The Railroad by David Cory (1960)

Name: The Railroad
Author: David Cory

A young rabbit learns from his friends about a railroad that is supposedly going to run through his home. Initially alarmed by the idea of losing his house and the Old Bramble Patch, he imagines a chaotic scenario where everything he knows is destroyed. His friends exaggerate the situation, claiming the railroad will take away everything. However, upon returning home, he finds comfort in the familiar sights of his family and home. He seeks reassurance from his father, who clarifies that while the railroad was planned to go through their area, it has been rerouted to avoid their home and the Old Bramble Patch. This revelation brings relief to the young rabbit, dispelling his fears and allowing him to enjoy the safety of his surroundings. The story explores themes of change, community, and the importance of communication in alleviating fears.

By David Cory · First published 1960 · Genre: Adventure, Historical fiction, Children's literature · 496 words

First lines

IT was a wild story that came to the ears of Little Jack Rabbit for, as he came hopping down the Shady Forest Path, a whole troop of his playmates ran out to meet him, and one cried one thing, and one another, but the words which he heard most plainly were:

"The railroad! The railroad! Oh, have you heard?"

What this Textopian page supports

The Railroad is listed on Textopian as a short story by David Cory, dated 1960 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: David Cory
Date: 1960 CE
Language: English
Genres: Adventure, Historical fiction, Children's literature
Length: 496 words
Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Railroad by David Cory
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Railroad?
How does this short story by David Cory fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Adventure — The book, 'The Railroad', by David Cory, follows the traditional adventure genre norms. It involves the characters embarking on an adventurous journey along the railroad, facing a number of challenges and overcoming them.
Historical fiction — Use of a historical setting—specifically, the time period when railroads were a primary means of transport—makes this book part of the genre historical fiction.
Children's literature — David Cory's writing style and tone often appeal to a younger audience. Considering the simple language, teaching of moral values throughout the book and the presence of fantastical elements lend itself to the children's literature genre.