Learn about the courageous Americans who journeyed on the Oregon Trail in this picture book perfect for the Common Core
It’s 1848, and brave families band together in covered wagons to head west. Each spread introduces a different speaker to tell his or her part of the story: there’s Carl Hawks, son of the wagon train leader; Louisa Bailey, the newlywed; Chankoowashtay, a Sioux brave; and more. Like its acclaimed predecessor Colonial Voices, this book showcases a thrilling—and often dangerous—time in our history. Richly detailed illustrations bring the story of the great Westward Expansion to vivid life.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
Voices from the Oregon Trail is an excellent book to use in the classroom.
By JAM46
Kay Winters’ Voices from the Oregon Trail vividly captures the pioneer spirit that is so much a part of our national psyche. The book begins and ends with the voice of Carl Hawks, the son of Captain Hawks who leads the wagon train. But Carl’s story is also threaded throughout the narratives of most of the other characters, linking the stories together like the train of wagons that travels two thousand miles from Independence, Missouri to Oregon City, Oregon. Tension mounts as the families must cross raging rivers, evade quicksand, face illness, childbirth, and the death of loved ones along the way. They are, as one character says, “a moving town.” Each first person narrative is unique and told in a distinctive voice. Together these voices paint a powerful picture of life on the Oregon Trail. The historical notes at the end of the book will further enrich the reader’s experience of this remarkable period in our history. The stories of these brave pioneers—enhanced by Larry Day’s beautiful ink and watercolor illustrations—will continue to resonate with readers long after they turn the last page.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.Picture Book Captures Life on the Oregon Trail
By Sandra
After decades of being a successful teacher and educational consultant, Kay Winters, turned her attention to writing children’s books in a variety of genres. Her latest book, Voices from the Oregon Trail (Dial Books for Young Readers, 2014 Illustrated by Larry Day) introduces young readers to the daily struggles of traveling along the Oregon Trail in 1848. After doing extensive research and visiting notable landmarks, Kay skillfully recreated a cross-section of fictionalized stories of people who traveled together by wagon train. Each personal narrative is concise, approximately 6 short paragraphs. These brief texts are enhanced by Larry Day’s full-page watercolor illustrations.The first and last story focus on Carl Hawks, the son of the wagon train’s captain. He peaks the young readers curiosity, by asking 3 questions.Will anyone catch cholera or measles?Will we bury many along the trail?Who will have a baby or get married?The other 15 individuals answer those questions and provide a cursory understanding of the perils associated with traveling across the US in the 1840s. Almost half of the monologues illustrate a female perspective.In Mary Hastings’ narrative, Kay captures the horror of losing a small child while crossing a river.“The wagon jerks, a sickening lurch.Caleb slips over the side.I stand and scream…Caleb… Caleb… Where’s my boy!Captain Hawks, Nate and Amos go after him.But Caleb’s gone… vanished…disappeared.Swallowed by dark water.”Kay also includes one Native American, a Sioux scout. He watches the wagons pass by and wonders what will occur next.Both the front and back inside covers showcase a map of the trail and sketches of the characters. Children unfamiliar with the Oregon Trail will be able to visualize the length of the journey and the landmarks that are highlighted in the story.Young readers will struggle with comprehending how all of the characters are interconnected. A diagram and a time line would have been a useful aid. I found myself taking a few notes so that I could see how the characters were related and better absorb the chronology of events.Two and a half pages of historical notes enable readers to gain a better understanding of the Oregon Trail. Kay also shares a list of resources for children who want to learn more about this time period.Anyone seeking a picture book that focuses on the 19th century westward migration should check out this new historical fiction resource. It would supplement any age-appropriate non-fiction books. It should be noted that Voices From the Oregon Trail was selected by the Junior Library Guild in 2014.In exchange for an honest review on this site as well as my blog, I received a copy of this book from the author.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.Voices From the Oregon Trail by Kay Winters
By wendy pfeffer
As a teacher of young children I applaud Kay Winters for this well written and thoroughly researched book. What a wonderful way for children to learn Americal history. It will make young children feel as though they took part in this important event. They will enjoy seeing, on the inside covers, portraits of all the characters. This book is perfect for a Reader's Theater as it allows many children to participate. Each page shows Larry Day's knowledge and detailed research of the period in his beautiful illustrations. Parents, teachers and children will all benefit from the characters telling their stories in their own voices as well as the accurate historical notes at the end.
