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The Whitcomb Discoveries #1
California Trail Discovered
A week after the housefire, Daniel sifted through the scorched remains of his home in search of something to salvage. Kicking his parents' twisted metal bedframe, he glanced at Pastor Lovejoy. "Pastor, do Hannah and I have to move West with Morgan and his relatives?" Pastor Lovejoy nudged a pile of ash with the toe of his leather boot. "Morgan's your legal guardian now. You have to go where he goes." Daniel thrust his arm out and pointed west. "But all the way to Oregon Country?" The pastor pinned Daniel with a stare. "Son, it's your job now to care for little Hannah. You might only be thirteen, but you're a survivor. And, by God's grace, I know you'll do more than just survive." *** All Daniel wants to do is get back to Illinois to find out who murdered his parents. He doesn't want to travel the Oregon Trail with his guardian, Jim. He doesn't want twelve-year-old Virginia Reed, a member of the Donner Party, as a friend. And he certainly doesn't want anything bad to happen to his little sister Hannah as they travel West. Confronted by both good and bad Indians, good and bad whites, how will Daniel be able to protect Hannah on the long trek? Will he ever discover the mystery behind his parents' deaths? Will he ever find a real family again?
- GenresMiddle Grade
148 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2020
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Marie Sontag
15 books30 followersMarie Sontag enjoys bringing the past to life, one adventure at a time. Her fifteen years of teaching middle school and high school have given her insight into what students find entertaining, and her B.A. in social science and M.A. and Ph.D. in education provide her with a solid background for writing middle grade and young adult historical fiction.
Born in Wisconsin, she spent most of her life in California, but now lives with her husband in Texas. When not writing, she enjoys romping with her grandkids, playing clarinet and saxophone in a community band, and nibbling red licorice or Tootsie Pops while devouring a good book.
Born in Wisconsin, she spent most of her life in California, but now lives with her husband in Texas. When not writing, she enjoys romping with her grandkids, playing clarinet and saxophone in a community band, and nibbling red licorice or Tootsie Pops while devouring a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 14, 2022
4.5 stars
California Trail Discovered follows the journey of 13-year-old Daniel as he and his sister travel across America with California as their end goal. The two of them are fictional characters, but many of the characters they interact with along the way were actually real, historical people (e.g. Jim Savage, Lilburn W. Boggs, James Reed, Lansford Hastings, and George Donner).
I thought the author does an amazing job sparking interest to look deeper into what life was like traveling on the Oregon Trail. I ended up Googling most of the historical characters that Sontag incorporated into her story because I really wanted to know their backstories and what ended up happening to them. This is what the best historical fiction books should do: transport the reader back in time, and since California Trail Discovered is mostly for middle grade readers, Sontag’s ultimate goal of making these elementary and middle school kids want learn and explore beyond the book itself is even more appreciated.
I thought Daniel was a well-developed character, and although the story was a relatively short one (the book was around 120 pages long), the characters were all fleshed-out and the plot was never lacking. Daniel himself goes from being an innocent blacksmith’s apprentice with little to worry about to a young man with the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. I really admired his grit and work ethic (he made a great main character!) although I would still like to see what happens with him and his perception of God (the first book leaves off with Daniel being quite angry at God and doubting him). Hannah was actually my favorite character; she was the sweetest thing ever!
There were also activities/projects that accompanied each chapter of the book, and the author provides worksheets and details to conduct S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities throughout to go along with the book. I did not look through the activities myself, but with Sontag’s impressive education and experience in teaching, I’d expect them to be just as good as the book itself. With the chapter-by-chapter activities, the books discussion guide, and the character guide (all included in the book), California Trail Discovered would be a wonderful addition to any homeschool library or classroom bookshelf.
I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this book even though I’m not really a middle grade reader, so although I would recommend California Trail Discovered to late elementary schoolers and middle schoolers (ages 7-12), older readers could definitely find this book to be to their liking. Anyway, I think I’m going to go off now and try to find a memoir or diary or something from someone who traveled on the Oregon Trail to read about! I was always interested in the Donner Party so maybe I’ll start there! Thank you again, Marie Sontag, for your talented writing and your passion for teaching! I certainly learned a lot just from this one book of yours!
California Trail Discovered follows the journey of 13-year-old Daniel as he and his sister travel across America with California as their end goal. The two of them are fictional characters, but many of the characters they interact with along the way were actually real, historical people (e.g. Jim Savage, Lilburn W. Boggs, James Reed, Lansford Hastings, and George Donner).
I thought the author does an amazing job sparking interest to look deeper into what life was like traveling on the Oregon Trail. I ended up Googling most of the historical characters that Sontag incorporated into her story because I really wanted to know their backstories and what ended up happening to them. This is what the best historical fiction books should do: transport the reader back in time, and since California Trail Discovered is mostly for middle grade readers, Sontag’s ultimate goal of making these elementary and middle school kids want learn and explore beyond the book itself is even more appreciated.
I thought Daniel was a well-developed character, and although the story was a relatively short one (the book was around 120 pages long), the characters were all fleshed-out and the plot was never lacking. Daniel himself goes from being an innocent blacksmith’s apprentice with little to worry about to a young man with the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. I really admired his grit and work ethic (he made a great main character!) although I would still like to see what happens with him and his perception of God (the first book leaves off with Daniel being quite angry at God and doubting him). Hannah was actually my favorite character; she was the sweetest thing ever!
There were also activities/projects that accompanied each chapter of the book, and the author provides worksheets and details to conduct S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities throughout to go along with the book. I did not look through the activities myself, but with Sontag’s impressive education and experience in teaching, I’d expect them to be just as good as the book itself. With the chapter-by-chapter activities, the books discussion guide, and the character guide (all included in the book), California Trail Discovered would be a wonderful addition to any homeschool library or classroom bookshelf.
I have to say that I really enjoyed reading this book even though I’m not really a middle grade reader, so although I would recommend California Trail Discovered to late elementary schoolers and middle schoolers (ages 7-12), older readers could definitely find this book to be to their liking. Anyway, I think I’m going to go off now and try to find a memoir or diary or something from someone who traveled on the Oregon Trail to read about! I was always interested in the Donner Party so maybe I’ll start there! Thank you again, Marie Sontag, for your talented writing and your passion for teaching! I certainly learned a lot just from this one book of yours!
August 28, 2021
~I'd like to thank the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!~
This book was one of my favorite middle-grade reads (as a non-middle-grade reader of course). It was written and paced very well, and could be easily enjoyed by those who aren't middle-grade readers as well.
I loved the characters in the story. The main character was very strong-willed, caring, and hard-working, and he was such a great brother to Hannah, as well as a great traveling companion.
Although I know I say that the best ending to a book is a cliffhanger, the sweet "and-they-lived-happily-ever-after" ending suited this book very well. Since there were a few tragic events throughout this book, it was satisfying to have the story wrapped up the way it was.
"California Trail Discovered" is a great, short read, and I'd recommended it for all young-adult or middle-grade historical, Western, and Oregon trail fans!
~Full Review To Come~
This book was one of my favorite middle-grade reads (as a non-middle-grade reader of course). It was written and paced very well, and could be easily enjoyed by those who aren't middle-grade readers as well.
I loved the characters in the story. The main character was very strong-willed, caring, and hard-working, and he was such a great brother to Hannah, as well as a great traveling companion.
Although I know I say that the best ending to a book is a cliffhanger, the sweet "and-they-lived-happily-ever-after" ending suited this book very well. Since there were a few tragic events throughout this book, it was satisfying to have the story wrapped up the way it was.
"California Trail Discovered" is a great, short read, and I'd recommended it for all young-adult or middle-grade historical, Western, and Oregon trail fans!
~Full Review To Come~
October 18, 2020
Marie breathes new life, intrigue, and hope into the familiar story of the Donner Party and the Western Movement. As Daniel’s story is masterfully intertwined with history, he becomes a character I quickly begin rooting for. This story is a wonderful addition to the classroom collection of historical fiction. Teachers will love the STEM activities and recommended extensions. California Trail Discovered has universal appeal!
February 4, 2023
Engaging and entertaining trek through history with a vibrant mix of historical and fictional characters. It's interesting to view familial and community ties through the lens of that time. Excellent STEM activities after every chapter.
November 2, 2023
This well researched book clearly detailed the lives of the men who bit at the hope of finding in California. While full of historical fact, it was wrapped around a love story, and the hope of young man to find justice for the death of his parents. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews