated that Richardson included the impact of colonisation on indigenous communities. This isn't something that I have often seen in these types of historical overviews, but she managed to address everything from the impact of the Klondike Gold Rush on the Tlingit communities in the area, the impact of much of the Serengeti becoming parks and conservations on the Maasai who migrated with the animals, and a number of other instances. It was never the focus (that's not what this book is about), but it was always mentioned whenever relevant.
Overall, 10 Routes has a lot to offer readers. I recommend it for any kids (8+ mainly) interested in history or travel, and any teens or adults looking for similar information and unsure of a good starting point. This is a good starting point.
Accompanied by a varied mix of illustrations (skillfully offered up by Kim Rosen), and photographs of the sites and peoples along the way, the story is brought to life through visuals and writing. There were areas that I knew almost nothing about, and feel I learned a lot about (Serengeti, Trans-Siberian Railway, Inca roads). There were areas that I already had background knowledge in, but still learned a great deal from this book (Beringia, Route 66, Khyber Pass). By providing an historical narrative for these different routes, roads, trails, and paths, Richardson has offered up an enjoyable framework for much larger histories.
I would like to add a side note that I really appreciated that Richardson included the impact of colonisation on indigenous communities. This isn't something that I have often seen in these types of historical overviews, but she managed to address everything from the impact of the Klondike Gold Rush on the Tlingit communities in the area, the impact of much of the Serengeti becoming parks and conservations on the Maasai who migrated with the animals, and a number of other instances. It was never the focus (that's not what this book is about), but it was always mentioned whenever relevant.
Overall, 10 Routes has a lot to offer readers. I recommend it for any kids (8+ mainly) interested in history or travel, and any teens or adults looking for similar information and unsure of a good starting point. This is a good starting point.
October 27, 2017
I'm always on the lookout for truly international books, and this fits the bill. The ten routes are found on five different continents. And while some of the comparisons rely on American knowledge (i.e. Vietnam is smaller than New Mexico), the perspective is not American. For example, the section on the Ho Chi Minh trail is written from the perspective of Vietnamese citizens who looked at the US as the enemy. Interesting factual tidbits will appeal to browsers, while the variety of routes and historical time periods represented mean this will be useful for curriculum support. I'll be recommending this to the international schools I work with.
May 15, 2017
I was really impressed with the research the author did for this book. It was fascinating to read the history behind 10 important routes in the world. Each chapter begins with a short story based on the specific route and then proceeds to facts about the place. Extremely interesting for kids who like history.
April 25, 2019
We love this series and this one was no less as intriguing! 10 stories that took place all over the world and focus on travel. It was fun to read of real life adventures that truly shaped the world we live in. We are so grateful for this series and how they have brought history to life for our family. The photography and engaging fonts and formats are a definite hit in our family.
December 30, 2022
1. Meant for 5th-6th graders
2. Interesting! I’d only heard of 4 of these pathways before reading.
3. The illustration style was a bit offputting.
4. The inclusion of a historical fiction page enhanced the nonfiction majority.
2. Interesting! I’d only heard of 4 of these pathways before reading.
3. The illustration style was a bit offputting.
4. The inclusion of a historical fiction page enhanced the nonfiction majority.
May 30, 2017
Fantastic nonfiction book for older elementary readers that juxtaposes routes used by people around the world.
Read
February 18, 2024I wish I had more time.
May 1, 2017
10 Routes that Crossed the World take a brief historical look at nearly a dozen major paths/trails/roads or networks of the same that had a large impact on human (and in one case, animal) history. The ten are:
• Beringia: the land bridge that possibly served as the first entryway into the American continents
• Roman Roads
• Camion de Santiago: a Christian pilgrimage route in Spain
• Incan Roads
• The Khyber Pass: the mountain pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan
• The Trans-Siberian Railway
• The Chilkoot Trail: the way into the Alaskan gold rush fields
• The Serengeti Migration Trail: the largest movement of mammals in the world
• Route 66
• The Ho Chi Minh Trail
Each section opens with a map, though several of them could have done with more detail. Laid over the map are a few text boxes of basic information: the time context, a very brief description, why the road was important, and who currently uses the road. A full-page illustration follows, and then an associated one-page piece of fiction set on the path itself, some placing their character in historical times, others setting the story in modern time. I’d say these stories vary in success, some more effective than others in personalizing the history so that it isn’t simply an accretion of abstract facts.
After the brief fiction piece, the author does quite a strong job with several pages of history surrounding the construction of the particular road, its purpose, its maintenance, the impact on the society that created it, and its existence in the world today. The information is clear and concise, and the author, when necessary, is always upfront about what parts are speculation and which solid fact. Richardson also expands beyond the focus of each chapter with a few brief sidebars of related information, such as a fossil discovery in Beringea, other sites of importance in determining early human migration to the Americas, Roman surveying tools, and the like.
While I would have liked better maps, and the artwork didn’t do much for me, the information provided is excellent and conveyed in clear, easy-to-follow fashion; the fiction pieces are often a nice touch, and Richardson does a nice job of showing how historical paths aren’t stuck in the past but can still play a role in today’s world. Recommended.
• Beringia: the land bridge that possibly served as the first entryway into the American continents
• Roman Roads
• Camion de Santiago: a Christian pilgrimage route in Spain
• Incan Roads
• The Khyber Pass: the mountain pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan
• The Trans-Siberian Railway
• The Chilkoot Trail: the way into the Alaskan gold rush fields
• The Serengeti Migration Trail: the largest movement of mammals in the world
• Route 66
• The Ho Chi Minh Trail
Each section opens with a map, though several of them could have done with more detail. Laid over the map are a few text boxes of basic information: the time context, a very brief description, why the road was important, and who currently uses the road. A full-page illustration follows, and then an associated one-page piece of fiction set on the path itself, some placing their character in historical times, others setting the story in modern time. I’d say these stories vary in success, some more effective than others in personalizing the history so that it isn’t simply an accretion of abstract facts.
After the brief fiction piece, the author does quite a strong job with several pages of history surrounding the construction of the particular road, its purpose, its maintenance, the impact on the society that created it, and its existence in the world today. The information is clear and concise, and the author, when necessary, is always upfront about what parts are speculation and which solid fact. Richardson also expands beyond the focus of each chapter with a few brief sidebars of related information, such as a fossil discovery in Beringea, other sites of importance in determining early human migration to the Americas, Roman surveying tools, and the like.
While I would have liked better maps, and the artwork didn’t do much for me, the information provided is excellent and conveyed in clear, easy-to-follow fashion; the fiction pieces are often a nice touch, and Richardson does a nice job of showing how historical paths aren’t stuck in the past but can still play a role in today’s world. Recommended.
December 14, 2017
So many roads! These are just 10. I've traveled RT 66 on so many occasions it's ridiculous! I still recall all the neat places along it from the late 50's to mid 60's. I would love to make the trip one more time!
Serengeti Migration trail is amazing! I've seen it on nature specials but would love to see it with my own eyes and travel it myself!
I don't know how, but the Silk Road wasn't in here.... disappointed...oh, well.
It was fun to read about all the roads anyway! Arm chair travelers and others will enjoy it. Good read!
Serengeti Migration trail is amazing! I've seen it on nature specials but would love to see it with my own eyes and travel it myself!
I don't know how, but the Silk Road wasn't in here.... disappointed...oh, well.
It was fun to read about all the roads anyway! Arm chair travelers and others will enjoy it. Good read!
August 3, 2017
Really interesting.
November 20, 2017
10 Routs that Crossed the World by Gillian Richardson is a book that discusses the history behind 10 important routes in the world. Each chapter begins with a short story based on the specific route and then proceeds to facts about the place. Extremely interesting for kids who enjoy history.
Pretty much every important road and trail in history are described and discussed. From Route 66 back to the Bering Strait. The Camino de Santiago trail in Spain and its importance to pilgrims for centuries as well as the Appalachian Trail and why people hike it. I had never even heard of the war-torn Khyber Pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan. I'm already scheming how we can add this to our World History study next year. This one does not read like a textbook at all. We especially enjoyed reading about the Serengeti and the migration of millions of animals. There is an extended bibliography and a list of further reading if you'd like to explore any of these topics more in depth.
This book is written for middle grade students. They will enjoy the historical background to the trails and the stories.
I received this book from Annick press via NetGalley in response for an honest review.
Pretty much every important road and trail in history are described and discussed. From Route 66 back to the Bering Strait. The Camino de Santiago trail in Spain and its importance to pilgrims for centuries as well as the Appalachian Trail and why people hike it. I had never even heard of the war-torn Khyber Pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan. I'm already scheming how we can add this to our World History study next year. This one does not read like a textbook at all. We especially enjoyed reading about the Serengeti and the migration of millions of animals. There is an extended bibliography and a list of further reading if you'd like to explore any of these topics more in depth.
This book is written for middle grade students. They will enjoy the historical background to the trails and the stories.
I received this book from Annick press via NetGalley in response for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews