The Oregon Trail

December 1, 2013
Grades 3-6 History can take many paths and these entries in the You Choose: History series prove just that. After a brief introduction to the time period, the books use a Choose Your Own Adventure style format that follows three fictional young people through historical ups and downsincluding, sometimes, death. Complemented by archival photographs and reproductions, the brisk text highlights key events, people, and places. In The Oregon Trail, adventure turns sour as three young people riding along the Oregon Trail, guiding a wagon train, and heading for gold face being orphaned, food shortages, disease, hostile interactions with Native Americans, and other perils. Each title concludes with a chapter about the time period's legacy and extensive back matter to encourage further exploration.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)