The Oregon Trail

Children's Literature - Heather N. Kolich

Short bursts of large-type text inform the reader of the history of the trail from inception to preservation. The first two chapters of this "A True Book" title explain the political and cultural motivations to colonize Oregon, including the struggle between the United States and Great Britain to claim the territory. Chapter three describes the explorers who mapped out pieces of the route and helps readers understand that the wagon trail developed over time. In chapters four and five, Friedman provides a quick sense of the daily routine of pioneers traveling on the trail, and some of the challenges they faced, such as river crossings, deadly weather and disease. The final chapter covers statehood and the transcontinental railroad that drew many travelers away from the Oregon Trail. A special section called "The Big Truth" features pioneer, Ezra Meeker, who made the journey west in 1852, then in the early 1900s, worked to preserve the Oregon Trail in the nation's memory. Each colorful spread includes maps, paintings and/or photographs captioned by quick facts in a jaunty font. A page of "True Statistics" at the end of the book provides an eye-popping summary of travel on the Oregon Trail. A list of resources, a glossary, and an author's page complete the book. Reviewer: Heather N. Kolich