Riders of the Pony Express

De: Ralph Moody

Narrado por: Cameron Beierle

Prior to the Civil War, the fastest mail between the West Coast and the East took almost thirty days by stagecoach along a southern route through Texas. Some Californians feared their state would not remain in the Union, separated so far from the free states. Then businessman William Russell invested in a way to deliver mail between San Francisco and the farthest western railroad, in Saint Joseph, Missouri - across two thousand miles of mountains, deserts, and plains - guaranteed in ten days or less. Russell hired eighty of the best and bravest riders, bought four hundred of the fastest and hardiest horses, and built relay stations along a central route - through modern-day Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada, to California. Informed by his intimate knowledge of horses and Western geography, Ralph Moody's exciting account of the eighteen critical months that the Pony Express operated between April 1860 and October 1861 pays tribute to the true grit and determination of the riders and horses of the Pony Express.

©2011 Books In Motion (P)2011 Books In Motion

History well-written and interesting

I read the entire "Little Britches" series to my 10-year-old twin sons and we loved the writing and the stories of Ralph Moody. This book did not disappoint either. The book starts with a brief history of why there was a need for the Pony Express and what it took to get it up and running.

The majority of the book outlines the riders, routes and challenges of the first pony express ride. The East-bound and West-bound mail started at the same time but which mail route will make it to the end of the line first? Each rider had an allotted time to make the ride. Some riders made it well ahead of their time. Others faced coyotes, snow storms or Native Americans and used up their allotted time plus some.

The end of the book highlights a few of the most notable pony express riders and even tells the story of those who gave their life to get the mail through.

A great listen time and time again.

Excellent story!!!

Wow!!! Another amazing story BY Mr. Moody Great story about the pony express. Gave detail I never knew. A story for the whole family.

Used this for CA history school

I picked this book not sure if the kids and I would like it, we ended up loving it. Both my 4th and 6th grader were completely engaged as was I. The stories of the men riding the pony express really drew you in. My 6th grader was inspired by their hard work, never giving up attitude and said he wanted to be just like them. We were thrilled to hear the individual stories of the different men and all the challenges they faced and their pure determination to not give up.

incredible story of sacrifice and courage

loved it all, a great book, Ralph Moody is an incredible writer and I love all his books.

history come to life

excellent story that is clearly a written record of the stories moody heard from childhood

Will keep you on the edge of your seat.

We learned so much from this riviting story of the Pony Express. My kids want to read more now about Pony Bob. There are some graphic descriptions of injuries that might be too much for children younger than six years old.

Great Story!

I grew up on Little Britches and Little House on the Prairie stories. This one is great! I learned a few things I didn’t know about the pony express. It was interesting listening to stories from different riders.

Great Heroic Adventure

This story transports the reader to a different time. We were inspired to go see some Pony Express historic sites nearby. Highly recommend for anyone studying the Civil War era or state history of CA, NV, UT or NE. Also great for learning geography for the elementary grades as you can map as you read. (Also great for horse lovers, but beware, there are horses & riders who perish in the tale.)

Great Story!

Loved the story, loved the history. Cameron does an excellent job reading and bring the story to life.

Realistic Story

Excellent attention to detail. I had never read a book about the Pony Express and how it actually functioned. Very enlightening.