Trails West!
What was it like to cross the 1843 American prairie in a covered wagon, and start a new life in The West? Be prepared to be transported back in time to witness what an Ohio family of four, consisting of a mom, dad, a daughter and son, encountered–both the good and the bad. The story is recounted through the eyes of the son, a twelve year old boy, and is written in a very easy to read manor. In fact, the book almost reads like a travel log instead of a dusty, boring history book.
For instance, the reader will learn the travelers had to make sure they brought enough food with them to cover a trip from Independence, Missouri, to Oregon. It was at least a five month trip, and there would be no where to buy supplies after they left Missouri. Oxen were used to pull the wagon because they were cheaper to purchase than horses. Plus, carrying feed for horses would take up valuable wagon space and cost money. The oxen could eat grass.
The boy talks of the excitement of running alongside the fur trapper who was the trail guide for the group. He also liked playing with the many other children at night after the wagons made camp, along with the vast number of twinkling stars that shown down on him every night. Once they arrived in Oregon, his parents got 640 acres of land free from the government if they would farm it.
But he also remembers that many people died along the way. The end of the trip, was the 
worst because of the scary crossing of the Columbia River. Getting their farm brought hardships, too, including the need for him to permanently leave school to take over his injured father’s workload.
This is a great book to give young people an overview of wagon train and pioneer history. It doesn’t seem like an educational book, but more of a narrative. But lots of learning goes on in this fifty-eight page volume that is geared to seven to fourteen year olds. I was surprised to discover things I didn’t know as well, and had fun reading it! There are lots of colorful illustrations along with an extensive glossary, and a list of famous people of the West in the back. I highly recommend this kid-friendly 5-star book to youngsters, or anyone who works with them.
The author has provided bookreadingtic with a complimentary copy of If Your Were Me and Lived In….The American West, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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