Danger Along the Ohio

by Patricia Willis

Traveling down the Ohio River in 1793, Amos, Clara, and Jonathan are separated from their father during a brutal Indian attack. The three children are swept down the river, and must make their way back through the wilderness in the direction of the Marietta settlement, hoping to find their father there. Their plight becomes still more dramatic -- and dangerous -- when Amos rescues a wounded Indian boy from the river. Though the boy mistrusts them and his condition slows them down, Amos refuses to leave him behind to die. Now more than ever, it seems they'll never make it back to their father and to safety.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Adventure, Childrens, Historical

181 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 1997

About the author

Patricia Willis is the author of several well-received historical novels for middle-grade readers, including DANGER ALONG THE OHIO, winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award. She lives in North Canton, Ohio.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I teach fourth grade Ohio History, and this book fits in really well with the curriculum. It is fast paced and exciting and appeals to boys as well as girls. My class is reading this right now, and most of the students are really enjoying it.

[Brie Kindred · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a great book a litte old but brought me a history lesson of Pennsylvania which we should be going to visot sometime in June!

[Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to pick and up and read whatever my kiddos are - this one is very suspenseful and a good read! Even my reluctant reader enjoyed it.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this as a read-aloud for my first grader, and so did he! Great way to discuss Native American and American culture that took place during this time frame. The imagery was fantastic for an elementary school book, and it’s clear the historical aspects of the book were thoroughly researched and incorporated into the reading.

As for a conversation starter with kids, I like that the book addresses the prejudices toward Native Americans during this time, and the way the main character presses past prejudice to make a new friend. You get to see both sides of the story, and why Native Americans distrusted the settlers and why the settlers distrusted the Native Americans. That may seem like a no-brainer for an adult but even as an adult, this story helps soften history for you and make it seem more relatable and real.

The book also discusses a very unfortunate gun accident which the main character is sorrowful over, and he reflects on it throughout the story. I only mention that because it might catch you off guard when reading aloud. I felt my first grader was mature enough to understand what was happening and how the accident impacted the main character.

As a side bar, if you wanted to do a little science lesson afterward, the book frequently discusses the Carolina Parakeet which was once a common, colorful, native bird to America but became extinct.

[Carol Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally got hold of this book and read it after several years of my sixth graders recommending it to me. I guess they read it in elementary school and it made an impression on them. It is set in 1793, when most of Ohio is still a wilderness. Amos, Clara, and Jonathan become separated from their father when Indians (They are not called Native Americans in this book, so I will use the word that was used at the time.) attack the village they had just landed in, travelling down the Ohio River with their father. Now they are on their own, travelling by foot with no supplies, toward Marietta, using the river as their guide. One morning, Amos spots a young Indian in the water, clinging to a log and his life, shot in the leg. He drags him ashore and takes him to Clara, asking her to help him. Clara is a very resourceful girl. She knows a lot about treating wounds and illnesses. The two children debate the wisdom of saving the life of a "savage" who Clara believes will scalp them in return for their help. As the story develops, Clara herself becomes ill and they are captured by Indians. This is a good story for fourth to 6th graders. It was written in 1997 but seems like a book from an earlier time.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I were asked to recommend some books for grade school readers, this would definitely be on the list. I REALLY enjoyed reading it (and trust me, my grade school days were decades ago). Good characters. Interesting story. Very believable and well-written.

[Beth Landfair · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for fourth graders studying Ohio history.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. 1790's Native Americans. Recommend to kiddos.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had its moments

[Jodi Cardinal · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book to read if you are in 5th grade. I wish there was a part 2 to see how the 3 children grew up once they were reunited

[Kat F · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my son, and we really enjoyed it!

[Mimiprice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a kid's book - probably 4th grade. It captures the imagination very quickly and makes you feel as though you are floating down the Ohio River with Indians after you.

[Courtney Rene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun and entertaining read. A bit on the violent side for the younger readers but all in all, it was a quick read with lots of action and adventure. As a bonus, the characters were easy to connect too.

[Katie de Castro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review I wrote after I read it: Very nice book--kind of sad at the ending.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids get separated from their father as they travel down the river in 1793, and must survive Indian attacks to try to find him.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great pioneer book for fourth-graders or thereabouts. Sneaks in all kinds of history but tells of westward expansion from the eyes of children on a great adventure.

[Joseph Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book if you are looking for a great survival novel.

[Hannah Jones at Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!

[Sandybear76]

I read this book to get an understanding about canals and boats in Ohio before a Cabin Day event at my school.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my 4th Grader. It was cute book and well chosen as a start for her literary circle at school.

[Monica971 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for reading while discussing settlement, statehood, and the Native American wars.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story that illustrates how things were in this country back in the late 1700's as people settled farther west in the Ohio country.

[Chase Letcavits · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was kinda doll. I don't think I want to read this again.