An important work and a better way to learn history than textbooks. This story tells how our ancestors endured hardships as they traveled by wagon train from Illinois to California (before it was a state) over many months to conquer and develop unknown territories. The young brave male pioneers had wanderlust, but they truly believed they were trying to build a better life for their families! From bear attacks, to Indian raids, to narrow rocky trails, diseases and more it held my attention all the way through. I just wish children hadn't had to die so often back in those days. Thank you Marilyn for writing this book!