Product Description

Kate's father is a builder for the Canadian Pacific Railway as it snakes across the mountains and through the Fraser Canyon. Everyone is excited about the “Iron Horse”, but building the railroad is a treacherous undertaking. Kate is always thinking about her father's safety, and the Accident Hospital next door is a constant reminder of the hazards the railroad brings. Despite the danger, there is tremendous excitement surrounding the creation of the transcontinental railroad as Kate, her town, and all of Canada eagerly await its completion. Vetted by historical experts, each book in this series contains maps, numerous period illustrations, and an extensive historical note.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #105124 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-01
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

Amazon.ca
What is a smart-talking northern gal to do when she overhears her parents plotting to send her to a fancy girls' school in Victoria? Kate Cameron, the narrator of Julie Lawson's fictionalized diary about the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway, decides to show them that even a rough little railway town like hers can have social graces. But the quick-tempered 13-year-old's love of adventure keeps getting in her way.

Set in 1882 in Yale, the British Columbia boomtown that became headquarters of the CPR's Pacific Section, A Ribbon of Shining Steel is steeped in rail history. Kate's father is the engineer responsible for building the Pacific Section's treacherous bridges, and his family lives in constant fear that he will end up in Yale's "accident hospital," another casualty of the blasting. Kate's own enthusiasm for the national railway leads her to record many of its milestones in her diary. Her compassion, moreover, for the thousands of rail workers brought over from China results in a poignant portrayal of the wretched living conditions and cruel racism to which these Chinese labourers were subjected.

This well-researched contribution to the Dear Canada series by the author of the award-winning children's novel White Jade Tiger offers a colourful depiction of life in the early days of the Confederation. Kate's own story, however, is not as stirring as that of other fictional diarists in the popular series, such as Susanna's story in Kit Pearson's Whispers of War and Victoria's in the critically acclaimed Orphan at My Door by Jean Little. Although mildly diverting, Kate's squabbles with friends, her blossoming awareness of boys, and even her rescue of a young schoolgirl in the climactic scene seem trussed up to interest young girls in the history the novel covers. Fans of the Dear Canada books will still enjoy reading A Ribbon of Shining Steel, but it's not likely to become a favourite. --Lisa Alward

Review
"an engaging read for girls. Historic detail about the building of the railway, attitudes toward the Chinese and aboriginal labourers, gender expectations and education make it illuminating." (The Toronto Star)

About the Author
Julie Lawson is the award-winning author of White Jade Tiger, Fires Burning, A Morning to Polish and Keep, Kate's Castle, Too Many Suns, and Whatever You do, Don't Go Near that Canoe! She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.