A short historical novel for children about the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. Winnie's father is a supervisor, but many of the workers are Chinese immigrants, paid less and given worse living arrangements than the white workers. Winnie makes friends with a young Chinese boy whose job is to carry tea to the Chinese laborers,but the white people in town are very disapproving. The Chinese go on strike for better wages and conditions, but don't get much improvement. When a collapsed tunnel injures both white and Chinese workers, the mine doctor refuses to treat the Chinese. A historical note follows the story.

Share/Like this Review?