Words West: Voices of Young Pioneers

by Ginger Wadsworth

Among the tens of thousands of pioneers who left home in covered wagons in the 1800s, headed for the West in hopes of fertile land, gold, or escape from religious or racial persecution, some forty thousand were children. Though the hardships and dangers of the trail were many, these children also witnessed the great and wild beauty of the untouched West and became an integral part of U.S. history. In this unique approach to the history of the wagon trail and western expansion, here are the moving stories of these young pioneers, told in their own words through letters home, diaries, and memoirs.
Ginger Wadsworth’s clear and well-organized presentation is comprehensive, accessible, and richly illustrated with detailed maps and more than ninety archival photos and prints of life on the trail. Endnotes, bibliography, index.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published November 17, 2003

Reviews

[Sandy Carmichael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting views in the words of young people going westward on the wagon trains.

[Lana Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers the child's perspective to westward expansion. Although this book is written from the European experience, the author does a fine job of objectifying information and exposing injustices on both sides of the cultural spectrum. The text includes personal stories of slavery, abduction, and crimes committed on children caught between conflicting cultures. Young readers should be made aware of some emotionally sensitive material before reading this text.

[Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't turn out quite as good as I thought it would be, but it was still good. The book didn't go into much depth, skimmed the surface quite often, but maybe because children's viewpoint. Covered all the old West trails. Interesting enough. Light read.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the details about daily camp life. Very well researched.

[Gwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story from the young pioneers (children) who traveled with their families west to California or Oregon. The pictures were marvelous.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really good so far! I got it in third grade when the author, Ginger Wadsworth, came to our school to do a presentation, and she signed it for me!

[Katherine]

wonderful example of a historical book for young people. enjoyable for an adult also

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating!

[Anthony A]

Good History