Are We There Yet?: The First Road Trip Across the USA

Gr 3-5–McAnulty takes readers on a cross-country road trip at the dawn of the automotive age. The narrative follows Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, who in 1903 wagers he can drive from California to New York in a “horseless carriage,” a term for a car, which was considered cutting-edge technology. This feat is especially challenging due to the absence of GPS, road maps, and paved roads. But with the help of his mechanic, Sewall Crocker, and the moral support of an adorable dog they pick up along the way, Jackson manages the nationwide trek and wins the bet. McAnulty’s detailed prose is punctuated by key dates and onomatopoeic flourishes that evoke the era’s bumpy rides. The journey is complemented by vibrant digital illustrations characterized by clean lines and crisp colors. Back matter includes a map, time line, fun facts, and a list of sources. There isn’t a natural and obvious classroom fit although the book can be worked into studies on inventions.