In my opinion, I really enjoyed this historical fiction tale because of the adventurous plot, and descriptive language. The plot is organized with a beginning, middle and end. There is clear conflict throughout Jackson and Buds cross-country adventure when their car breaks down more than once, they get stuck in mud, as well as battle the elements of mother nature. All of such conflicts are solved and eventually they make it to New York City. The language used throughout this story help paint a clear picture of the state and surroundings Jackson and Bud ride though. For example, when they are driving through Oregon, Jackson describes it as "300 miles of dry parched land" and California as: "we drive through purple fields of lupine. In the Sacramento valley, the auto makers rugged ruts through fruit orchids." The language is descriptive enough for readers to feel as though they are riding along on the adventure. ( )

Love this story! In 1903, Dr. Horatio Jackson made a bet that he could drive all the way across the United States in a horseless buggy in less than three months. Jackson hires a mechanic to go along on the ride with him and they set off.Remember what things were like then? No paved roads. No maps. No gas stations. Maximum speed of 30 mph. Not even a windshield to keep the bugs out of your mouth. The author chooses to zoom in on the events of several days during the sixty-three day trip. The pictures and the text are hilarious. Here’s a sample:May 23 – San Francisco, California“Good-bye! Good luck! Be careful!” shouts Jackson’s wife, Bertha, who will be returning to Vermont by train.“Don’t worry, my dear,” Jackson pats the car. “This trusty machine will get us there with no troubles at all!” (Picture shows the two men setting off in the tiny car.)(Turn the page and we see the two men standing next to the car. The wheel is off and the mechanic, Crocker, looks a little bewildered.) About fifteen miles later…Bump, bump, bump, Ka-plooey! The pictures are a definite plus here.Love this book! ( )