In 1851, 12-year-old orphan Austin Ives joins a wagon train headed for California. As he makes his way across the country, Austin writes home to his brother Levi, describing life on the rugged Overland Trail. Extensively researched, with episodes based on true incidents, "the epistolary format and character development offer solid reading."--Booklist
An IRA Teachers' Choice
119 pages 978-0679846413 Ages 9 and up
Keywords: historical fiction, diary, American history, wagon train, pioneers, family, 19th century, survival, 9 year old, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old
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llus. in black-and-white. In 1851, 12-year-old orphan Austin Ives joins a wagon train headed for California. As they make their way across the country, Austin writes home to his brother Levi, describing day-to-day life on the Overland Trail. In his own observant and vigorous voice, Austin tells of the everyday happenings--hunting game and fording streams--as well as more dramatic episodes, from devastating illness to complex encounters with Indians.--from the publisher
Read Alike: I Witness: Hard Gold: The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859: A Tale of the Old West; Dear Austin by Elvira Woodruff
