A Step 3 reader (Reading on Your Own) that introduces trains of all shapes and sizes doing what they do best- hauling freight, carrying passengers, and zooming at speeds close to 400 miles per hour! Readers will encounter the Jacobite--a Scottish train that plays the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. They will learn about the great steam locomotives that crossed the United States, joining east and west in 1869. They will travel the world, visiting Japanese commuter trains so busy that men called "pushers" pack people in! And they will learn about the different technologies--steam, diesel, electric, and electromagnetic--that continue to make trains such an important part of our modern world. Illustrated with full color and black & white photos. A Step 3 reader introducing trains of all shapes and sizes doing what they do best- hauling freight, carrying passengers, and zooming at speeds close to 400 miles per hour! Readers will encounter the Jacobite-a Scottish train that plays the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. They will learn about the great steam locomotives that crossed the United States, joining east and west in 1869. And they will learn about the different technologies---steam, diesel, electric, and electromagnetic---that continue to make trains an important part of our modern world. Illustrated with full color and black & white photos. Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics-for children who are ready to read on their own.