Load up your covered wagon and join the Todd family as they journey from their comfortable Arkansas home to the great unknown along the Oregon Trail. With only a guide book and their strong faith in God, the Todd family tackles the dangerous two thousand mile journey with courage and a pioneering spirit. Through the eyes of Mary Ellen, we see and experience the difficulties of the Todd family as they encounter rough terrain, broken down wagons, cholera, swollen river beds, and hostile Indians. In spite of all this, nothing will stop them from their dream of a homestead in the bountiful Oregon territory. This book is a great fictional introduction to life on the historical Oregon Trail. It is a great read and is full of concrete historical information to accompany any study of the wild Western Frontier and the pioneers who settled it. The author, Jean Van Leeuwen will draw any reader into the story with the details of life along the Oregon Trail. You can also track the Todd family's progress chapter-by-chapter with the use of the illustrated map provided on the first two pages. Will the Todd family make it to Oregon before winter hits? 167 pgs, pb. - elise