This is the story of Jim Wide, a (white) train inspector in South Africa in the late 1800s. After an accident resulted in the loss of both of his legs, he was reassigned as a signalman. He wanted to be useful and work and this job was something he could do. However, he had to struggle to complete many of the tasks and figure out workarounds and tools to help him do the job. One of his most unusual tools was... a baboon!
Jim saw a baboon being used by a man in the market and bought the intelligent animal. He trained Jack to do chores around the house, including pumping water. Then he taught him to help him with the cart he used to transport himself and eventually to use the switch levers. The railway authorities were initially unhappy to see a baboon handling the switches, but after watching his work they agreed that he - and Jim - could remain on the job. The two stayed together as friends and colleagues for many years.
The images show a period train station and picture almost exclusively white people. One train engineer has darker skin. Back matter includes more information about the story of Railway Jack and what happened to him and his friend in later years. There are also some original photographs, information on baboons, and a history of service animals. Bibliography, discussion questions, index, and sources are also included.
Verdict: This is a great book to read and discuss with kids in a classroom, although I would add to the discussion questions some about race and the general context of South African history in the 1800s (yes, I know this is very complicated) as well as talking about disability throughout history. I would recommend a lot of preparation for this discussion, since it hits on so many difficult subjects.
ISBN: 9781684460885; Published February 2020 by Capstone; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library
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