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Jericho's Journey
Jericho Wetherby yearns for adventure, so he is thrilled when his father decides to move the family from Tennessee to Texas. In a lively first-person narrative, Jericho relates a string of colorful happenings on the westward trail. A fast-paced, action-packed pioneer story.--Kirkus Reviews.
144 pages, Library Binding
First published August 1, 1993
About the author
G. Clifton Wisler
81 books15 followersHe was a North Texas schoolteacher who became a prolific author best known for his historical novels, most of them written for young adults.
He had written 73 books and 22 short stories and had contributed numerous articles to Boys' Life magazine for at least 20 years.
Born in Oklahoma City, Mr. Wisler grew up in Dallas, where he graduated with honors from Hillcrest High School in 1968.
He received his bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University in 1972 and began teaching at Denton High School, where his duties included the school newspaper and yearbook.
He returned to SMU, where he earned his master's degree in English and education in 1974. He later attended the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas, where he was writing his dissertation on a Civil War history of the 9th Texas Infantry Regiment for a doctorate in history.
Mr. Wisler had many 9th Texas Infantry artifacts on loan from people helping him in his research, his sister said.
Mr. Wisler taught at Ben Jackson Middle School in Garland. In 1979, he published his first novel, My Brother, the Wind, which was nominated for the 1980 American Book award.
In 1984, Mr. Wisler left teaching to devote himself to writing. Two years later, he briefly returned to teaching at Bowman Middle School in Plano.
Mr. Wisler's honors include the International Reading Association's 2001 Paul A. Witty Short Story Award for his work, "The Orange Armband," and an Association of Educational Publishers 2000 Distinguished Achievement Award for Bloody Pond.
He twice won the Western Writers of America Spur Award and was a finalist for the honor eight times.
Gary grew up in Scouting, in Troop 709 sponsored by Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church. After graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1968, he went on to SMU. While a college student in the 1970s, he served as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 709. He also later served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 143, and as Scoutmaster of Troop 30 and Troop 106.
He kept his Vigil in 1982 and was given the Vigil name "Mane of the Buffalo Herder." Gary was recognized with the District Award of Merit for service to youth in and out of the Scouting program. Gary completed Wood Badge and served on staff at Camp Constantin. He received the National Silver Beaver Award.
Gary received the Phil Paul Award in 1986 and the Founders Award in 1990.
Gary was a contributing writer to Boys' Life magazine and other Scouting publications. Among his writings was the short story, The Orange Armband, published in the December 2000 issue of Boys' Life. It tells the fascinating story of American soldiers arriving to liberate Nazi-occupied Holland, and how outlawed Boy Scouts joining the fight for freedom. He contributed to and edited I Go To Prepare a Trail for You, Mikanakawa Lodge 1937-1987, the Lodge history book.
In addition, Gary was a popular writer for young readers, authoring more than 70 books, including Run the Blockade, Red Cap, My Brother the Wind, Massacre at Powder River, A Cry of Angry Thunder and Piper's Ferry: A Tale of the Texas Revolution. He traveled extensively to research his books, placing the reader often in the shoes of a boy growing into manhood amid difficult, historical times. His books are found in school libraries and public libraries across the United States. He was a noted Civil War historian.
Gary taught English and Journalism in both Garland and Plano public schools, educating many who have gone on to prominent careers in journalism. He lived most of his adult life in Plano.
In this life, he was taken all too quickly from us. He lived his life for others, devoting himself fully to the work of the Lord in all he did, living the Scout Oath, Scout Promise and more importantly, The Golden Rule.
He had written 73 books and 22 short stories and had contributed numerous articles to Boys' Life magazine for at least 20 years.
Born in Oklahoma City, Mr. Wisler grew up in Dallas, where he graduated with honors from Hillcrest High School in 1968.
He received his bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University in 1972 and began teaching at Denton High School, where his duties included the school newspaper and yearbook.
He returned to SMU, where he earned his master's degree in English and education in 1974. He later attended the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas, where he was writing his dissertation on a Civil War history of the 9th Texas Infantry Regiment for a doctorate in history.
Mr. Wisler had many 9th Texas Infantry artifacts on loan from people helping him in his research, his sister said.
Mr. Wisler taught at Ben Jackson Middle School in Garland. In 1979, he published his first novel, My Brother, the Wind, which was nominated for the 1980 American Book award.
In 1984, Mr. Wisler left teaching to devote himself to writing. Two years later, he briefly returned to teaching at Bowman Middle School in Plano.
Mr. Wisler's honors include the International Reading Association's 2001 Paul A. Witty Short Story Award for his work, "The Orange Armband," and an Association of Educational Publishers 2000 Distinguished Achievement Award for Bloody Pond.
He twice won the Western Writers of America Spur Award and was a finalist for the honor eight times.
Gary grew up in Scouting, in Troop 709 sponsored by Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church. After graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1968, he went on to SMU. While a college student in the 1970s, he served as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 709. He also later served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 143, and as Scoutmaster of Troop 30 and Troop 106.
He kept his Vigil in 1982 and was given the Vigil name "Mane of the Buffalo Herder." Gary was recognized with the District Award of Merit for service to youth in and out of the Scouting program. Gary completed Wood Badge and served on staff at Camp Constantin. He received the National Silver Beaver Award.
Gary received the Phil Paul Award in 1986 and the Founders Award in 1990.
Gary was a contributing writer to Boys' Life magazine and other Scouting publications. Among his writings was the short story, The Orange Armband, published in the December 2000 issue of Boys' Life. It tells the fascinating story of American soldiers arriving to liberate Nazi-occupied Holland, and how outlawed Boy Scouts joining the fight for freedom. He contributed to and edited I Go To Prepare a Trail for You, Mikanakawa Lodge 1937-1987, the Lodge history book.
In addition, Gary was a popular writer for young readers, authoring more than 70 books, including Run the Blockade, Red Cap, My Brother the Wind, Massacre at Powder River, A Cry of Angry Thunder and Piper's Ferry: A Tale of the Texas Revolution. He traveled extensively to research his books, placing the reader often in the shoes of a boy growing into manhood amid difficult, historical times. His books are found in school libraries and public libraries across the United States. He was a noted Civil War historian.
Gary taught English and Journalism in both Garland and Plano public schools, educating many who have gone on to prominent careers in journalism. He lived most of his adult life in Plano.
In this life, he was taken all too quickly from us. He lived his life for others, devoting himself fully to the work of the Lord in all he did, living the Scout Oath, Scout Promise and more importantly, The Golden Rule.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 12, 2022
An enjoyable and educational read. My kids and I could relate in ways to the characters' feelings about their time of transition and finally reaching their new home, as we read this one during the course of our own long journey to move across multiple states.
April 22, 2019
At the age of twelve years old, Jericho did not have many sizes, grown up during the families travel from Tennessee to Texas where his uncle Dan told of a land to buy. Jericho gives a first-person view of the family journey to Texas. Jericho walks most of the trip. True to the time, his journey consists of crossing rivers, the harsh cold and snowstorms and areas of the dangerous crossing of land in a covered wagon. The author throughout the story, you see Jericho endured not only the walk but also work that his father expected of everyone. One thing that happened to got Jericho and his siblings through the journey are that they had to joke and tease one another to balance the hard work to get to Texas.
Jericho gives the first person view in the story. I see this story of coming of age because Jericho learned to work hard. Jericho is a different person when he reached Texas; a forced journey of transformation. This is a good adventure book for readers.
Jericho gives the first person view in the story. I see this story of coming of age because Jericho learned to work hard. Jericho is a different person when he reached Texas; a forced journey of transformation. This is a good adventure book for readers.
October 9, 2022
Jericho Wetherby and his family leave Tennessee for Texas in 1852. It was a cold miserable journey but they faced the challenges of the trail with fortitude and bravely. The arrive safely in their new home. Based on a true story.
June 29, 2017
could have been better? Imo it's like a toned down Laura Ingalls Wilder sort of thing, and eh. It was fun I guess, but just read the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, y'all.
February 4, 2024
Right in the beginning of the book, it talks about the brothers routinely watching girls bathing in the creek, as if this is a totally normal and acceptable behavior. The characters, excepting the mother, all have atrocious attitudes and behaviors. The family members behaved like vicious enemies; no familial bliss here. Besides my general dislike of the characters, I found the story a little boring. It did find educational value in in the descriptions of their journey, however.
May 6, 2015
Wisler presents a view of the westward movement that I have never read about before. The family moves from Tennessee to Texas---not the normal St Louis westward. The route has different problems, including the swamps (instead of the desert). He introduced my boys to a bit of history through this family's journey. Although the father's tough, get-it-done approach to assigning chores to the boys gave an appearance of a non-caring father, the author gave glimpses that allowed the reader to see the heart underneath the toughness. The trials showed how the brothers could help each other to become stronger men. The teasing and badgering reflected the boys' light view on life inspire of the hardships.
My boys enjoyed it.
My boys enjoyed it.
August 10, 2008
This is a great book for a youngster who is interested in how families traveled by wagon over all the miles that seperated our country back then. Jericho describes in great detail all the trials, excitement, and dreams his entire family experiences while trying to make it to a better land for his family. He becomes a man in his father's eyes and learns his big brother really is the hero he's always though of him to be. A great short read.
June 26, 2014
gr 4-8 135 pgs
1852, journey from Tennessee to Texas. 12 year old Jericho and his family makes the long journey from their home in Tennessee to Texas where Jericho's uncle has land.
It seemed that most of the story was about Jericho and his brothers were either talking about needing a bath or taking one. I would've liked the story to focus a bit more on the trip.
1852, journey from Tennessee to Texas. 12 year old Jericho and his family makes the long journey from their home in Tennessee to Texas where Jericho's uncle has land.
It seemed that most of the story was about Jericho and his brothers were either talking about needing a bath or taking one. I would've liked the story to focus a bit more on the trip.
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February 5, 2009JAR4-Wis
December 14, 2016
Jericho and his family journey from Tennessee to Texas in 1852 in search of a new life.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews