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Type of bind: Paperback
EAN num: 9780140383195
ISBN number: 0140383190
Label: Puffin
Manufacturer: Puffin
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 176
Printing Date: November 01, 1996
Publishing house: Puffin
Age index: Ages 9-12
Sale Popularity Level: 188648
Studio: Puffin
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product 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.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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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.
Rated by buyers 
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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.
Rated by buyers -
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 subsequent year.
Rated by buyers 
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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.
Rated by buyers -
Bound for Oregon is the story of Mary Ellen Todd and her journey with her family along the Oregon Trail. Although this book was interesting in the very first chapter, I think the author got a little carried away with the monotonus context of the book. All in all, it is a good book if you want to know more about this era in history and the Oregon Trail.
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