It's 1930s America and the Depression has ripped the nation apart. Poverty is rife and families are starving. Fourteen-year-old Molly has no one to rely on but herself. She has to find work - any work. But with millions of people unemployed the competition for jobs is stiff, and the only way to find work is to travel. Riding the freight trains in search of a square meal, Molly sees the misery of the Depression at first hand. Part of a unique collection of fictional stories about young people caught up in real-life conflicts and disasters. Through their eyes we experience the day-to-day hardships and dangers of living through troubled times from throughout history.

Author Biography

James Riordan grew up during the war. After he left school he worked as a postman, a barman, a crate stacker, a railway clerk and a double bass player before doing his national service. After demobilization he did a joint honours degree in Social Science and Russian and then spent five years in Moscow working as a translator. Back in England he lectured at Birmingham and Bradford Universities before becoming Professor of Russian at Surrey University. In 1999, he won the NASEN book award for 'Sweet Clarinet' (OUP) His book, 'The Prisoner' has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal.