Wagon Train

by Sydelle Kramer, Deborah Kogan Ray (Illustrator)

This story is based on the Immigrants journey across America, to get to Oregon, it tells a story of one man's dream, and a gunslinger turned scout, to take a hundred wagons from Virginia to Oregon passing through many states, Randy West a gunman wanted to take them across because, he knew the country well, he'd been to many of the states they would pass through, he knew the rivers, the mountains and the Indians as well, the man who had the dream was called Isaac Peabody a preacher and wagon master, the man he hired was from Texas, he was a gunman a mean character all round, they started out in May of eighteen hundred and sixty nine, and would not get to Oregon until maybe March eighteen hundred and seventy. It also tells the story of the gunman who reforms to a more civilized person that guided the wagons over the trails from Virginia to Oregon.

Genres: Picture Books, History, 2nd Grade

Unknown Binding

First published November 1, 1997

About the author

Sydelle Kramer is the author of many nonfiction graded readers. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

[Jennifer Sommer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book in the All Aboard Reading series, this story follows a large group of pioneers as they make a 2,000 mile journey by wagon train in 1848. Their final destination is California where they have heard it is green and beautiful, and where they may make their fortunes. The covered wagons filled with all of their belongings are discussed, as is what happens to the wagons when it becomes necessary to cross a river or climb a mountain. The scenery and the weather and what that means to the pioneers is also revealed. The pioneers meet Indians along the way and trade. The holidays are celebrated with contests and music. After six months the pioneers finally reach California. This is a very informative book about life in a wagon train and a nice map showing the various routes and destinations of pioneers is provided at the back of the book. This would be good for children in grades 1-3.

[Tara Cates · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 5yr old son loved this book.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent high level description of going west in a wagon train. For a short book, it covered quite a variety of situations that occurred.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

More evocative than informative, but a good introduction to the subject of westward expansion for early readers. Ray's illustrations are unusual, but beautiful.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book with lovely warm illustrations. Just read this with my fifth grade reading pal.