Facing West: A Story of the Oregon Trail

Once Upon America

by Kathleen V. Kudlinski, James Watling (Illustrator)

When his family travels west via wagon train in 1845, Ben faces many adventures and hardships. Along with the dangers of rough weather and wild animals, Ben also fears the possibility that he might have a devastating asthma attack. As his family sets out from Missouri to Oregon, young Ben wonders whether he will have more trouble with the dangers of the journey or his debilitating asthma.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Chapter Books

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Kathleen Kudlinski is the author of 40 children’s books. Her works range from picture books to the YA level and include natural history, biographies and historical novels.
When not writing, she is a popular speaker and writing instructor. Building on a BS in Biology and six years of classroom teaching experience, Kathleen later trained as a “Master Teaching Artist” with the Connecticut Commission on the Arts as well as presenting at regional and national conferences. Now she eagerly Skypes with classroom, book-, and home-school groups, world-wide.

In her spare time, she paints and leads several SCBWI (Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators) critique groups, and teaches writing for children.

She writes at home beside a deep, wild lake in Guilford CT or at her woodland cabin in Weathersfield, VT with a a rescue macaw clinging to her shoulder and a pitbull warming her feet.

Reviews

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Once Upon America book I have read.
I found a copy of this in the Little Free Lending Library and wanted to check it out.
I was blown away by what a great read this was. The writing was simple, but engaging. It is like the next step after The Magic Tree House books. Very educational and enlightening.
I love how Kudlinski worked so much into the narrative (women's roles, dangers on the trail, daily routines, systems of communication). It was very cool to learn about the Oregon Trail while still being entertained.
I also liked the added element of Ben's asthma and how this effected him on the trail.
A very good read, highly recommend for young readers who are interested in history.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ben, a young boy writes in his journal of his family's 2000-mile journey on the Oregon Trail. He describes the dangers and hardships his family faces, including his struggle with asthma. This short quick read includes some great illustrations and is a good book for young readers to understand more about the journey west.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, but sweet. Perfect for teaching American history to young children.

[Erica Sonzogni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being that I’ve been reading a lot of Westward Expansion novels recently for work, this one wasn’t one of my favorites. My rating is a “meh”.

[Kristen Sickler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my son for his book report. It was a very easy and quick read, very informative. Both my son and I enjoyed going on this journey with Ben in the book.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie rated this 5 stars and Jake and I rated it 4 stars. These "Once upon America" chapter books are great for the kids.

[Ladonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple history story of the Oregon trail. Tells from the perspective of a young boy.

[Jesse Baldwin]

A good book to teach students about the Oregon Trail, while taking them on an exciting adventure.