Levy, Debbie. Friendship Train, The: A True Story of Helping and Healing after World War II. Boris Kulikov, Illus. Bloomsbury, 06/2025. [48]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $20.99. 978-1-5476-0802-7. GRADES 1–4. ADDITIONAL.
During eleven days in autumn 1947, Americans gathered 500 boxcars worth of food for struggling Europeans, with France returning the favor eighteen months later. The Friendship Train is an inspiring story of child empowerment towards a common goal with a message about cooperation and generosity. Kulikov’s pencil, black tea, and gouache illustrations feel dated and depict racially diverse groups of people. In challenging times, it can be useful to hear about helpers. This nonfiction picture book could be used as part of a lesson on gratitude.
Beth Gousman—Montclair Elementary School / Oakland Unified School District