Oregon Reads: Books on the Oregon Trail

Here are some books we managed to find on the Oregon Trail, just for you!

Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie

 

By Kristiana Gregory

Aunt June "...confided to me that the way their brother Milton's coffin went sailing down the Missoura was 'Splendid! The best amusement in months.' Aunt June and I think alike." These words, from thirteen-year-old Hattie Campbell's journal entry for February 18, 1847, mark the beginning of her journey- an adventure that unfolds over the next ten months and two thousand miles. A sense of amusement, the ability to dream, and a chance to escape sad memories while building a new life motivate Hattie Campbell and her family as they set their sights on the acres of land available to daring settlers at the end of the Oregon Trail.

What we like about this book: There are several humorous moments that really lets the reader connect with Hattie, giving you a sense that she’s a real person. It makes the reading more personable, and no book should be without humor.

Age Range: 9-16

Audience: Girls, but we think Boys would like it, too

Cautions: It’s been several years since either Marin or I have read this book. We don’t quite remember what was all in it, so reader discretion advised. I do remember that Hattie could be quite naughty in what she wrote, so definitely it’s best for an older audience. We don’t remember anything inappropriate, but then again it’s been a while!

Era: 1847

Special Notes: None.

Seven Alone

By Honore Morrow

John Sager didn’t want to grow up. On his way out west with his six sibings and parents in a covered wagon, John tries to get out of chores in any way he can- from hiding to running away. But when tragedy strikes and their parents are killed, John must step-up as the adult of his family and get them across the Oregon Trail- without getting killed.

What we like about this book: This is a very good depiction of what life was like on the Oregon Trail. Detailed, thorough and thoughtful, if you want to know what life was like back then, read this book.

Age Range: 12 and up

Audience: Boys and Girls

Cautions: Though I’m ashamed to admit this, (Marin isn’t because she doesn’t even know what this book is about) I’ve never actually read the book. I watched the movie many years ago. The book was written in 1926, so as far as language and stuff I doubt that’s present. What I do know is that the descriptions could be quite graphic of what frostbite and other such trials were like. Not for the squeamish- again, I think reader discretion should be used when reading this book.

Era: 1844

Special Notes: None.

Captive Treasure

By Milly Howard

Traveling west across America with her family, Carrie Talbot enjoys all the excitement of the trail. But when a Cheyenne raiding party attacks the wagon train, Carrie is taken away to the Indians’ riverside camp, far from everyone she loves. In this Christian fiction book Carrie has only the family Bible and her faith in God to guide her through her struggles as she learns how to live with new people and understand a different language.

What we like about this book: This was one of the finest Christian Oregon Trail books Marin and I read. It has a great message, colorful characters and really involves the reader. Plus Carrie is such a sweet girl, who wouldn’t like her?

Age Range: 9 and up

Audience: Girls, but boys would enjoy it also

Cautions: None that we can remember! As always, readers should ask their parents what they think and follow their parents guidelines.

Era: mid-1850s

Special Notes: None.

Come back next week as we began a new adventure... on the Oregon Trail!