Book description
Robert Burleigh's inspiring text captures the magical moment when Langston Hughes came to believe in himself as a writer, as he first wrote "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."
Clackety clack clack clack...
Can you hear the rhythm of the train?
Langston Hughes did. Traveling to see his father in 1920,…
Why read it?
1 author picked Langston's Train Ride as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
If you doubt poetry’s power to sweep you up and bring you to tears, you must read Burleigh’s deep dive into Langston Hughes’ inspiration for his famous poem, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”. You’ll take this story to heart and keep it there. I got the chills from the author’s note, which explains that Burleigh’s goal was to explore “the moment when Langston Hughes came to believe in himself as a writer” – and have that moment inspire others. In vibrant, poetic prose perfect for reading aloud, Burleigh begins with Hughes celebrating his first book.
In a flashback, Hughes, on…
From Lisa's list on biographies to inspire young poets.
If you love Langston's Train Ride...
The Eye of Ra
Gold Recipient, Mom's Choice Awards Honoring Excellence.
Silver Medal in Children's Adventure, 2020 International Readers' Favorite Awards.
Award-winning Finalist, Next Generation Book Awards.
1st Place in both Children's Adventure AND Grades 4th-6th, 2020 TopShelf Awards.
Grand Prize Winner, Colorado Author Project.
1st Place, Gertrude Warner Middle Grade Fiction Award.
Exploring…
Want books like Langston's Train Ride?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Langston's Train Ride.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,340
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like Langston's Train Ride, you might also like...
Brigitta of the White Forest
For those who enjoy fantasy adventure, the Faerie Tales from the White Forest series offers a new twist on the traditional faerie tales so loved by young readers.
From devastating curses to death-defying quests, Brigitta and her growing collective of misfit friends face greater and greater challenges when destiny calls…
Floretta
Floretta- the story of an old woman who discovers life beautifully anew thru the helping hands of a child. The chakra colors of dawn and twilight are woven through the pages as the cycle of life is magically composed. The subject of “heaven,” has the potential to open discussions with…
