With lively prose and striking photographs, Sandler tells the amazing story of engineering marvels, extraordinary courage, and sheer determination.A dramatic story related in dramatic fashion. --Kirkus Reviews The pacing, particularly when the two teams meet, is spot-on and mimics the advances of a train.Sandler tells a good story, filled with complex characters, adventure, and heartache, and he meticulously documents his research efforts. --School Library Journal A plethora of archival photographs highlight daring men and rugged landscapes in this well-researched and fascinating adventure in history. --Booklist Alternating chapters follow the railroad's progress westward from Omaha with the Union Pacific Railroad and eastward from Sacramento with the Central Pacific Railroad, until the two lines meet in Promontory Summit, Utah.Well-positioned and comprehensive sidebar material adds fascinating detail about the people (investors, surveyors, engineers, laborers) and places involved in the project. --The Horn Book There is a wealth of documentation and a timeline that will assist in those wishing to pursue more information in this satisfying introduction to a major historical event.

--School Library Connection.