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The Secret Subway

illustrations by
4.13
on Goodreads (1,062)

What’s inside...

The Secret Subway tells the story of Alfred Ely Beach, an inventor who built New York City's first subway in the 1860s. Despite the lack of support from city officials, Beach secretly constructed a pneumatic subway line and unveiled it in 1870, wowing visitors with this groundbreaking technology. This book provides an intriguing glimpse into a little-known historical achievement and its impact on the city.
Age

4-8

Length

40 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Alfred Ely Beach
William 'Boss' Tweed

Discussion points

What do you think life was like in New York before the subway was built?
Why do you think Alfred Ely Beach wanted to build a secret subway?
How did the invention of the subway change the way people lived and worked?
What challenges do you think engineers and inventors face when creating something new?
If you could invent something to help your city, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they know about subways and public transportation to build context.
Encourage your child to imagine living during the time period of the book, asking how daily life might differ without modern conveniences.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and creativity, highlighting how Alfred faced many challenges but continued working towards his goal.
Link the story to current events or local projects to help your child connect past innovations with the present.
After reading, consider visiting a local subway or transportation museum to bring the story to life.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: The story of 'The Secret Subway' revolves around Alfred Ely Beach and his innovative idea to create an underground train in 1860s New York. This historical fiction illustrates the process from ideation to execution, highlighting innovation at its core.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being encouraged to think creatively in problem-solving scenarios and be open to innovative solutions in their day-to-day challenges.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Alfred faces multiple challenges and opposition, yet he persists with his plan. His relentless effort to bring his vision to life illustrates the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of persistence in achieving goals, despite obstacles, and encourage them to continue striving in their academic or personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The creation of the subway was not a solo endeavor. It required the collaboration of various people, from engineers to workers. The story demonstrates how teamwork can lead to the accomplishment of seemingly impossible tasks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of working collaboratively with others, whether in school projects or family activities, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Skepticism
Explanation: Alfred Beach's idea was initially met with skepticism and resistance. The narrative explains how he navigated the skepticism, using tact and diplomacy.
Real-World Application: This lesson could help children understand that new ideas might be initially resisted, and teach them ways to handle criticism constructively.
Example Lesson: Historical Appreciation
Explanation: Set in the 1860s, the book provides insight into the technological and societal conditions of the time, fostering an appreciation of history and how past innovations impact the present.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to respect and show interest in historical events and understand their influence on current societal advancements.