THE FRIENDSHIP TRAIN
A True Story of Helping and Healing after World War II
On one side of the ocean, a war had ended, leaving many in Europe without enough food. On the other side of the ocean, Americans asked, How can we help? The need was too great for any one person to fill—but what could people do if they joined together?
The answer was the Friendship Train, which ran from the West Coast to the East collecting good food for hungry bellies. Americans of all ages gave what they could. Especially children! They donated their allowances, sold newspapers, collected food from neighbors, loaded packages onto trucks and boxcars—all for strangers across the sea.
And in return, those strangers asked themselves How can we say "thank you"? Still recovering from the war, they didn't have a lot to give, but they found a way—their own train full of ways—to express their gratitude.
This heartwarming nonfiction book shows how small acts of kindness can grow, healing lives and helping turn strangers into friends.
Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Ages 4 and up
ISBN 978-1-5476-0802-7
Buy the book:
IndieBound | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
REVIEWS
“Educators and families will enjoy this story of hope and persistence; in a time of political peril, this book will more than inspire children to act. . . . This is a first purchase for any library’s nonfiction collection.”
“it’s a potently meaningful look at how, in that moment at least, the question ‘Would Americans care for strangers as they would care for friends?’ was answered with a resounding yes.”
“Best-selling author Levy explores another remarkable moment in history. . . . An uplifting, warm reminder about international generosity and solidarity—a welcome and important message in our current international climate.”
“This is an inspiring story of national and international cooperation, showcasing the very best of humanity. . . . The facts are presented directly and accessibly, with an enthusiastic tone that emphasizes the gleeful hope of the people who helped and the joyful relief of those who finally received. . . .”
“This uplifting and timely story is a perfect example of ‘looking for the helpers’ in a crisis, of Americans reaching out across borders to help people in need. . . . Levy’s writing is vibrant and engaging, and energetic movement fills every page of Boris Kulikov’s illustrations.”