Shelly's Book Journal

I might be the only adult who reviewed this book. ha ha.Bound for Oregon is a wonderful book about Mary Ellen Todd and her trip with her family to Oregon in 1853. It is based on recollections collected by her daughter and historical research of things that happened on trips of the Oregon Trail. It is told in narrative form, from Mary Ellen's point of view.It chronicles every point of the trip - from the decision making and starting up to river crossings, plains crossings, Indians, mountains, disease, death. It spares no part of the story - although descriptions are made for little ears.Put down Twilight, Harry Potter and Percy Jackson and read to your kids what it really took to survive a trip from Missouri to Oregon - one that can be made today in a 2 hour plane flight. Let their imaginations soak in the beautiful and yet unsettled land of this country and connect the dots to real places today - like Chimney Rock, Nebraska - mentioned throughout the book. This is OUR story, not just Mary Ellen Todd's. The spirit that made America great - and willing to take risks and work hard for their happiness.Recommend as a read along for 7-8 and up. Think 5th grade and up for reading themselves.