School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-7-Blending history, geography, and culture, this volume explores 10 historic routes that have allowed people (and animals) to migrate, trade, and communicate over long distances. Most of the trails are still in use or have left extensive archaeological evidence as to their existence. Ancient paths such as Roman roads in Britain and Inca roads in South America are man-made engineering marvels that let their respective empires flourish. Other routes discussed include the Trans-Siberian Railroad, the iconic Route 66 in the United States, and the Khyber Pass in the Himalayas, all of which have facilitated the migrations of millions of people. The Silk Road, a hugely important trade route for centuries, is briefly mentioned in the chapter on the Khyber Pass but is otherwise curiously absent. Though additional notable paths are referenced in sidebars, the information provided is not substantial enough for reports, and the book may have trouble finding an audience. The illustrations, photos, and artwork add interest, but the lack of captions is unhelpful. VERDICT Though intriguing, this is not likely to fly off shelves. A marginal purchase for geography collections at best.-Lisa Crandall, formerly at the Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A broad picture of roads and trails from many parts of the world and many eras.Richardson highlights roads, trails, and routes that played important historical roles, from the land bridge Beringia, the route by which the first people may have traveled from Asia to North America, to the Ho Chi Minh Trail (1959-1975), now the Ho Chi Minh Highway in Vietnam (begun in 2000). In addition, this book makes stops along the Roman roads in Britain, the Inca roads in South America, the animal migration route in the Serengeti plains, the Khyber Pass between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Trans-Siberian Railroad, the Spanish pilgrimage route el Camino de Santiago, the Chilkoot Trail through the Alaska Coast Mountains, and Depression-era Route 66. Each chapter opens with a map (readers will wish for more detail), introductory data including name, age, description, "Claim to Fame," and "Who Uses It Now?," and an illustrated, one-page, unnecessary fictional story to set the scene and engage readers. The informational parts of each chapter, with their accompanying photos (unfortunately uncaptioned), are ably written. Carefully distinguishing between hypothesis and fact in the Beringia chapter and elsewhere, the author does an excellent job of helping readers understand the current relevance of many of these routes. A mostly satisfying mix of history and geography for the curious armchair traveler. (bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 10-13) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
On the road again gains significance in this book, which looks at the past through an interesting lens 10 roads, routes, and trails that impacted world history. Arranged chronologically, it begins with Beringia, the land route between Asia and Alaska that allowed early people to migrate into North America, and continues with some well-known routes, such as Roman roads in Britain, the U.S.'s famed Route 66, and the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Many of the routes, however, are lesser known yet equally important, including the Khyber Pass (once part of the Silk Road and now a site of hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan), the Trans-Siberian Railway, and the Serengeti Migration Trail (used by both animals and Maasai herders). Each chapter describes the route's history, how it was built or forged, why it became important, related facts, and its current state. Brief, fictional stories introduce the 10 thoroughfares, which are further illustrated by descriptive maps, photographs, and reproductions. Browsing readers can dip in for discovery, while history buffs can make deeper connections.--Leeper, Angela Copyright 2017 Booklist
