The Secret Subway — Shana Corey

From an acclaimed author and a New York Times Best Illustrated artist comes the fascinating, little-known -- and true! -- story of New York City's first subway.
 
New York City in the 1860s was a mess: crowded, disgusting, filled with garbage. You see, way back in 1860, there were no subways, just cobblestone streets. That is, until Alfred Ely Beach had the idea for a fan-powered train that would travel underground. On February 26, 1870, after fifty-eight days of drilling and painting and plastering, Beach unveiled his masterpiece -- and throngs of visitors took turns swooshing down the track.
 
"The Secret Subway" will wow readers, just as Beach's underground train wowed riders over a century ago.