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My Way West

Real Kids Traveling the Oregon and California Trails

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

For kids who want to learn about what life was like on the Oregon and California Trails between 1840 and 1869, this fascinating history book features beautiful papercut illustrations to reveal the true experiences of real children who had traveled west. The book shows how these children's courage, determination, perseverance, and hope defined the West for what it represents today.

Between 1841 and 1884, more than 300,000 people—40,000 of whom were children—moved over land across North America in search for a new start and better life. The journey presented challenges at every turn, from the initial preparations to the months-long trip, and even after when the travelers reached their final destinations. Young emigrants played large roles throughout it all, with responsibilities ranging from hunting animals to gathering buffalo dung, or even caring for babies.

Relying on real letters and memoirs of actual children on the trail, My Way West offers a fresh perspective so that readers, too, can smell the campfire smoke and see the dust kicked up by the wagon wheels. Learn about seven-year-old Benjamin Bonney from Illinois who was introduced to a new type of bread by Native Americans he met on the trail; how thirteen-year-old Heber McBride and his family from England were able to keep up with their traveling group; what ten-year-old Thocmetony of the Northern Paiute in Nevada thought of the travelers passing by her home; what the difficulties twelve-year-old Owen Bush met when his family, including his free African American father, finally reached Oregon; and more.

Including a bibliography and gorgeously illustrated in vibrant, masterful papercut art, this book presents true stories plus quotes so that young readers can share the emigrant kids' triumphs and tragedies as they make their journey west.

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    Kindle restrictions
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  • Reviews

    • Kirkus

      May 1, 2021
      What was it like to be a child traveling on the Oregon and California trails in the years between 1841 and 1884? Focusing mostly on the stories of emigrants, also called overlanders, this introductory title highlights the stories of 15 young people ages 6 to 14 gleaned from both primary and secondary sources, such as contemporary newspaper articles. Most are White; two Native American and two Black voices are the exceptions. Starting with the decision to move West, the book proceeds in well-laid-out double-page spreads to cover what to pack, when to leave, children's responsibilities on the journey, the perils of rough weather, the tragedies of sickness, and more. Information about or quotes from the 15 children are included on every page. The bright, bold illustrations are defined by thick lines and subtle textures. Unfortunately, the illustrated portraits of the children aren't quite distinct enough to provide visual differentiation among their stories. The text specifically addresses the devastating impacts of westward expansion on the Native Americans already living on land viewed as empty and free by White people. Free African Americans, as well as enslaved Black people, are mentioned occasionally. Despite these efforts, Whiteness is still centered. White emigrant children are referred to simply as "emigrants" while non-White perspectives are labeled specifically. Backmatter includes sources, an author's note, and biographical information about each of the 15 young people featured. Historically accurate but only just begins to disrupt the dominant narrative. (Nonfiction. 7-12)

      COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • PDF ebook
Kindle restrictions

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:950
  • Text Difficulty:5-6

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