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I Can Read: Level 3
Wagon Wheels, Level 3, Grade 2-4
Free people,
Free land
The Muldie boys and their father have come a long way to Kansas. But when Daddy moves on, the three boys must begin their own journey. They must learn to care for one another and face the dangers of the wilderness alone.
Free land
The Muldie boys and their father have come a long way to Kansas. But when Daddy moves on, the three boys must begin their own journey. They must learn to care for one another and face the dangers of the wilderness alone.
64 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 1978
About the author
Barbara Brenner
107 books12 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Barbara Brenner is a respected, award-winning author, specializing in works of both juvenile fiction and nonfiction educational material that deals with animals, nature, and ecology. Her interests range from the natural world (i.e. Thinking about Ants) to American history (e.g. Wagon Wheels), all of which are reflected in the wide scope of her work. Brenner discussed with Contemporary Authors Online her influences and how they have affected her literary career, concluding that “all the circumstances of my life conspired to make me a writer--just lucky, I guess.”
Brenner was born Barbara Lawrence on June 26, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, to Robert Lawrence (a real estate broker) and Marguerite (Furboter) Johnes. Tragically, her mother died when Brenner was just a year old, and, according to Brenner, this has been a large influence on her career, with Contemporary Authors Online showing how this has added a certain level of “sensitivity” to her work. She also defines Brooklyn as a place which gave much “color” to her work, and where her father’s ambitions for her helped to develop Brenner’s intellectual curiosity.
Brenner attended Seton Hall College (now University) and Rutgers University from 1942-46, whilst also working as a copy editor at Prudential Insurance Co. from 1942 – 46. Her freelance work as an artist’s agent prepared her for a literary life, as after the birth of her two children she began work on her first book Somebody’s Slippers, Somebody’s Shoes, published in 1957. She followed this book with an educational picture book entitled Barto Takes the Subway, designed to improve reading comprehension and sight vocabulary.
Her artistic development continued when she began to collaborate with her husband, illustrator Fred Brenner, on The Flying Patchwork Quilt. Her next book, On the Frontier with Mr. Audubon, was selected by School Library Journal as “The Best of the Best” among children’s books published over 26 seasons. In a review of On the Frontier with Mr. Audubon, Paul Showers wrote in the New York Times Book Review that “Brenner again demonstrates her gift for invention and respect for facts . . . [it is] written in the polite but colloquial language of the frontier sketching in Audubon’s biographical background and recording events of the journey as they might have been observed by a serious, very perceptive 13- year-old.” One of her best-selling titles was Wagon Wheels (published in 1978), which deals with the trials and tribulations of a close-knit African American family. This true to life story is “exciting and realistic” according to Gisela Jernigan (writing in the children literature journal Booklist), and was named a 1978 American Library Association Notable Book.
Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s Brenner continued to publish, many of her works being influenced by the careers and interests of her sons. Speaking to Contemporary Authors Online Brenner explains that as their sons are both grown, and their respective careers as a “biologist . . . and musician” have both had an influence on her writing (i.e. Dinosaurium 1993). In 1986, Brenner was honored with the Pennsylvania School Librarians’ Association’s Outstanding Pennsylvania Author Award. Brenner’s most celebrated book is a collection entitled Voices: Poetry and Art from around the World, for which she was chief editor. This book received an ALA Notable Book for Children mention and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults award. According to the Horn Book Guide from Spring 2001, “more than three hundred and fifty poems from six continents evoke the specific and the universal” with contributions from both “celebrated and unknown poets, Nobel prize winners, and children” allowing the book to demonstrate Brenner’s skill in celebrating “place” and the “shared feelings” of the people about whom the book is written.
Barbara Brenner is a respected, award-winning author, specializing in works of both juvenile fiction and nonfiction educational material that deals with animals, nature, and ecology. Her interests range from the natural world (i.e. Thinking about Ants) to American history (e.g. Wagon Wheels), all of which are reflected in the wide scope of her work. Brenner discussed with Contemporary Authors Online her influences and how they have affected her literary career, concluding that “all the circumstances of my life conspired to make me a writer--just lucky, I guess.”
Brenner was born Barbara Lawrence on June 26, 1925, in Brooklyn, New York, to Robert Lawrence (a real estate broker) and Marguerite (Furboter) Johnes. Tragically, her mother died when Brenner was just a year old, and, according to Brenner, this has been a large influence on her career, with Contemporary Authors Online showing how this has added a certain level of “sensitivity” to her work. She also defines Brooklyn as a place which gave much “color” to her work, and where her father’s ambitions for her helped to develop Brenner’s intellectual curiosity.
Brenner attended Seton Hall College (now University) and Rutgers University from 1942-46, whilst also working as a copy editor at Prudential Insurance Co. from 1942 – 46. Her freelance work as an artist’s agent prepared her for a literary life, as after the birth of her two children she began work on her first book Somebody’s Slippers, Somebody’s Shoes, published in 1957. She followed this book with an educational picture book entitled Barto Takes the Subway, designed to improve reading comprehension and sight vocabulary.
Her artistic development continued when she began to collaborate with her husband, illustrator Fred Brenner, on The Flying Patchwork Quilt. Her next book, On the Frontier with Mr. Audubon, was selected by School Library Journal as “The Best of the Best” among children’s books published over 26 seasons. In a review of On the Frontier with Mr. Audubon, Paul Showers wrote in the New York Times Book Review that “Brenner again demonstrates her gift for invention and respect for facts . . . [it is] written in the polite but colloquial language of the frontier sketching in Audubon’s biographical background and recording events of the journey as they might have been observed by a serious, very perceptive 13- year-old.” One of her best-selling titles was Wagon Wheels (published in 1978), which deals with the trials and tribulations of a close-knit African American family. This true to life story is “exciting and realistic” according to Gisela Jernigan (writing in the children literature journal Booklist), and was named a 1978 American Library Association Notable Book.
Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s Brenner continued to publish, many of her works being influenced by the careers and interests of her sons. Speaking to Contemporary Authors Online Brenner explains that as their sons are both grown, and their respective careers as a “biologist . . . and musician” have both had an influence on her writing (i.e. Dinosaurium 1993). In 1986, Brenner was honored with the Pennsylvania School Librarians’ Association’s Outstanding Pennsylvania Author Award. Brenner’s most celebrated book is a collection entitled Voices: Poetry and Art from around the World, for which she was chief editor. This book received an ALA Notable Book for Children mention and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults award. According to the Horn Book Guide from Spring 2001, “more than three hundred and fifty poems from six continents evoke the specific and the universal” with contributions from both “celebrated and unknown poets, Nobel prize winners, and children” allowing the book to demonstrate Brenner’s skill in celebrating “place” and the “shared feelings” of the people about whom the book is written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
November 21, 2022
This is such an incredible story -- and it is all true! Even though the narrative is in early chapter book form, it is still worth picking up for the unbelievable experiences of the Muldie boys. This is Kansas in pioneer times, so you will read about sod houses, wagons, brutal winters, Indians, prairie fire, and more. Through it all, Mr. Muldie (a free Black man) and his three boys (the Muldie boys), show us persistence and whole barrel full of hope. Amazing and inspiring!
May 2, 2019
This book describes an African American father and his three sons settling in the midwest. It is a great story that illustrates to children that not all African Americans in US history were slaves. Many created towns and accomplished great things. These boys are strong independent adventures who overcome much to travel to their father and create a good home.
March 29, 2021
I am an eight year old little boy 👦
I love this book so much.
Those boys were so brave.
It was based on a true story.
I love this book so much.
Those boys were so brave.
It was based on a true story.
December 5, 2013
I really like this story and find it very unique in its choice of topic. Here we have a tale of black pioneers heading west to settle on free land being offered by the government. Based on the real life story of the Muldie boys, whose story was chronicled in a local teacher's journal from the town of Nicodemus. The book runs chronologically and tells of the hardships of the pioneers traveling this way, dugouts, harsh winter, an encounter with Indians and prairie fires. The boy's father being a carpenter and not a farmer though must move further on to the forested land and at this point he leaves the three boys (11, 8, and 3) to fend for themselves with the aid of the neighbours. Now this is a true account and I've read plenty of such circumstances happening, children were a hardy breed back then. But this being an easy reader, the author does not make this transition well by omitting any logical explanation for the modern child reader to comprehend these circumstances. This may be frightening to young readers who are reading beyond their age range. The author's note at the end does explain a bit better. This is the only reason I give 4stars rather than five. I am keeping this one for my collection until I find an original hardcover; I have a concern with the illustrations being re-copyrighted by Bolognese in 1993 though making me wonder if they were slightly "updated" anywhere. Looking forward to being able to compare the two. A great reader though of frontier life from both the black-family and Osage Indian point of view.
April 16, 2014
A book my 6 yr old loved, a little old for my preschoolers. A solid reading level 3 book, this reader has a good amount of advanced vocabulary words, but not so long that it discourages a new reader. Used it for his read out loud book, which was perfect. It took about 15 mins for him to read and had just enough new vocabulary words to make it challenging. Also, it was a fun and interesting story he could get into. Educational as well. A great story to go along with a lesson on pioneers! Great reading book!
July 25, 2017
1. Categories/Genres: Easy Reader/historic fictional
2. Copyright date: 1978, 1993
3. Estimate of age level of interest: grades K-3
4. Estimate of reading level: 2.6
5. Brief description: This is based on a true story of three Muldie sons who travel with their widowed father to Kansas, where there is free land available to settle. They face the dangers of pioneer life.
6. Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book.
-Historical fiction will help students understand human problems and relationships. This book shows how families and communities support each other and discusses how differences in cultures can be beneficial.
-Historical fiction portray the life of a certain time period. Students reading Wagon Wheels will see what it was like settling the west under the Homestead Act, living in a dugout throughout a brutal winter, and interacting with the Osage Native American tribe.
7. In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
Emergent readers: This book has large print, wide spacing, and strong picture support. There are four short chapters to this book, which serve perfectly in introduce children to the chapter book format. It is an exciting story for kids: introducing the land grants of Westward Expansion, the kindness of Native Americans, and what life is like during pioneer times without a mother. The story is suspenseful, and the pictures will help children understand the plot even if they are unable to read every word.
One concern, though... I would like to talk with someone who know more than me about how to handle the Native American representation here. The word "Indian" is used, and the family is afraid of the Native Americans. There is, though, a positive outcome and discussion; I'm not sure that balances the representation.
8. Awards: None
9. Citations for published reviews from professional sources:
Book Links, 11/01/97
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Child Study Children's Book Committee, 1995
Elementary School Library Collection, 03/01/98
Kirkus Reviews
New York Times
School Library Journal
Wilson's Children, 10/01/10
2. Copyright date: 1978, 1993
3. Estimate of age level of interest: grades K-3
4. Estimate of reading level: 2.6
5. Brief description: This is based on a true story of three Muldie sons who travel with their widowed father to Kansas, where there is free land available to settle. They face the dangers of pioneer life.
6. Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book.
-Historical fiction will help students understand human problems and relationships. This book shows how families and communities support each other and discusses how differences in cultures can be beneficial.
-Historical fiction portray the life of a certain time period. Students reading Wagon Wheels will see what it was like settling the west under the Homestead Act, living in a dugout throughout a brutal winter, and interacting with the Osage Native American tribe.
7. In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
Emergent readers: This book has large print, wide spacing, and strong picture support. There are four short chapters to this book, which serve perfectly in introduce children to the chapter book format. It is an exciting story for kids: introducing the land grants of Westward Expansion, the kindness of Native Americans, and what life is like during pioneer times without a mother. The story is suspenseful, and the pictures will help children understand the plot even if they are unable to read every word.
One concern, though... I would like to talk with someone who know more than me about how to handle the Native American representation here. The word "Indian" is used, and the family is afraid of the Native Americans. There is, though, a positive outcome and discussion; I'm not sure that balances the representation.
8. Awards: None
9. Citations for published reviews from professional sources:
Book Links, 11/01/97
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Child Study Children's Book Committee, 1995
Elementary School Library Collection, 03/01/98
Kirkus Reviews
New York Times
School Library Journal
Wilson's Children, 10/01/10
October 23, 2017
Child endangerment in the 1870s.
Based on a true story. One wonders how much the story changed in the telling, as it apparently took place in 1878 and it's documented in the memoirs of somebody else who wasn't involved in the story.
It's a rather long book. You could read it to a child, but it would probably take a few days.
It's a story about a family of black pioneers, with a father and three kids, age 11, 8, and 3. Apparently their mother died on the way to Kansas from Kentucky. When they get to Kansas, it's almost winter and everybody lives in holes in the ground, with roofs made of grass and branches. It freezes and they run out of food, and then some Indians come and give them food. When spring comes, their father says, "You know what, I don't like it here. I'm gonna go somewhere else. You three stay here by yourselves. I'll write you and tell you where to go later." And then four or five months later, their father sends them a letter saying, "Okay, I'm 150 miles away. Kids, make your way 150 miles to me. By yourselves." And they do, taking a small wooden wagon that contains all of their possessions, and making the 3-year-old walk as much as possible so they don't have to carry him. At the end, they make it to their father and the book ends.
So it's a fictionalized account of a story that somebody told about somebody else. Again, I wonder how much of that is accurate. I'm not saying for sure it's inaccurate, but tales do change in the telling and retelling. It's definitely not something somebody would do today. It's just a cruel thing to abandon an 11, 8, and 3 year old to fend for themselves, especially in a very small town where everybody is living in holes in the ground in the middle of the wilderness, and then make them walk 150 miles alone through largely unsettled lands. Man, I guess being an 11-year-old was different 150 years ago. They had to hunt for their own food and everything.
As a historical story, it's useful, and it has a happy ending and everything since nobody dies or gets hurt, but it's just kind of callous how the father treats the children.
Message: Children in the 1870s had pretty stark lives. Or, persistence is important.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
Based on a true story. One wonders how much the story changed in the telling, as it apparently took place in 1878 and it's documented in the memoirs of somebody else who wasn't involved in the story.
It's a rather long book. You could read it to a child, but it would probably take a few days.
It's a story about a family of black pioneers, with a father and three kids, age 11, 8, and 3. Apparently their mother died on the way to Kansas from Kentucky. When they get to Kansas, it's almost winter and everybody lives in holes in the ground, with roofs made of grass and branches. It freezes and they run out of food, and then some Indians come and give them food. When spring comes, their father says, "You know what, I don't like it here. I'm gonna go somewhere else. You three stay here by yourselves. I'll write you and tell you where to go later." And then four or five months later, their father sends them a letter saying, "Okay, I'm 150 miles away. Kids, make your way 150 miles to me. By yourselves." And they do, taking a small wooden wagon that contains all of their possessions, and making the 3-year-old walk as much as possible so they don't have to carry him. At the end, they make it to their father and the book ends.
So it's a fictionalized account of a story that somebody told about somebody else. Again, I wonder how much of that is accurate. I'm not saying for sure it's inaccurate, but tales do change in the telling and retelling. It's definitely not something somebody would do today. It's just a cruel thing to abandon an 11, 8, and 3 year old to fend for themselves, especially in a very small town where everybody is living in holes in the ground in the middle of the wilderness, and then make them walk 150 miles alone through largely unsettled lands. Man, I guess being an 11-year-old was different 150 years ago. They had to hunt for their own food and everything.
As a historical story, it's useful, and it has a happy ending and everything since nobody dies or gets hurt, but it's just kind of callous how the father treats the children.
Message: Children in the 1870s had pretty stark lives. Or, persistence is important.
For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.
September 27, 2017
Recently freed man Ed Muldie and his family set out from Kentucky to claim land under the Homestead Act. On the way to Kansas, his wife passes away, leaving him with his three sons to raise alone. Once the small family arrives, they must make shelter quickly because winter is coming quickly.
The town they've settled in, Nicodemus, is inhabited by other freed African Americans. They work together and are doing well until the winter goes on too long for the stores of food and wood they have. An unlikely ally comes to their rescue so they all survive the harsh weather.
Mr. Muldie must leave to find better land for farming so he leaves his three children in Nicodemus, telling them he will send a letter with instructions as to how to find him once he is settled.
The three young boys do as he asks, the older two watching their three year old brother. After months of waiting, a letter arrives via pony express. Their father has settled and gives the boys a map to follow.
The three boys, ages eleven, eight and three make the one hundred and fifty mile trek to reach their father. Needless to say, he is elated to see them and reunited as a family once again.
This is an I Can Read book, grade level second through fourth. It is an interesting, historical account of real people. Barbara Brenner's research is in part gleaned from well documented memoirs of Lulu Sadler Craig, who spent most of her life in Nicodemus.
I loved the historical importance of Wagon Wheels. It is an easy to understand book, so very appropriate for the age group. The illustrations are well done, assisting with the telling of the Muldie Family's story.
The town they've settled in, Nicodemus, is inhabited by other freed African Americans. They work together and are doing well until the winter goes on too long for the stores of food and wood they have. An unlikely ally comes to their rescue so they all survive the harsh weather.
Mr. Muldie must leave to find better land for farming so he leaves his three children in Nicodemus, telling them he will send a letter with instructions as to how to find him once he is settled.
The three young boys do as he asks, the older two watching their three year old brother. After months of waiting, a letter arrives via pony express. Their father has settled and gives the boys a map to follow.
The three boys, ages eleven, eight and three make the one hundred and fifty mile trek to reach their father. Needless to say, he is elated to see them and reunited as a family once again.
This is an I Can Read book, grade level second through fourth. It is an interesting, historical account of real people. Barbara Brenner's research is in part gleaned from well documented memoirs of Lulu Sadler Craig, who spent most of her life in Nicodemus.
I loved the historical importance of Wagon Wheels. It is an easy to understand book, so very appropriate for the age group. The illustrations are well done, assisting with the telling of the Muldie Family's story.
September 23, 2024
This book made a huge impression on me as a kid and I still love it. It was really special reading it to my sons and seeing their enthusiasm for it! For me, this encapsulates so much of the "pioneer spirit" and the fact that it's in a short, easy-to-read format is even more impressive. If your children aren't ready for Little House or other such pioneer novels, this is the perfect introduction to pioneering days. We have a family facing hardship and loss (mother died early on in their journey, the loss isn't dwelt upon but you know they miss her), loving and resourceful father, brave and resourceful children. Dug-out days, winter hardships like blizzards and food shortages, help from friendly Native Americans (and gratitude from the father), prairie fires, a small community rallying together... it packs an emotional punch without being overwhelming. As a mother, I shudder to think of asking my children to make the choices and the journey that these children were asked to make, but I also understand that staying put would have been far worse --and when I read this as a child, I loved seeing how brave and capable these boys were! The illustrations fit the story perfectly for me. This is based on a true story of the Muldie family, who were among the thousands of black pioneers who left the South after the Civil War to make a better life on the free land promised by the Homestead Act. The author explains her sources in an author's note. Even though this was published in 1978, I think it stands the test of time and would be a worthy addition to any reading list of picture books about Westward Expansion.
November 21, 2020
Wagon Wheels tells the story of a Black pioneer family as they make their way to Kansas from Kentucky to start a new life through the eyes of the oldest son, Johnny. Before they arrive in Kentucky, Johnny’s mother dies leaving his father to care for him and his three brothers. They arrive at their destination, but with few prospects after a long hard winter in a dugout home, Johnny’s father leaves the boys, promising to write when he has found a safe place they can call home. Johnny cares for his two younger brothers, weathering fires and food shortages until they finally receive word from their father, whom is 150 miles away. After the boys’ journey, they are finally reunited with their father and can begin their lives as a family. This is a great book for beginning readers to read. It is also a great introduction to pioneer life. This book depicts a black family and shows American Indians kindly giving Johnny’s family food and supplies that they desperately needed in order to survive the harsh conditions they were living in. I really liked this book and found it to be eye-opening because even though it is a work of fiction, it is easy believe Johnny and his family’s story could have easily been true.
September 27, 2018
What an interesting story! This book is based on a true story! After the Homestead Act was passed, Ed Muldie left Kentucky in 1878 to go to Kansas to claim some of the free land and make a farm of it. He and his three boys landed in Nicodemus, Kansas which was a black community. The story about the Osage Indians giving the Muldies fresh deer meat and fish, beans and squash and sticks for firewood to help keep them alive when they ran out of food, was truly an inspiring and amazing story. These were times we can’t imagine today and stories we should be passing down to our children. This book went along wonderfully with our study of America in the 1800’s.
April 20, 2020
I would read this book to my students, and have it in my classroom library, because it helps students learn about different diversities and cultures. This book will help students learn the life style of African Americans during that time period and can see how different African Americans live today versus during the time period in the book.
February 10, 2025
I read this with my AO2 & AO5 kiddos as part of a Beautiful Feet U.S. Geography lesson on the Great Plains. It went along nicely with the George Washington Carver & A Tree In the Trail readings for those two grades. This is based on a true story, it’s a quick simple read, and an interesting look into life for African Americans settling in Kanas after the civil war.
September 29, 2025
My son read this aloud to us yesterday. Good age level reading and historically informative. A crazy story! Based on true events. I was very curious to see how it would end. It's a bit sad all those boys had to go through, but their resilience is amazing. I wish they didn't call the Native Americans "Indians", but I know that's the term they would have used back then.
February 9, 2018
Based on a true story of an African American family who travel to start a new life after living in slavery. My students were enthralled with the idea that an 11, 8, and 3 year old could live on their own and travel 150 miles to meet their father at their new home. Kids in the 1800's were tough!
November 27, 2020
A black family who is freed in the Civil War travels west to make a new home for themselves.
This beginning reader is great for discussing the Civil War, blacks, migration, and other topics for 1st or 2nd graders. I would keep it in a classroom library for 1st through 3rd grade.
This beginning reader is great for discussing the Civil War, blacks, migration, and other topics for 1st or 2nd graders. I would keep it in a classroom library for 1st through 3rd grade.
May 5, 2021
A great story about an African American father and his sons on the prairie. I felt the emotion and the uneasiness for the boys as they endured life without their father and I rejoiced when they reunited. My 2nd grade students enjoyed this story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2022
I honestly thought some of the stories in this book were false like the Indians giving them assistance in the Winter and the boys walking 150 miles to find their father but apparently it was all true.
May 1, 2023
Wagon Wheels is a story about a family travelling west to find land to settle. The father leaves his children and they have to wait for him to send for them. This story is a great historical read and has a great message about caring for family and always thinking situations through.
July 27, 2017
A true story about kids who are brave, resilient, watch out for one another, and work incredibly hard. Love it.
December 4, 2018
Happy ending and I just think that I read it in 2018 06 18
April 24, 2019
"Four stars because the mom died."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2019
An amazing true story about 3 boys and their father.
September 11, 2019
This book makes me wish for more adventures for my kids, but certainly not as many as these boys had. This is quite a (true) story!
June 13, 2021
An amazing true story. Unfathomable in today's time.
May 4, 2022
Had to read it for class
June 26, 2022
This is much better than the first readers I had as a child. Based on a true story, this Dad took his 3 sons to Niocdemus, Kansas, hoping to take up a homestead. Just enough action to keep young readers turning the pages.
My mother declared that this book was 'really good.' She'd never heard anything about the struggle in Kansas to make it a free state.
My mother declared that this book was 'really good.' She'd never heard anything about the struggle in Kansas to make it a free state.
January 13, 2023
Wonderful short read for school ages 6-10. 10 out 10 recommend for bonus complimentary reading material in world history.
January 28, 2023
I liked the part where they go into the town.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews