Customer Reviews

Bound for Oregon

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book ought to get 100 stars. It is a great and realistic account of the trip from Arkansas to Oregon that Mary Ellen Todd's family took. It tells a vivid and seemingly true tale about the six month journey, the life Mary Ellen and her family found in Oregon, and Mary Ellen's reluctance to part with her hometown and reletives--most of all, her grandmother. You can meet Mary Ellen, her parents, her sisters, and her brother, as well as John, the Grants, and other travellers that they encounter along the way. While reading this, I was carried of in a time machiene to join in the trip. I hope that nobody will ever write an accusing review for such a wonderful book.

This was an excelent book. It would be a good book to read when studying the Oregon Trail. It is full of excitment and adventure. The best part is that it is told from the viewpoint of a nine-year-old which students can relate to. This book is based off of a true story and the author did a wonderful job in her research making it as realastic and accurate as possible. It is great for all ages!

My third graders couldn't get enough of this book! They loved it--all 21 of them. This book gives great descriptions of a nine-yera old who travels on the Oregon Trail. The vocabulary and visual images are awesome!

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.

I loved this book. I disagree with the people who said that the book droned on and on. In this book an 8 year old girl and her family set out on a 6 month journey to Oregon. On the way they face many hardships, the death and parting with friends and loved ones and several Indian attacks. But there are many exciting moments, and moments of fun, including popping popcorn in the rain. I RECOMMEND this book to everyone.

This book was alittle more interesting because of the fact that they were leaving Arkansas.(this is were I live) As they leave many people turn back, because they are scared. With the four remaining they go on. With conflict the four splint into 2 groups. A story element for this book would be conflict because of the difference of opinion. GOOD BOOK!

This book is pretty good when you start to read it. It has interesting points of view from the children on their way to Oregon and how they travel on their way.

This book seemed real and it was based on a true story. It tells about a girl's life traveling on the Oregon Trail, the good parts and the bad parts.

My favorite parts are when Mary Ellen (the main character)'s little sister, Cynthia, talks in her funny way.

Another favorite part was when they got to Oregon and they wanted all their relatives to know that they made it, and they sent letters to their grandmother asking her to tell all their other friends and relatives.

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.

The book was pretty good but it lacked thrill and excitement. After a while the book got really monotnous and I lost intrest quickly, although I read the whole book in 1 day. But it was a great story in a remarkable era in history.