Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express (I Can Read Book 3) by Coerr, Eleanor [Paperback(1996/8/2)]

by Eleanor Coerr

A story about Buffalo Bill and his exploits as a pony express rider.

Genres: Biography, History, American History, Childrens, School, Nonfiction, 2nd Grade

Paperback Bunko

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Eleanor Coerr was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Canada, and grew up in Saskatoon. Two of her favorite childhood hobbies were reading and making up stories.

Her fascination with Japan began when she received a book called Little Pictures of Japan one Christmas. It showed children in beautiful kimonos playing games, chasing butterflies, and catching crickets. She pored over the colored illustrations, dreaming of one day joining those children in Japan. Her best friend in high school was a Japanese girl whose family introduced her to brush painting, eating with chopsticks, and origami. Eleanor's desire to visit that magical place never faded, and her well-thumbed copy of that favorite book is still in her library.

Eleanor began her professional life as a newspaper reporter and editor of a column for children. Luckily, she traveled to Japan in 1949 as a writer for the Ottawa Journal, since none of the other staff wanted to go to a country that had been devastated by war. To learn Japanese, Eleanor lived on a farm near Yonago for about one year, absorbing the culture and enjoying rural celebrations. Soon she was able to visit nearby schools and speak to young audiences about her country. Eleanor wrote and illustrated Circus Day in Japan, using the farm family and a visit to the circus as models. It was published in Tokyo in 1953.

Her most difficult trip while she was in Japan was to Hiroshima. Eleanor was shocked by the horrible destruction and death caused by one atom bomb. Of course, she did not know Sadako Sasaki at that time, although she was living there with her family. The misery and suffering Eleanor witnessed was burned into her mind, and she hoped future world leaders would avoid wars at all costs.

One beautiful day in 1963, Eleanor revisited Hiroshima and saw the statue of Sadako in the Hiroshima Peace Park. Impressed by the stories she heard about Sadako's talent for running, courage when faced with cancer, and determination to fold one thousand paper cranes, Eleanor was inspired to find a copy of Kokeshi, Sadako's autobiography.

Eleanor looked everywhere she could think of and asked all of her Japanese friends to help. Since the school had copied the ninety-four pages and stapled them together, most of the books had fallen apart. Years passed, and Eleanor continued writing for newspapers in various countries and wrote more children's books. But she was always hoping to find Kokeshi.

One fateful afternoon, Eleanor was having tea with a missionary who had lived in Hiroshima all through the war.

"Eleanor," she said, "you should write a biography of Sadako Sasaki for American children to read."

"I would love to," said Eleanor, "but I must have Kokeshi to get all the true facts about Sadako."

The missionary took Eleanor to her attic. Lo and behold, at the bottom of an old trunk was an original copy of Kokeshi. Eleanor rushed to have it translated properly and began writing Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes as soon as she could.

"It's like magic. I was meant to write her story," Eleanor said.

Reviews

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express by Eleanor Coerr, Illustrator Don Bolognese- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of William Frederik Codi was born in the year 1846. He joined the Pony Express in 1846. Pony Express was responsible to carry mail from St. Joseph Missouri, California to Sacramento. This mail was further sent from Sacramento to San Francisco by steamer. Telegraph lines were being laid in USA. Within a period of 18 months, telegraph lines laying work was complete and Pony Express was closed. Work of laying of Transcontinental Railway line was started. In the office of Pony Express at Fort Laramie an advertisement was displayed inviting young men who can ride a Pony to carry post. Wages were 25 dollars per week. Mr. Majors interviewed William, selected him and laid condition that never tell a lie, never swear, never fight. Post had to be carried on Ponies. They had a fleet of 400- Ponies and 80- riders. Distance with 2000- miles time allotted is 10 days. Ponies ply day and night. In between, stations for rest, food and change in riders was provided. William was allotted the duty to carry mail from Red Bites to Three Crossing. Every rider is sanctioned two -day rest after delivery of mail. William was provided with two pistols, a knife and horn. Blue Tell was his Pony. During his first trip, Indians attached him to snatch his Pony but Blue Tell was fast and he reached his destination safe. Here William was informed that he has to take the mail for 75-miles more because the next rider was ill. William completed this mission. William regularly wrote letters to his mother and sent her his wages. Next incident was that about 8-wolves attached him during rain. William shot with his pistol but the wolves did not leave him. Then William blue his bugle. Wolves were afraid and left him. He kept on blowing his bugle until he reached the next station looked after by Mr. Willis. William was classmate of Red Indian Chief’s sons at Laramie Fort School. He knew Red Indian sign language and Sioux Indian culture. Another incident mentioned in the book is that one day, Pony Express had to carry money for the first time. Robbers were aware that money will be with William. For success of this project, William made a plan. He stuffed grass in his dress and put a pumpkin on the head. William made the statue sit on his Pony Blue Tell and hit the pony to move. Robbers shot at the pony. Staff from Pony express shot at the robbers. Their chief was caught. William moved with the money to the next stop. When Pony Express was closed, William worked as contractor to supply of buffalo meat to workers of Transcontinental Railway. William was awarded for his service in Pony Express. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

biographical, a well-known western character (and one of his graves is a few miles west of where I live)

Good: focuses on his youth and rider for the pony express (as opposed to shooting buffalo and having a wild west show)

Two adventures are based on actual events. The third is about a wolf attack, which I believe was invented for this book; as in fairy tales, the wolves are shown as vicious animals. All three of the adventures should appeal to young readers.

[Janyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1860 men rode for the Pony Express delivering mail. They rode all throughout the country on their horses. Buffalo Bill was one of these young men that rode like the wind. The book takes you on the many adventures that he encountered. He often times met new people. This is a great book.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is informative about Buffalo Bill and what riding for the pony express was like. It jumps to four stars because Bill's letters home crack me up. Every time he has an adventure, he writes this really bland letter home that has no hint of the peril he's just been through.

[Jc · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Pony Express is one of those early American ideals that brings a smile to most readers faces.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic historical fiction intermediate reader, chapters are isolated incidents that connect the story. Has Native American representations which may be flawed.

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very educational book

[Ashley Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, early reader story about the early days of buffalo Bill Cody and his work on the pony express.

[Moriah Unashamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read to get young boys engaged. My 3 and 5 year old loved this book.

[Haley.Fosterbetheluniversity.Edu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today’s Date: 11/23/2020
Genre: Non-Fiction/Biography
Grade Level: 2nd - 3rd

Review: I love any stories about the Wild West, so reading this one was super fun for me! I read it with two of my boy students, and they loved hearing the stories of adventure and bravery! I also love reading biographies about real historical characters, so that made this book really intriguing to me as well! It is a small chapter book, great for introducing chapters to younger grades.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the spring of 1860, fifteen year-old William (Bill) Frederick Cody sees a sign at the Fort Laramie Post Office advertising for Pony Express riders. He exclaims, “That’s the kind of job I want.” Bill is assigned to take mail from Red Buttes to Three Crossings. His first ride begins at midnight. Paiute Indians chase him and shoot at him. When he arrives at Three Crossings, the rider is sick so Bill must ride to the next station. The excitement continues as he faces terrible thunder storms, wolves, and thieves. But, despite the danger, Bill is happy to do his part to deliver the mail from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Lisa Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express is a historical fiction book that is easy to read. It is intended for grades 2-4. The story is a chapter book with short chapter's and easy reading. The story is about William Cody and his adventures riding the pony express. IN this book he encounters a chase with Indians, wolves and a shoot-out with robbers. The pages do have pictures on them for added detail to the story. Buffalo Bill was a brave young men who had a very important job. But he was always sure to write his mother and let her know he was fine. I would recommend this book.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly well told story that's full of adventure, fun and a little history about the pony express. Here's four great chapters to keep your readers engaged!

Reading Level: 2nd - 4th grades

Cleanliness: someone says "Gee whiz!"

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.

[Trace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luke's review: This book is about a teenager named Bill who joins the Pony Express.

He became known as Buffalo Bill because he risked his life to supply buffalo meat to workers on the transcontinental railroad.

My favorite part was when he made a pumpkin head scarecrow in order to trick Terrible Todd and his gang.

This book reminds me of another book I read a while ago about the Wild West with the Time Warp Trio.

I give this book 3 stars.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these "An I Can Read Book" books that focus on different stories in U.S. history. It's sometimes hard to find something that is engaging for children at their level, and this book was perfect. The story was a great adventure while learning about Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express. We loved it as part of our study of California.

[Princess · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't like this book because people are mean, people trying to hate each other, people fighting. This book is about a boy who loved to deliver mail. Some bad things happened but he would not tell his mother what was happening, so she won't worry.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book because it's a good book to read. I like this book because it tells how a boy named Bill follows his dreams. I like this book because Bill became one of the best riders for the Pony Express.

[Willow]

I'm working on entering all the books I've ever read. This book was one of them. I read this book a long time ago.

[Cws]

JEAR2-Coe

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about a young pony express rider and his adventures.

[Mikanchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it.

[Jaime · Rating 1 out of 5]

talk about boring! Just not our cup of tea.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

MCL.

[Donzell Fomond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buffalo Bill is a good story to read. I like this book because it tells you how a boy named Bill wanted to follow his dreams. He joined the Pony Express and became one of their best riders.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about the Pony Express.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Longer reader/first chapter - good story progression, words were simple enough, historical context was explained decently well.

[WSL Library]

x2

[Elanor]

All by herself!