They're Off! : The Story of the Pony Express - Hardcover

Harness, Cheryl

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0689805233 ISBN 13: 9780689805233

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 1996

Synopsis

Provides a factual, exciting account of the American postal system in the 1860s, covering the origins and history of the Pony Express, its daring riders and their struggles, and the tale of the first East to West connection ever made.

About this title

About the Author:

Cheryl Harness lives in Independence, Missouri. As an author and illustrator, she is known for her engaging approach to history, seen in such books as Our Colonial Year; Mary Walker Wears the Pants; Young Abe Lincoln; George Washington; Spymaster; Three Young Pilgrims, Ghosts of the White House; and Remember the Ladies.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 1-4-A history of this unique form of mail delivery with an emphasis on the historical events leading up to, surrounding, and eventually causing the demise of the Pony Express, as well as an introduction to many of the people involved. Harness's text is involving and filled with lively detail. Her busy and elaborate illustrations also create a panorama of the age. Tidbits of information such as the definition of mochila are given in many hand-lettered asides in the pictures. A list of all 182 riders is appended, and a one-page pictorial presentation of happenings around the world at the time should help children get a broader historical perspective. While much of the material here is similar to that in Steven Kroll's Pony Express! (Scholastic, 1996), Kroll offers more of a close-up presentation, with less historical context. The high appeal of the subject matter suggests that there may be room on most library shelves for both titles. Readers of both books may be puzzled since Harness says the rider leaving Missouri was Johnny Fry, while Kroll says it was Bill Richardson. Kroll's note explains that there is disagreement on this matter; Harness doesn't mention it. Bibliographies in both titles are totally different as well.
Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0689805233
• ISBN 13: 9780689805233
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Harness Cheryl