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Bound for Oregon
"Basing her story on the published accounts of her true-life heroine, Mary Ellen Todd, Van Leeuwen describes a family's tumultuous journey along the Oregon Trail in 1852." --Publishers Weekly
With only a guide book to show them the way, the Todd family sets out from their Arkansas home on a two thousand mile trek to claim unchartered Oregon Territory. Crossing rough terrain and encountering hostile people, the Todds show their true pioneering spirit. But as winter draws near, will the Todds have the strength to complete their journey? And if they make it, will Oregon fulfill their dreams?
“This is a convincing picture of a pioneer journey that does a good job of showing the tremendous sacrifices people made to follow their dream of a better life.” –School Library Journal
With only a guide book to show them the way, the Todd family sets out from their Arkansas home on a two thousand mile trek to claim unchartered Oregon Territory. Crossing rough terrain and encountering hostile people, the Todds show their true pioneering spirit. But as winter draws near, will the Todds have the strength to complete their journey? And if they make it, will Oregon fulfill their dreams?
“This is a convincing picture of a pioneer journey that does a good job of showing the tremendous sacrifices people made to follow their dream of a better life.” –School Library Journal
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1994
53 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
About the author
Jean Van Leeuwen
94 books35 followersJean Van Leeuwen was an American children's book author, of over forty children's books, including the Oliver Pig series, and Bound for Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
January 27, 2013
I might be the only adult who reviewed this book. ha ha.
Bound for Oregon is a wonderful book about Mary Ellen Todd and her trip with her family to Oregon in 1853. It is based on recollections collected by her daughter and historical research of things that happened on trips of the Oregon Trail. It is told in narrative form, from Mary Ellen's point of view.
It chronicles every point of the trip - from the decision making and starting up to river crossings, plains crossings, Indians, mountains, disease, death. It spares no part of the story - although descriptions are made for little ears.
Put down Twilight, Harry Potter and Percy Jackson and read to your kids what it really took to survive a trip from Missouri to Oregon - one that can be made today in a 2 hour plane flight. Let their imaginations soak in the beautiful and yet unsettled land of this country and connect the dots to real places today - like Chimney Rock, Nebraska - mentioned throughout the book. This is OUR story, not just Mary Ellen Todd's. The spirit that made America great - and willing to take risks and work hard for their happiness.
Recommend as a read along for 7-8 and up. Think 5th grade and up for reading themselves.
Bound for Oregon is a wonderful book about Mary Ellen Todd and her trip with her family to Oregon in 1853. It is based on recollections collected by her daughter and historical research of things that happened on trips of the Oregon Trail. It is told in narrative form, from Mary Ellen's point of view.
It chronicles every point of the trip - from the decision making and starting up to river crossings, plains crossings, Indians, mountains, disease, death. It spares no part of the story - although descriptions are made for little ears.
Put down Twilight, Harry Potter and Percy Jackson and read to your kids what it really took to survive a trip from Missouri to Oregon - one that can be made today in a 2 hour plane flight. Let their imaginations soak in the beautiful and yet unsettled land of this country and connect the dots to real places today - like Chimney Rock, Nebraska - mentioned throughout the book. This is OUR story, not just Mary Ellen Todd's. The spirit that made America great - and willing to take risks and work hard for their happiness.
Recommend as a read along for 7-8 and up. Think 5th grade and up for reading themselves.
April 26, 2024
We loved this book as a read aloud alongside our study of early American history! It is very well written, making the wagon train journey to Oregon come to life. Some more sensitive kids might struggle with the scary and sad experiences the main character has to go through, but nothing is drawn out more than needed to be realistic. I especially appreciated the references to the family’s faith - these were not forced but felt very authentic. And the best part is that it is all based as closely as possible to a real family’s experiences. Highly recommended!
Read
September 29, 2009I thought that the book Bound for Oregon was a good book because I like adventure books and I also like dairies. This book is placed under non-fiction. If you like the book Catherine called Birdy here’s your book. The main character Mary Todd and her family decide to go to the rich farming lands of Oregon. In order to get there they will have to face 2,000 miles of danger, disease, weather, rivers, water shortage and much more. After this do you think they will be able to tough it out or will they turn back to Arkansas. Read the book and find out if all make it there alive of have they met death? I recommend this book to people who like a good adventure story.
December 20, 2014
Good book about the Oregon Trail and how settlers traveled many miles by wagon train to Oregon for a better life. Mary Todd tells her story and how her family survived the many trials of the trail. My 6th grade enjoyed it and it created a discussion on how others lived before technology.
April 27, 2020
Phew. So. When I was probably in the third grade, I think I received my copy of this book. Without a doubt, I devoured it, cover to cover, and then proceeded to reread this book regularly throughout my childhood. I was a big fan of the idea of going West, striking out and, yes, "settling" the land, back when it was "empty." I loved playing the Oregon Trail on my computer, and reading other books set in this time period. If it weren't for the fact that my parents were also avid readers and fairly comfortable reading books well beyond my age group, books like this one might have been my only understanding of Manifest Destiny (prior to approaching it in history class, of course).
However, I'm a geographer, anti-racist, and I believe the United States is established on stolen land from indigenous people. I say all of this, because this book was once a beloved tale for me, and now, it represents something far darker. I decided to give this a reread because scenes from the book kept popping up in my mind and I wondered how I would view it through the lens I have now. My review follows.
First, it must be said, that Van Leeuwen retold this true tale of Mary Ellen Todd's trek across the country to Oregon with detail and care, and fluid writing. The scenes I recall stick so well in my head because the voice of Mary Ellen Todd is strong, with her personal concerns for leaving her family and everything she knows, her frustrations of losing her biological mother and adjusting to her THIRD (gosh being a woman in this time!) mother, all coming through with clear voice.
However, the depictions of Native American and enslaved people is something to be disputed. Without a doubt, young adult and children's fiction have at least improved since the 90s in the diversity of options available that tell the actual stories of Native Americans and Black people in these times. So, from that perspective, this book is outdated, and potentially even unsuitable for kids, given the language used (the N-word). Native Americans are depicted from both a neutral and fear-inducing standpoint. They can't speak English, they make attempts to raid the wagons Mary Ellen and her family are in several times, and in several encounters Mary Ellen has with them, they are distinctively described in negative ways as they are attempting to kidnap her.
Were these likely her actual experiences? Sure. We know that kidnappings happened, we know that this area was in violent flux because of the disputes between Native American tribes, the U.S. Army antagonizing and harming Native Americans as well. Each of these negative descriptions and experiences is lightly countered by Mary Ellen's beloved father reminding her that the "Whites" have stolen the land from Native Americans, and they have a right to be upset. But, yet, Mary Ellen's father is still making this trip, still going to "settle" the same land that has been stolen. He may have understanding for the fury of Native Americans, but not enough to do much about it. Mary Ellen feels sympathy and empathy as well throughout the book for Native Americans - she's struck with a wish to be able to speak the same language as Native Americans so she can know what they think and feel. She sees a large number of dead Native Americans from smallpox and is horrified (of course) by the dead bodies (though I don't consider this description kindly myself). So there are attempts, from a white settler perspective, to stoke understanding in the reader for Native Americans, but it remains from a white settler perspective, not meant to really challenge the current times and structure of the United States.
Slavery is similarly treated, though with clearer opinions of which perspective has the higher moral ground. It turns out (I forget this every time) that Mary Ellen's aunt (Mary Todd Lincoln, hello!) married Abraham Lincoln, who at the time in this book, is still a lawyer stirring up interest in a campaign, and calling for freeing enslaved people. This argument is brought into the microcosm of Mary Ellen's life as she listens to her father and one companion (anti-slavery) argue against two other companions (pro-slavery, one being a former slave owner) about slavery. The N-word is used here. Mary Ellen hears the word and notes that her father would never allow her and her sisters to speak this way. Later, Mary Ellen and the daughter of the former slave owner argue about who is right. Mary Ellen argues that her father reads the Bible and knows that he's right - slaves should be freed. Her friend argues that her father has owned slaves and knows what he's talking about and they should "never" be freed. They don't speak for a day. But the argument dissipates, as it lacks little relevance to life on the trail, and eventually, the group separates along these lines (but for unrelated reasons) and Mary Ellen contemplates how she'll miss her friend.
Do I expect a 9 year old to never speak to someone again in times of slavery for enslaving people for their own economic gain and at the complete determination to not only keep people against their wills, but sell their family members and friends and harm them if it suits their interests? Well, it would be nice, but Mary Ellen also isn't from a slave-owning family. Her father discusses these issues only when they are brought up, so I suspect she doesn't fully understand the harm induced by slavery. But she is anti-slavery in that she believes they deserve their freedom, and that's a start.
I can see why this book would have been widely accepted and brought into schools and homes, especially by those who agreed with its messages - no doubt, it probably helped some students at least start on a track I don't disagree with. I can't say to what level it influenced my understanding of Native Americans, slavery, and other issues of settlement and racial tensions. Not only was I reading this book, I was reading the very adult Independence! Wagon's West! series, the book Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule, Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison, and many, many, many more books about the Civil War and westward expansion time periods. I was a big historical fiction fan. So, certainly, I had a lot of perspectives offered to me, problematic as they may be, to help push me in the direction I am now.
So, is this book problematic? Yes. I don't think I agree with the use of the N-word, even if it's for "historical accuracy of the discussion," a decision made by a white author writing a book from the perspective of an - albeit, young - early white settler. However, if read along with a child, or a class, in conversation with other books from other, more nuanced and complex perspectives, this would be an interesting book for setting up the clear white settler perspective, and then leading into discussion. Which, I think was Van Leeuwen's hope all along.
However, I'm a geographer, anti-racist, and I believe the United States is established on stolen land from indigenous people. I say all of this, because this book was once a beloved tale for me, and now, it represents something far darker. I decided to give this a reread because scenes from the book kept popping up in my mind and I wondered how I would view it through the lens I have now. My review follows.
First, it must be said, that Van Leeuwen retold this true tale of Mary Ellen Todd's trek across the country to Oregon with detail and care, and fluid writing. The scenes I recall stick so well in my head because the voice of Mary Ellen Todd is strong, with her personal concerns for leaving her family and everything she knows, her frustrations of losing her biological mother and adjusting to her THIRD (gosh being a woman in this time!) mother, all coming through with clear voice.
However, the depictions of Native American and enslaved people is something to be disputed. Without a doubt, young adult and children's fiction have at least improved since the 90s in the diversity of options available that tell the actual stories of Native Americans and Black people in these times. So, from that perspective, this book is outdated, and potentially even unsuitable for kids, given the language used (the N-word). Native Americans are depicted from both a neutral and fear-inducing standpoint. They can't speak English, they make attempts to raid the wagons Mary Ellen and her family are in several times, and in several encounters Mary Ellen has with them, they are distinctively described in negative ways as they are attempting to kidnap her.
Were these likely her actual experiences? Sure. We know that kidnappings happened, we know that this area was in violent flux because of the disputes between Native American tribes, the U.S. Army antagonizing and harming Native Americans as well. Each of these negative descriptions and experiences is lightly countered by Mary Ellen's beloved father reminding her that the "Whites" have stolen the land from Native Americans, and they have a right to be upset. But, yet, Mary Ellen's father is still making this trip, still going to "settle" the same land that has been stolen. He may have understanding for the fury of Native Americans, but not enough to do much about it. Mary Ellen feels sympathy and empathy as well throughout the book for Native Americans - she's struck with a wish to be able to speak the same language as Native Americans so she can know what they think and feel. She sees a large number of dead Native Americans from smallpox and is horrified (of course) by the dead bodies (though I don't consider this description kindly myself). So there are attempts, from a white settler perspective, to stoke understanding in the reader for Native Americans, but it remains from a white settler perspective, not meant to really challenge the current times and structure of the United States.
Slavery is similarly treated, though with clearer opinions of which perspective has the higher moral ground. It turns out (I forget this every time) that Mary Ellen's aunt (Mary Todd Lincoln, hello!) married Abraham Lincoln, who at the time in this book, is still a lawyer stirring up interest in a campaign, and calling for freeing enslaved people. This argument is brought into the microcosm of Mary Ellen's life as she listens to her father and one companion (anti-slavery) argue against two other companions (pro-slavery, one being a former slave owner) about slavery. The N-word is used here. Mary Ellen hears the word and notes that her father would never allow her and her sisters to speak this way. Later, Mary Ellen and the daughter of the former slave owner argue about who is right. Mary Ellen argues that her father reads the Bible and knows that he's right - slaves should be freed. Her friend argues that her father has owned slaves and knows what he's talking about and they should "never" be freed. They don't speak for a day. But the argument dissipates, as it lacks little relevance to life on the trail, and eventually, the group separates along these lines (but for unrelated reasons) and Mary Ellen contemplates how she'll miss her friend.
Do I expect a 9 year old to never speak to someone again in times of slavery for enslaving people for their own economic gain and at the complete determination to not only keep people against their wills, but sell their family members and friends and harm them if it suits their interests? Well, it would be nice, but Mary Ellen also isn't from a slave-owning family. Her father discusses these issues only when they are brought up, so I suspect she doesn't fully understand the harm induced by slavery. But she is anti-slavery in that she believes they deserve their freedom, and that's a start.
I can see why this book would have been widely accepted and brought into schools and homes, especially by those who agreed with its messages - no doubt, it probably helped some students at least start on a track I don't disagree with. I can't say to what level it influenced my understanding of Native Americans, slavery, and other issues of settlement and racial tensions. Not only was I reading this book, I was reading the very adult Independence! Wagon's West! series, the book Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule, Indian Captive: The Story of Mary Jemison, and many, many, many more books about the Civil War and westward expansion time periods. I was a big historical fiction fan. So, certainly, I had a lot of perspectives offered to me, problematic as they may be, to help push me in the direction I am now.
So, is this book problematic? Yes. I don't think I agree with the use of the N-word, even if it's for "historical accuracy of the discussion," a decision made by a white author writing a book from the perspective of an - albeit, young - early white settler. However, if read along with a child, or a class, in conversation with other books from other, more nuanced and complex perspectives, this would be an interesting book for setting up the clear white settler perspective, and then leading into discussion. Which, I think was Van Leeuwen's hope all along.
February 8, 2025
This was such a great book—I wish I had read the author’s note beforehand. This book IS based on a true story. The main character’s father really was first cousins with Mary Todd, President Abraham Lincoln’s wife. That was a really fun surprise. We are approaching Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in a few days, so this ties in perfectly with a homeschool activity I have planned for the holiday.
Aside from that, this was fun to read after recently reading aloud several of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books. At first I thought it might confuse my kids but Laura’s accounts are fairly different, so as to not confuse younger listeners. Of course similarities include both families spending time in covered wagons and crossing the plains, but Mary Ellen Todd’s family (in this book) have some very unique experiences on the Oregon Trail that sets it apart.
Aside from that, this was fun to read after recently reading aloud several of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books. At first I thought it might confuse my kids but Laura’s accounts are fairly different, so as to not confuse younger listeners. Of course similarities include both families spending time in covered wagons and crossing the plains, but Mary Ellen Todd’s family (in this book) have some very unique experiences on the Oregon Trail that sets it apart.
March 16, 2020
I read this book while studying American history, and the journey west.
This book takes place in 1853, telling the story of Mary Ellen Todd's story as she and her family travelled west to Oregon through dangerous situations, and a lot of struggles and drama between her and her family as new conditions were placed upon her, leaving her grandmother behind in Arkansas, and her (wise) father slowing down the trip so the animals wouldn't get work out even if that means leaving their friends as they went ahead.
This book is told by Mary Ellen's POV as her daughter writes it.
I really like the way it's told such large and real struggles through a child's eyes; Mary Ellen at the start of the story is 9 years old, giving a unique insight into how she saw the beautiful landscapes of the west and how she faced her struggles with her friends and family getting diseases, the new areas, the dangers of those new places, and family and emotional struggles.
I really really recommend reading this book if you like a good heartfelt adventure.
This book takes place in 1853, telling the story of Mary Ellen Todd's story as she and her family travelled west to Oregon through dangerous situations, and a lot of struggles and drama between her and her family as new conditions were placed upon her, leaving her grandmother behind in Arkansas, and her (wise) father slowing down the trip so the animals wouldn't get work out even if that means leaving their friends as they went ahead.
This book is told by Mary Ellen's POV as her daughter writes it.
I really like the way it's told such large and real struggles through a child's eyes; Mary Ellen at the start of the story is 9 years old, giving a unique insight into how she saw the beautiful landscapes of the west and how she faced her struggles with her friends and family getting diseases, the new areas, the dangers of those new places, and family and emotional struggles.
I really really recommend reading this book if you like a good heartfelt adventure.
November 27, 2017
Cute.
It ended just the way a thought it would.
It ended just the way a thought it would.
June 7, 2019
3.5 stars
I read this book to my sons. We have read a few books from that era, but only a couple about traveling by wagon across land and towards Oregon. This one was the most realistic one, as they showed the true hardships many people suffered while on the road. There were some who got sick and died in this book, so in case you have small children, this may not be something they are ready for. There was a use of the "n" word which I did not read/say, but explained to my sons why it is wrong to say it, which the book also talked about, as a character explained a little about it. This book is set in pre-Civil War era and one family had complained that they had to do things themselves without their slaves. I think that for the most part this book was good, but I was a bit bored in the first quarter of reading the story.
Mary Ellen lives in Arkansas with her father, step-mother (her mom died), two sisters, and John (a teen boy who helps out and doesn't really have caring parents). They all decide to go to Oregon to have land to live off of. Mary Ellen doesn't want to leave her grandmother who lives nearby, but she has to do what her father tells her to.
I read this book to my sons. We have read a few books from that era, but only a couple about traveling by wagon across land and towards Oregon. This one was the most realistic one, as they showed the true hardships many people suffered while on the road. There were some who got sick and died in this book, so in case you have small children, this may not be something they are ready for. There was a use of the "n" word which I did not read/say, but explained to my sons why it is wrong to say it, which the book also talked about, as a character explained a little about it. This book is set in pre-Civil War era and one family had complained that they had to do things themselves without their slaves. I think that for the most part this book was good, but I was a bit bored in the first quarter of reading the story.
Mary Ellen lives in Arkansas with her father, step-mother (her mom died), two sisters, and John (a teen boy who helps out and doesn't really have caring parents). They all decide to go to Oregon to have land to live off of. Mary Ellen doesn't want to leave her grandmother who lives nearby, but she has to do what her father tells her to.
December 9, 2023
For our homeschool: based on a true story about a girl on the Oregon trail.. my teen boy really enjoyed this story as well!
June 1, 2025
My kids stayed engaged, and it provided a great opportunity to learn about westward expansion. Just be aware that, as with many other books discussing these topics, there are one sided depictions of other people groups. Good opportunity to discuss bias and reading with discernment to catch it.
May 21, 2015
Bound for Oregon is a straightforward narrative and a great introduction to historical fiction. Using this novel as a read aloud is great because it will allow the students to become truly invested in the story. I used this novel for my fourth grade class during our Westward Expansion unit. This novel is based on the real-life experiences of a family who moved to Oregon. As the Todd family travels from Arkansas along the Oregon Trail, readers will "watch" up-close the hardships they faced and the incredible determination and ingenuity of this pioneer family. Additionally, readers will trace how Mary Ellen, the protagonist, copes with these challenges and how her relationships with and feelings towards her family evolve and strengthen over the course of the novel.
In the end of the first chapter you get the idea that Mary Ellen has serious doubts about heading to Oregon; however, she also wants to please her dad, who is convinced they should go. Investment in this novel is so important because this book allows students to explore historical information (gather content). Their reactions to the pioneers should not be reactions like, “The pioneers were crazy!” but conclusions rooted in facts such as, “The pioneer faced many dangers.”
Throughout the beginning chapter you really want scholars to understand the uncertainties and the gravity of the journey the Todds are about to undertake. The chapters progress in a way that will give student more and more insight into the importance of their decision- to go on the trail and reveal more about how deliberate and thoughtful the father is. This book will also help students realize that it is not just the thunderstorm, which is frightening Mary Ellen, but rather all the potential hardships her family might encounter to get scholars to think critically whether it is really just a thunderstorm or something deeper she is afraid of.
As the book progresses, students will grow to appreciate just how extreme the dangers of the trail were. They will also realize that while the characters seemed to have a sense of the possible hardships, they did not grasp how demanding this journey would be.
Later on in the book students will read scenes where the family comes across a pile of dead indians. They will also read a racist term that was used for African Americans during this time period. It is a great teaching point to children. I decided to read the afterword aloud to the class as the author discusses why she chose to include not just this word, but other explicit scenes. I used this book as a read aloud for just five chapters (in order to invest them, as well as set up the more explicit parts of the book) and then had my students read this book during independent reading times. However, you can definitely read the entire book as a read aloud!
In the end of the first chapter you get the idea that Mary Ellen has serious doubts about heading to Oregon; however, she also wants to please her dad, who is convinced they should go. Investment in this novel is so important because this book allows students to explore historical information (gather content). Their reactions to the pioneers should not be reactions like, “The pioneers were crazy!” but conclusions rooted in facts such as, “The pioneer faced many dangers.”
Throughout the beginning chapter you really want scholars to understand the uncertainties and the gravity of the journey the Todds are about to undertake. The chapters progress in a way that will give student more and more insight into the importance of their decision- to go on the trail and reveal more about how deliberate and thoughtful the father is. This book will also help students realize that it is not just the thunderstorm, which is frightening Mary Ellen, but rather all the potential hardships her family might encounter to get scholars to think critically whether it is really just a thunderstorm or something deeper she is afraid of.
As the book progresses, students will grow to appreciate just how extreme the dangers of the trail were. They will also realize that while the characters seemed to have a sense of the possible hardships, they did not grasp how demanding this journey would be.
Later on in the book students will read scenes where the family comes across a pile of dead indians. They will also read a racist term that was used for African Americans during this time period. It is a great teaching point to children. I decided to read the afterword aloud to the class as the author discusses why she chose to include not just this word, but other explicit scenes. I used this book as a read aloud for just five chapters (in order to invest them, as well as set up the more explicit parts of the book) and then had my students read this book during independent reading times. However, you can definitely read the entire book as a read aloud!
August 25, 2013
RECIPE FOR PIONEER SURVIVAL
Families needed goodly amounts of common sense, courage and religious faith in order to endure the ordeal of the covered wagon journey to Oregon and/or California--regardless of the route chosen. The Todd family of Arkansas proved flexible and resourceful during the six-month
test of physical and moral endurance in 1852--the year of the terrible cholera epidemic. Based on the diaries of adults and grown children of the Oregon Trail this book faithfully reproduces the challenges and dangers suffered by those seeking new lives in the Pacific northwest.
The oldest of three girls Mary Ellen is just 9 at the start of the story, but she comes of age by the end when she finally cracks Father's whip. Through the family's hardships she admires her father's quiet strength and dignity, as well as the resourcefulness of her step-mother. It is in times of trial that different family members step up to go the extra mile--taking their turn to ensure the survival of the group. Despite the hardships Mary Ellen still takes the time to admire the beauties of the Natural landscape passign before her. While her body is busy with daily tasks, her heart cherishes fond memories of her Grandmother, whom she realizes she will never see again. But this dear relative's face and words inspire the pioneer girl to discover personal courage in a barren wilderness. The accompanying map at the beginning of the book clarifies the geographic details of the long journey. Excellent westward migration reading for middle-school students.
(August 18, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
Families needed goodly amounts of common sense, courage and religious faith in order to endure the ordeal of the covered wagon journey to Oregon and/or California--regardless of the route chosen. The Todd family of Arkansas proved flexible and resourceful during the six-month
test of physical and moral endurance in 1852--the year of the terrible cholera epidemic. Based on the diaries of adults and grown children of the Oregon Trail this book faithfully reproduces the challenges and dangers suffered by those seeking new lives in the Pacific northwest.
The oldest of three girls Mary Ellen is just 9 at the start of the story, but she comes of age by the end when she finally cracks Father's whip. Through the family's hardships she admires her father's quiet strength and dignity, as well as the resourcefulness of her step-mother. It is in times of trial that different family members step up to go the extra mile--taking their turn to ensure the survival of the group. Despite the hardships Mary Ellen still takes the time to admire the beauties of the Natural landscape passign before her. While her body is busy with daily tasks, her heart cherishes fond memories of her Grandmother, whom she realizes she will never see again. But this dear relative's face and words inspire the pioneer girl to discover personal courage in a barren wilderness. The accompanying map at the beginning of the book clarifies the geographic details of the long journey. Excellent westward migration reading for middle-school students.
(August 18, 2011. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
August 1, 2022
Historical Fiction, Children's, Oregon Trail
I don’t remember much of the plot, aside from it being about the Oregon trail. I went through a phase of reading a lot about the Oregon trail and all the stories were very similar so they all blend together.
I do have a vivid memory of reading this book while playing on the old yellow swing set we used to have in the backyard, I’m not sure why I remember doing that specifically with this book cause I did it a lot but, I guess it means this must be a good book lol.
- July 2022
I don’t remember much of the plot, aside from it being about the Oregon trail. I went through a phase of reading a lot about the Oregon trail and all the stories were very similar so they all blend together.
I do have a vivid memory of reading this book while playing on the old yellow swing set we used to have in the backyard, I’m not sure why I remember doing that specifically with this book cause I did it a lot but, I guess it means this must be a good book lol.
- July 2022
May 19, 2018
This is the perfect book to read to your children to explain what the Oregon Trail was like in the mid 1800’s. This book is about a 9 year old girl named Mary Ellen and her journey with her family from Arkansas to Oregon. This is a very entertaining, well written book that your children will enjoy as well as learn much about history. I read this to my son who is 10 and my daughter who is 12. I had read this book to them years ago when we studied early American history and they still remembered it but enjoyed the second time as well.
Along with learning about the journey west, I believe this book does an excellent job of teaching character. Mary Ellen’s father is a man of faith and is against slavery. He is also a man of much character. He always puts his wife and children first and is a strong leader in his family. He also always shares and helps anyone in need along the way. He doesn’t make decisions that go against his morals and values. I believe he was very wise in his decisions, choosing to go at a slower pace so that he doesn’t wear out his animals. Even when that decision meant saying goodbye to friends. These issues created some great discussions among my children and myself. Wonderful book!!
Along with learning about the journey west, I believe this book does an excellent job of teaching character. Mary Ellen’s father is a man of faith and is against slavery. He is also a man of much character. He always puts his wife and children first and is a strong leader in his family. He also always shares and helps anyone in need along the way. He doesn’t make decisions that go against his morals and values. I believe he was very wise in his decisions, choosing to go at a slower pace so that he doesn’t wear out his animals. Even when that decision meant saying goodbye to friends. These issues created some great discussions among my children and myself. Wonderful book!!
March 20, 2015
"Louvina, are you awake?" I whispered." Older sister Mary Ellen is our narrator for this well-told story of a family's westward migration in the mid-1800s. Author Jean Van Leeuwen did extensive research and "Bound for Oregon" is an expansion of the true adventures of the Todd family as they traveled from Arkansas to Oregon in a covered wagon. A nice touch is a map in the front with their trail marked which I consulted frequently.
The struggles of everyday life at that time are magnified by the arduous trip and being a parent, it's hard to take in the enormity of preparing for the journey and the grueling hardships along the way. The six-month journey is filled with privations - sickness and injury, livestock difficulties, disagreements between fellow voyagers, lack of food, Indian trouble and severe weather.
Van Leeuwen does a solid job of setting the scene and, as in other recently read historical fiction novels, I noted the strong religious faith that helped these hardy pioneers through their days. Songs of joy and sorrow lent comfort and the story ends with a nice touch, singing a psalm of thanksgiving - "so he bringeth them unto their desired haven."
The struggles of everyday life at that time are magnified by the arduous trip and being a parent, it's hard to take in the enormity of preparing for the journey and the grueling hardships along the way. The six-month journey is filled with privations - sickness and injury, livestock difficulties, disagreements between fellow voyagers, lack of food, Indian trouble and severe weather.
Van Leeuwen does a solid job of setting the scene and, as in other recently read historical fiction novels, I noted the strong religious faith that helped these hardy pioneers through their days. Songs of joy and sorrow lent comfort and the story ends with a nice touch, singing a psalm of thanksgiving - "so he bringeth them unto their desired haven."
July 3, 2015
Bound for Oregon is another pioneer tale, this one about a girl on the trip with her father, stepmother, and siblings. It’s based on a true story, and mentions many of the same locations and trials we read about in Mocassin Trail, but my daughter was not as into it as I expected. I think if she had read it prior to starting Mocassin Trail she would have loved it, but as it stands she tells me that she didn’t think it was as exciting. Plus it had very little information about Native American tribes and she has decided that on the Oregon Trail she would prefer to be a tribal maiden rather than a girl forced to wear a sunbonnet. (Her favorite Little House character is Laura–betcha didn’t see that coming.)
That said, if you have a girl who prefers tamer adventures, or a girl who still needs to understand the pioneer perspective of the Oregon Trail as my daughter did, I thought Bound for Oregon was pretty good and quite interesting.
Get more recommendations for great kids chapter book read alouds (and adult books too) on A Spirited Mind
That said, if you have a girl who prefers tamer adventures, or a girl who still needs to understand the pioneer perspective of the Oregon Trail as my daughter did, I thought Bound for Oregon was pretty good and quite interesting.
Get more recommendations for great kids chapter book read alouds (and adult books too) on A Spirited Mind
October 29, 2008
Good descriptive narrative of a young girl's trip to Oregon in the 1850s. Based on a true account. Mary Ellen, at nine, is the oldest of three girls. Her father and stepmother are taking them to Oregon, along with John, a fifteen year old neighbor boy whose family cannot keep him.
What really comes through is the travelers' patience, common sense, determination, and quiet faith. When things get tough, time and again they turn to God for comfort. As in all pioneer stories, I'm always amazed at their ingenuity, their ability to create something from nothing. These people had amazing courage to leave their familiar world on what was known to be a very long and difficutl journey. This is a newer book (1994) so the situation and predicament of Native Americans is dealt with in a sensitive and compassionate way, none of that "bloodthirsty savages" nonsense you sometimes see in older western/pioneer stories.
What really comes through is the travelers' patience, common sense, determination, and quiet faith. When things get tough, time and again they turn to God for comfort. As in all pioneer stories, I'm always amazed at their ingenuity, their ability to create something from nothing. These people had amazing courage to leave their familiar world on what was known to be a very long and difficutl journey. This is a newer book (1994) so the situation and predicament of Native Americans is dealt with in a sensitive and compassionate way, none of that "bloodthirsty savages" nonsense you sometimes see in older western/pioneer stories.
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March 8, 2017Ellen didn't want to go to the Oregon, everybody wanted to go to the Oregon so Ellen went, too, John's mother wanted him to go because they were really poor, Ellen and her family got to the Oregon, they got to the Oregon but didn't have a place to live, and they found a place to live and lived like normal people. They lived in Arkansas in a farm full of animals and pots her father made. Then they moved to Oregon to live a better life with money and with animals too. They also went to the outside world more and saw a lot of nature.
Life can be busy but not always. First, when you are moving somewhere else you have to do lots of thing. Next, sometimes life is not busy when you are traveling and don't have things to do. Finally, things are still busy even though you move somewhere else. I learned about thing that some days are busy and some are not.
What I like about this book is that it says what is happening in the way to the Oregon.
Life can be busy but not always. First, when you are moving somewhere else you have to do lots of thing. Next, sometimes life is not busy when you are traveling and don't have things to do. Finally, things are still busy even though you move somewhere else. I learned about thing that some days are busy and some are not.
What I like about this book is that it says what is happening in the way to the Oregon.
March 5, 2014
"I have seen many curiosities since I last saw you. Parts of the journey I liked very much, but some were tiresome. There was a great deal of sickness, and parts of the road were impossible to travel." Writes nine year old Mary Ellen in a letter to her grandma at the end of the journey.
Based on a book written by the daughter of Mary Ellen Todd, it is the true story of Mary Ellen's family's long journey from Arkansas to Oregon by wagon. Everything in this book is well researched and is a very good introduction for children to the Oregon Trail. I really enjoyed this book because it is a true story and the author tells what happened to Mary Ellen after the story ends. Reading it reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I would recommend it for 3rd-4th graders who are interested in the Oregon Trail and middle school aged children.
Based on a book written by the daughter of Mary Ellen Todd, it is the true story of Mary Ellen's family's long journey from Arkansas to Oregon by wagon. Everything in this book is well researched and is a very good introduction for children to the Oregon Trail. I really enjoyed this book because it is a true story and the author tells what happened to Mary Ellen after the story ends. Reading it reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I would recommend it for 3rd-4th graders who are interested in the Oregon Trail and middle school aged children.
April 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this story of a family travelling the Oregon Trail, told from the point of view of a 9 year old girl making the journey. It was a good portrait of life on the trail, the hardships and suffering, the camaraderie between the families who traveled together and the sadness that came when those friends parted from each other for one reason or another. It was realistic in portraying the disease and death, but it wasn't gruesome, and didn't dwell upon the deaths, and (spoiler alert) at least her family survives, despite some real close calls with illness. I was worried it would be boring to read, but each chapter, they faced one ordeal after another! I wouldn't say it was a "page-turner", but it kept our interest. After reading it, I (and I hope my kids as well) have a better appreciation of what these families went through to start a new life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2023
This book was scheduled in our homeschool curriculum as a read-aloud, and it does a perfect job at explaining what kinds of difficulties settlers faced, and even the terrain of the USA as you move west. I like that it is based on firsthand accounts of the little girl herself. The story dragged in the beginning, but at the end, we were constantly impressed with the grit and determination of the American settlers. What an amazing history Americans have. The book only came across boring because I had read Moccasin Trail first (and both books mention some of the same places, especially the cliff at the end!), and Moccasin Trail was very exciting. However, because of some of the themes in M Trail, I think this book makes a better read-aloud for 4th grade and younger.
April 9, 2008
This is a mostly true tale. While researching the Oregon Trail--the route many settlers used to travel overland to the west coast in the mid 19th Century--Ms. Van Leeuwen came across the memoirs of Mary Ellen Todd, a woman who had traveled the trail as a nine-year-old back in 1852, as recorded by Mary Ellen's daughter. It was a fascinating account and, in order to make it more readable to a modern audience, Ms. Van Leeuwen rewrote the tale, fleshing out details with her own imagination and the accounts of other pioneers. She did a good job. The story drew me in and I started wondering how the characters would fare as they made the arduous journey. It's a tale well worth checking out.
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September 25, 2009I thought that the book Bound for Oregon was a good book because I like adventure books and I also like dairies. This book is placed under non-fiction. If you like the book Catherine called Birdy here’s your book. The main character Mary Todd and her family decide to go to the rich farming lands of Oregon. In order to get there they will have to face 2,000 miles of danger, disease, weather, rivers, water shortage and much more. After this do you think they will be able to tough it out or will they turn back to Arkansas. Read the book and find out if all make it there alive of have they met death? I recommend this book to people who like a good adventure story.
August 21, 2015
This is a well-done story very much based on truth. The writing is sweet and compelling. Emotions feel real, and there is a bond between father and daughter, along with growth in the characters, especially the main one, Mary Ellen. The pioneers (at least the main family) praise the Lord, sing hymns, and work to overcome difficulties. The children were not the wimpy, spoiled children that abound in these days. We (even as adults) are so blessed and spoiled, and can learn from their generally thankful attitude. I also appreciate the way Mary's father helped others, and was mostly a patient and kind man.
July 2, 2012
In Bound for Oregon, Jean Van Leevwen, is retelling a true story from the Oregon Trail. The story is part true and part made up with help from historical research. The main character is a nine year old girl named Mary Ellen Todd, and she is the oldest of three sisters. They started on the journey alone and later joined a large wagon train with hundreds of wagons in it.
My favorite part of the book was when the mother had a baby boy on the middle of the trail, which they named Elijah. Like the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, this book mentioned Independence, Mo.
I would recommend this book to someone who likes books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Reviewed by Mooboy - Age 10
My favorite part of the book was when the mother had a baby boy on the middle of the trail, which they named Elijah. Like the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, this book mentioned Independence, Mo.
I would recommend this book to someone who likes books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Reviewed by Mooboy - Age 10
May 1, 2016
Meet Mary Ellen Todd. She is traveling almost a thousand miles to move to Oregon with her family. On the way, she meets many new friends, meets with Indians, faces sickness, gets a new baby brother, and has many other adventures before they finally reach their destination.
This was an interesting book. Written more on a 3-5 grade level, we get a peek into the lives of the pioneers. Mary Ellen was the daughter of Abbot Todd, Mary Todd Lincoln's cousin, which was interesting.
The other thing I loved - Mary Ellen grows up to marry John, which I totally called chapter one!
Overall a sweet story that gives a unique perspective of this significant time in history.
This was an interesting book. Written more on a 3-5 grade level, we get a peek into the lives of the pioneers. Mary Ellen was the daughter of Abbot Todd, Mary Todd Lincoln's cousin, which was interesting.
The other thing I loved - Mary Ellen grows up to marry John, which I totally called chapter one!
Overall a sweet story that gives a unique perspective of this significant time in history.
November 15, 2017
Let me start by saying that there's a book on the Oregon Trail that I read when I was in middle school that I've been looking for ever since. I hoped this was that book. It was not. This is a book that I have read before, as reading it made me recall the story. This would have been originally read when I was in elementary school, back around third grade or so, with the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. So - far too young, and not the right story. That being said, it's still a cute little story, one that is well written, with the appropriate tone and prose to the actions being written. Good for a second or third grader who is interested in history or likes the American Girls stuff.
October 29, 2016
I like this book b/c it was how along time ago how people had walk thousand miles to and this is a true story and it was called the Oregon's Trail.I recommend this book to people who like traveling story's and true American stories.In the story their mostly being called the Todd's Family.in the story they show there pioneering skills like building tents with sticks b/c in the middle of the story their carry broke and the Indians robbed all their belongings.I like read stories that are true stories.
April 26, 2019
Bound for Oregon is an engaging account of a young girl's and her family's journey on the Oregon Trail. It's sweet and suspenseful--hard to put down. I really enjoy the perseverance in times of trials and hardships. The 'one foot in front of the other' mentality is quite thought-provoking. This book highlights good and bad times in that era and on the journey westward, and leaves the reader with a deep look into an important time in American history.
*one use of a derogatory term by a man in the wagon train and several mentions of death and dead bodies of people and animals.
*one use of a derogatory term by a man in the wagon train and several mentions of death and dead bodies of people and animals.
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