All Aboard!

Canadian Flyer Adventures #9

by Frieda Wishinsky, Dean Griffiths

In this popular series, an old Canadian Flyer sled in the attic of Emily’s new house transports eight-year-old Emily and nine-year-old Matt to a series of thrilling adventures in the past. Here, the sled takes the inquisitive pair to an old train — one that’s heading for Craigellachie, British Columbia, where the last spike will be driven into the rails to celebrate the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Will Emily and Matt make it in time for that historic occasion? Will they help reunite their new friend with his ailing father, a railroad worker? In All Aboard! , young readers hop on the rails and explore another exciting piece of Canada’s past with Matt and Emily. Along the way, they learn many fascinating historical tidbits, all casually woven into the story. At the back of the book, Emily and Matt each collect their best top-ten favorite facts connected to their trip, and author Frieda Wishinsky shares more fun information in a lively question-and-answer format.

Genres: Canada, Childrens

96 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review
Reminiscent of the popular Magic Treehouse series, in the Canadian Flyer Adventures a magic sled takes two children back in time to explore important historic Canadian events. Fans of the Magic Treehouse books will love these fast paced, easy to read adventure stories. Short chapters and age appropriate vocabulary make these books perfect for children ready for their first chapter books.
In this ninth book in the series, Matt and Emily ride their sled back to 1885 when the last spike was driven in to the Canadian Pacific Railroad. On their journey they meet Edward Malladaine, the boy in the famous photo of the last spike being hammered into the railroad. They learn that the railroad was a dangerous and unpleasant place to work as they help Edward find his missing friend who was injured during the construction.
The educational highlights of this book, as in all of the series are Emily and Matt’s Top Ten Facts and the author’s note section. These brief lists build on the information the story covered.
Teacher Application
A wonderful early chapter book for students. Well suited to independent reading, or reading aloud.
Teachers may wish to supplement this book with some more information on the building of the railroad and its importance in making Canada a nation.
Reproducible Teachers Guides are available :

Grades 2-3
http://www.owlkidsbooks.com/Portals/0...

Grades 4-5
http://www.owlkidsbooks.com/Portals/0...

Parental Warning
There is mention of a the railway camp smelling like tobacco and beer.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been recommending this series to people at my library for a couple years now and thought I should read through one so I can give better recommendations. I thought that this first chapter book was well laid out with enough mystery and adventure to keep young readers turning the page. The plot was much simpler than the books I really enjoy, but is perfect for the intended audience. I will keep recommending this series to readers at my library. I especially liked the facts at the back to help the readers separate fact from fiction.