The Oregon Trail
Teacher Resources

The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country from Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad

Illustrated by Tom Casteel
Westward ho! If you travel across certain parts of the United States, you can still see wagon wheel ruts where people crossed the West in search of more opportunity and better lives more than 200 years ago! The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country From Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad offers readers ages 9 to 12 a fascinating look at the explorers and settlers who traveled this route during the westward expansion of the United States.
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Reviews

Children's Literature Review
"Beginning with a color map of the Trail and a timeline of its history, the introduction informs readers that Americans were always eager to move westward, though in the early nineteenth century the West was still unknown to colonists. Readers experience growth and increasing use of the Trail, starting with the explorations by Lewis and Clark, the effects on the prairies and native inhabitants, and the building of transcontinental railways that finally replaced the Oregon Trail. . . . Each chapter includes QR codes for Internet information, an Essential Question to consider, and numerous Did You Know? sidebars with further tidbits--a magnifying glass labeled PS identifies primary sources. Helpful are brief glossaries on appropriate pages, as are projects to do as homework or in a classroom. The details of history, biographies of interesting characters, and many activities (some needing help) make this attractive volume a useful resource for a study of the Great Migration westward."

Baristanet
“Have a history buff? For those interested in the issues surrounding western expansion and Manifest Destiny in United States history, there is The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country from Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad. As with other Build it Yourself books from Nomad Press, there is a detailed timeline, word cloud, and background information (included a map) to help children familiarize themselves with what is to come.” Read the complete review online.

The Old Schoolhouse Review
“Within the pages of this colorful book, your child will find six chapters that bring them from the beginning to the end of the Oregon Trail. Along the way, they will find many opportunities to get their hands on the learning with fun activities. This was my children’s favorite part. If your children love to listen or read stories, but also love to get hands on, this is a great way to learn about The Oregon Trail. This is not a boring history book, but a fun history adventure!” Read the complete review online.

School Library Connection, March 2018
“Amply illustrated with cartoons and photographs, the text is kid-friendly with helpful insets that define new vocabulary as it occurs.”

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Detailed Book Description

Westward ho! If you travel across certain parts of the United States, you can still see wagon wheel ruts where people crossed the West in search of more opportunity and better lives more than 200 years ago! The Oregon Trail: The Journey Across the Country From Lewis and Clark to the Transcontinental Railroad offers readers ages 9 to 12 a fascinating look at the explorers and settlers who traveled this route during the westward expansion of the United States.

  • Encourages readers to connect historic events to present-day political issues, such as, diversity, migration, and immigration.
  • Excerpts of primary sources and links to online primary sources enhance the narrative and engage readers in historical analysis.
Available In:
Hardcover, $22.95
9781619305724
Paperback, $17.95
9781619305762
Includes: Table of Contents | Timeline | Maps | Glossary | Resources | Index
Specs: 8 x 10 size | 4-color interior | 128 pages
Subject: Social Studies
Content Focus: U.S. History

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Map

Timeline

Introduction
The Journey Begins

Chapter 1
A Land Deal

Chapter 2
Exploring the West

Chapter 3
New Beginnings

Chapter 4
Life on the Trail

Chapter 5
The End of the Trail

Chapter 6
The Transcontinental Railroad

Glossary
Resources
Essential Questions
Index