Sunday, June 15, 2025

Are We There Yet? The First Road Trip Across the USA by Stacy McAnulty and Elizabeth Baddeley - ADVISABLE

Are We There Yet? The First Road Trip Across the USA
by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley
. PICTURE BOOK NON-FICTION Margaret K. McElderry (Simon and Schuster), 2025. $20. 9781665937474 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

This is a true story about a Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, who bet $50 he could drive a horseless carriage across the USA from California to New York in less than three months. Pretty gutsy, since he didn't even know how to drive and there were no highways. He hires a bike racer for his mechanic and finds a bulldog along the way and they are off. Two other teams more experienced teams start out from California and the race is on! 

For kids who can't imagine life without a car, this is a fascinating read. I don't know that I would undertake this adventure even in a good car without gas stations and a cell phone. The print is small for younger readers, but the pictures make up for it. The fun facts at the end are a must read, and the timeline and map help. This book made me want to learn more about Dr. Jackson and his trip. It would be fun to recreate it. Entertaining and informative! Dr. Jackson is white. 

Michelle in the Middle

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