Wagon Train 911

by Jamie Gilson, Michael Garland (Illustrations)

Dinah wants to pass on this trip to the past. Five-foot-ten-inch tall Dinah is less than thrilled when Mr. Marconi "marries" her to her much shorter classmate Orin for the fifth-grade wagon train project. Dinah, Orin, and the rest of Wagon Train Seven are assigned a two-week journey along the Oregon Trail. But Wagon Train Seven can't seem to get anywhere without a frontier flare-up. Can this be how the West was won?

Genres: Middle Grade

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[Zev · Rating 2 out of 5]

Star and a half because the author can write; she just can't write Middle Grade characters. I first read this half a dozen times in fifth grade. I wanted my school to do something like it! We did not. I wished I was tall like Dinah. Instead, I had a -lot- in common with Orin. Still do. As an adult, I have to ask: does Kool-Aid work as a hair dye on fine, blonde hair? I have dark hair that requires special dye and styling products, so Kool=Aid attempts would never amount to anything. I'm just curious if the urban legend is true. So, Kool-Aid's possible uses have more of my attention in this story, than the story itself. I was surprised at how boring and annoying I found this book as an adult. There were too many stories and characters jammed into one little book, and the chapter names were annoying. I'm glad I found it again, though. I have set aside a good book for myself to read, and shall now.

[Anna Cavallo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. I am interested in the West ward Expansion and this story gave some info about that time period. It was presented through the eyes of fifth graders learning through a cool school project!
Back in times!!!

[Breda]

I read this book once in middle school, and while it passed out of my mind for a while, it made a big enough impression on me that I can still remember chunks of it and that I liked it quite a bit. I'd like to read it again, but even without that, I recommend it. If you can find a copy.

[Kati Polodna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally reread this tonight. Just as charming as I remember.

[Sadie · Rating 3 out of 5]

funny. Teaches you about leadership.