|
| Bound for Oregon | 
| Author: Jean Van Leeuwen
Publisher: Puffin
Category: Book
List Price: $5.99
Buy Used: $0.18
You Save: $5.81 (97%)
New (36) from $1.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  24 reviews
Sales Rank: 43071
Media: Paperback
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 176
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5 x 0.6
ISBN: 0140383190
EAN: 9780140383195
ASIN: 0140383190
Publication Date: November 1, 1996
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 19 more reviews...
 From a 10 year old!!!!!!!!!!!!! June 18, 2008
A five star book. I couldn't put it down. You see through a 10 year old girls eyes. The tale about a girl whose family goes out to Oregon. They travel through many obsticles. I love it. And I would reccomomend it to any 10 year old.
 Nice Story about the Oregon Trail, with a focus on a family's faith May 10, 2008
This was an enjoyable easy read about life on the Oregon Trail, told from the perspective of a 9-year-old girl, Mary Ellen Todd. It's based on the book written by the daughter of the real Mary Ellen Todd, based on her mother's stories over the years.
The reader will come away with a better knowledge of the preparation required to travel the Trail, as well as the difficulties of the journey. They'll read of various battles with illness, encounters with Indians, crossing difficult rivers, wagon train troubles, some wagons turning back, babies born on the trail, etc. The scary moments of life on the Trail are addressed, but it's all presented in an appropriate way for children.
Of course, the author had to fill in some details not covered in the book of Mary Ellen's daughter. One thing that the author decided to add in (which she admits is pure invention) was Mary Ellen's feelings of antagonism toward her stepmother (her mother died when she was little). Though Mary Ellen obeys in her actions, there are several times that she's quite disrespectful in her attitude and thoughts, if not actions. One common struggle with her stepmother is over being ladylike. Mary Ellen once also does have this disrespectful attitude toward her father. In many ways, her attitude is portrayed as "normal," and I don't think children need encouraged in thinking this is normal in the sense of being "okay." But, there are only a few mentions of this, and they're easy enough to explain or edit as a read-aloud. It would have been nice, however, if the author hadn't felt the need to inject this into the book.
I was pleasantly surprised at how frequently this book touched on this family's faith. Several times, when rejoicing or sorrowing, the family ends up singing a hymn, or Father referencing a Bible verse. There's mention of Mary Ellen memorizing Scripture (Psalm 23), and Father reads from the Bible to them regularly. They usually rest for at least part of Sunday. Their faith is definitely portrayed as part of their everyday lives.
Overall, I'd recommend this book for reading aloud to children to help them learn about the Oregon Trail. If bothered by Mary Ellen's occasional attitude, you can always edit as you go. I plan to read this aloud to my children (ages 6 on down) sometime in the next year.
 RECIPE FOR PIONEER SURVIVAL August 18, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Families needed goodly amounts of common sense, courage and religious faith in order to endure the ordeal of the covered wagon journey to Oregon and/or California--regardless of the route chosen. The Todd family of Arkansas proved flexible and resourceful during the six-month
test of physical and moral endurance in 1852--the year of the terrible cholera epidemic. Based on the diaries of adults and grown children of the Oregon Trail this book faithfully reproduces the challenges and dangers suffered by those seeking new lives in the Pacific northwest.
The oldest of three girls, Mary Ellen is just 9 at the start of the story, but she comes of age by the end when she finally just crack Father's whip. Thought the family hardships she admires her father's quiet strength and dignity, as well as the resroucefulness of her step-mother. It is in times of trial that different family members step go the extra mile, taking their turn to ensure the survival of the group. Despite the hardships Mary Ellen still takes the time to admire the beauties of the Natural landscape. While her body is busy with daily tasks, her heart cherishes fond memories of her Grandmother, whom she realizes she will never see again. But this dear relative's face and words inspire Mary Ellen to discover personal courage in a barren wilderness. The accompanying map at the beginning of the book clarifies the geographic details of the long journey. Excellent westward migration reading for middle-school students.
arrsteph - My Review for Academy Extra Credit December 5, 2006
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Bound for Oregon is the story of Mary Ellen Todd and her journey with her family along the Oregon Trail. Although this book was interesting in the first chapter, I think the author got a little carried away with the monotonus context of the book. All in all, it is a good book if you want to know more about this era in history and the Oregon Trail.
Claire's review October 2, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I loved this book. I disagree with the people who said that the book droned on and on. In this book an 8 year old girl and her family set out on a 6 month journey to Oregon. On the way they face many hardships, the death and parting with friends and loved ones and several Indian attacks. But there are many exciting moments, and moments of fun, including popping popcorn in the rain. I RECOMMEND this book to everyone.
|
|
|
Wildlife, nature and the Environment
Sponsored Links
Learn how to get your own Amazon Book shop | |
