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Clarion Books, 2003. 208 pages with over 100 black & white archival photographs and illustrations. Grades 5 through 9. Ages 10 and up. ISBN 0-618-23475-6 hardback |
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Between 1830 and 1870, tens of thousands of pioneers hit the trail in covered wagons, leaving behind everything they had ever known and heading for an unknown future in the American West. Many of these pioneers were children and young people. Here are the moving stories of these young pioneers, told in their own words through letters home, diaries, and memoirs. Their writings provide a window into what life on the trail was truly like.
REVIEWS/AWARDS:
WINNER!!
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2004 Spur Award for Best Juvenile Nonfiction Book. WESTERN WRITERS OF AMERICA
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2005 Young Reader Award in recognition of a notable contribution to the documentation of life in the United States. THE COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA
FINALIST FOR:
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2004 Literary Award in Children's Literature category. PEN CENTER USA
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2004 WILLA Literary Award in Children/Young Adult category. WOMEN WRITING THE WEST
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2004 Regional Book Award in Children's category. MOUNTAIN & PLAINS BOOKSELLER'S ASSOCIATION
". . . a significant achievement in non-fiction for young adults. . . . Readers come away with a clear sense of the beauty, tragedy, fear, and work endured by those traveling the major westward trails." ALAN Review (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of NCTE-National Council of Teachers of English)
". . . exemplary. Clear prose and a passion for her subject are evident throughout this superb volume. Maps, archival photographs and other period illustrations, informative captions, and many sidebars make fascinating reading. . . . A model of fine history writing." KIRKUS REVIEWS, Starred Review
". . . a terrific account of the opening of the American West as recorded in the diaries and recollections of mostly teenage pioneers . . . and an epilogue about what happened to many of the people quoted; with a helpful bibliography of adult and children's books." NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW
". . . an entirely new perspective. The reality depicted in the children's diaries and letters, coupled with well-chosen authentic photographs, offers a true idea of the hardships and tragedies faced on the trip west. This is an intriguing and memorable text, packed with information. . . ." THE FIVE OWLS, Starred "Book of Merit"
". . . the reader can actually feel the emotions . . . of the pioneers. Reading some of the letters moved me to tears. I can't think of a better resource book for students writing about the West, and it should be included in all school libraries. What a wonderful book to own." PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY/CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
". . . excellent history for children! . . . captures the sense of wonder, terror, and dreariness the children experienced during this remarkable era." Top Rating of "Outstanding" in BAY VIEWS - SHERRILL KUMLER, and selected as a 2004 Distinguished Book by the ASSOCIATION OF CHILDREN'S LIBRARIANS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
". . . provides a new take on a much-told story. . . . This well-organized and beautifully presented volume is comprehensive and accessible to children. It will offer them much to think about." ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL - ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
"Experience the ultimate 'family trip' . . . well documented and fascinating reading." TEACHER LIBRARIAN (TL) MAGAZINE
". . . this book gives a new perspective to a familiar topic. . . . It is the youthful point of view that makes this book unique and enjoyable." VOICES OF YOUTH ADVOCATES MAGAZINE, 2004 Nonfiction Honor List
". . . an impressive, handsomely presented chronicle of the westward movement as seen by the children on the journey. . . .includes a marvelous list of resources for eager readers and their teachers. A plethora of rare black-and-white archival photographs . . . a book every school library should own." CONTRA COSTA TIMES
"A uniquely youthful perspective on this period of American history." THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS
"Meaningful quotations, fabulous old photographs and intriguing details bring you into the history of those who left family they never saw again . . . ." WILDE AWARDS FOR BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOKS IN 2003. NEWS & OBSERVER PUBLISHING COMPANY - RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA.
". . . spins a dramatic story of life on the trail. . . . For young people, the trip was often filled with fun and excitement-no school other than casual private study and reading, beautiful scenery, and nightly gatherings around campfires to play guitars and fiddles, sing, and dance. . . . unique primary-source material." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL