Lawyers of Oregon

Bound for Oregon

Description

Nine-year-old Mary Ellen Todd, filled with the pioneer spirit, treks cross country in 1852 with her family in search of a better life. The Todds survive Indians and swollen rivers, but what will happen when mother has a new baby and winter arrives? Jean Van Leeuwen has written highly acclaimed book for both children and young adults, including Dear Mom, You're Ruining My Life.

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-03-19
Summary: "Vivid and Memorable"

Based on an real young girl's reminiscences, "Bound For Oregon" is filled with specific and vivid details that will speak to young readers and make this episode in American history come to life. Told by nine-year-old Mary Ellen Todd, the tale unfolds very naturally: from the hardship of leaving family behind, to the boredom of listening to the wagon wheels turning every day, to continual uncertainty, illness and death, hunger and thirst, and ultimately to success--it's all here. Crossing rivers, climbing mountains, facing Indians, racing to beat the snows -- it's amazing that anyone made it! But this book is more than just a list of hardships: the author has fleshed out the factual details with the relationships within the family. For example, Mary Ellen wonders if her mother, who is not her own birth mother, really cares for her. By the end of their journey, they have grown to love and respect each other. Mary Ellen gets annoyed with her two younger sisters, but when cholera strikes, she realizes how much she loves them. Her grandmother, who had to stay in Arkansas, is such a constant presence it feels like she has come along. Through it all, her father's faith and his steady nature keep them all going. This book is memorable and accessible for ages 9+. Highly recommended.

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Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2008-09-12
Summary: "From J. Kaye's Book Blog"

From my 11 y/o daughter:

This delightful book is about Mary Ellen Todd's adventure journeying to Oregon. Along the way she makes new friends, her calf, Daisy drowns in a river, and meets some scary looking Indians. But, her hardest challenge is, trying to become a brave, pioneer girl.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes history, adventure, and the wild west.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2008-06-18
Summary: "From a 10 year old!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

A five star book. I couldn't put it down. You see through a 10 year old girls eyes. The tale about a girl whose family goes out to Oregon. They travel through many obsticles. I love it. And I would reccomomend it to any 10 year old.

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Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2008-05-10
Summary: "Nice Story about the Oregon Trail, with a focus on a family's faith"

This was an enjoyable easy read about life on the Oregon Trail, told from the perspective of a 9-year-old girl, Mary Ellen Todd. It's based on the book written by the daughter of the real Mary Ellen Todd, based on her mother's stories over the years.

The reader will come away with a better knowledge of the preparation required to travel the Trail, as well as the difficulties of the journey. They'll read of various battles with illness, encounters with Indians, crossing difficult rivers, wagon train troubles, some wagons turning back, babies born on the trail, etc. The scary moments of life on the Trail are addressed, but it's all presented in an appropriate way for children.

Of course, the author had to fill in some details not covered in the book of Mary Ellen's daughter. One thing that the author decided to add in (which she admits is pure invention) was Mary Ellen's feelings of antagonism toward her stepmother (her mother died when she was little). Though Mary Ellen obeys in her actions, there are several times that she's quite disrespectful in her attitude and thoughts, if not actions. One common struggle with her stepmother is over being ladylike. Mary Ellen once also does have this disrespectful attitude toward her father. In many ways, her attitude is portrayed as "normal," and I don't think children need encouraged in thinking this is normal in the sense of being "okay." But, there are only a few mentions of this, and they're easy enough to explain or edit as a read-aloud. It would have been nice, however, if the author hadn't felt the need to inject this into the book.

I was pleasantly surprised at how frequently this book touched on this family's faith. Several times, when rejoicing or sorrowing, the family ends up singing a hymn, or Father referencing a Bible verse. There's mention of Mary Ellen memorizing Scripture (Psalm 23), and Father reads from the Bible to them regularly. They usually rest for at least part of Sunday. Their faith is definitely portrayed as part of their everyday lives.

Overall, I'd recommend this book for reading aloud to children to help them learn about the Oregon Trail. If bothered by Mary Ellen's occasional attitude, you can always edit as you go. I plan to read this aloud to my children (ages 6 ½ on down) sometime in the next year.

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Rating: 3 / 5
Date: 2007-08-18
Summary: "RECIPE FOR PIONEER SURVIVAL"

Families needed goodly amounts of common sense, courage and religious faith in order to endure the ordeal of the covered wagon journey to Oregon and/or California--regardless of the route chosen. The Todd family of Arkansas proved flexible and resourceful during the six-month
test of physical and moral endurance in 1852--the year of the terrible cholera epidemic. Based on the diaries of adults and grown children of the Oregon Trail this book faithfully reproduces the challenges and dangers suffered by those seeking new lives in the Pacific northwest.

The oldest of three girls, Mary Ellen is just 9 at the start of the story, but she comes of age by the end when she finally just crack Father's whip. Thought the family hardships she admires her father's quiet strength and dignity, as well as the resroucefulness of her step-mother. It is in times of trial that different family members step go the extra mile, taking their turn to ensure the survival of the group. Despite the hardships Mary Ellen still takes the time to admire the beauties of the Natural landscape. While her body is busy with daily tasks, her heart cherishes fond memories of her Grandmother, whom she realizes she will never see again. But this dear relative's face and words inspire Mary Ellen to discover personal courage in a barren wilderness. The accompanying map at the beginning of the book clarifies the geographic details of the long journey. Excellent westward migration reading for middle-school students.