Riders of the Pony Express

By: Ralph Moody

Narrated by: 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

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.

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.)