Scout of the Oregon Trail: The story of an American family traveling the Oregon Trail in 1852 as told by Scout, the family's dog.

by Todd Crickmer, Gary Knippa (Illustrator)

Overview

Scout of the Oregon Trail

Traveling the Interstate at 70 miles per hour, have you ever pondered, "How did our ancestors cross this vast continent at three miles per hour, with no paved roads, no bridges, and no stores, restaurants, or motels? And more importantly - why?" To find out, follow Stewart and Mattie Churchill with their children, Josh (15), Sarah (13), and Molly (6), along with Scout, their amazingly brave and loyal dog, as they make this incredible trip in 1852. You will see the journey through Scout's eyes and hear the story through Scout's voice - as Scout is your trail guide on this incredible story of American History.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798988167303
Publisher:	Aqua Verde Press
Publication date:	06/23/2023
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.54(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

WHAT OTHERS HAD TO SAY...

"Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading your book. I fell in love with Scout and would love a dog if it could be as smart and loyal as Scout. Several points: Liked the story from dog's point of view. You really got that down. It was an amazing journey. Lots of adventures. Your excellent descriptions made me feel like I was really there. Well-developed characters all around. I liked the timeline at the end. Great job Todd!"

- Barbara W. - Retired Middle School Librarian

"I really enjoyed reading your book "Scout of the Oregon Trail." I thought your heartwarming story was so realistic (through your descriptions, dialogue, and historical information) that I felt like I was alongside the Churchill family as they trekked the Oregon Trail through all kinds of weather conditions and terrains. I also thought you were effective in telling the story from Scout's point of view. Scout was portrayed in a very realistic way a dog would think and act. You could really tell Scout had a great love for her family (especially the children) throughout the journey, and I loved how Scout saved the day on more than one occasion. I wasn't sure the outcome until I got to the end of each chapter!"

- Laura S. - 4th Grade Reading & Writing Teacher

I wanted to pass along a few pieces of feedback to you from our family. Ben said he gave the book an "A+" and that he really enjoyed the historical fiction format. He liked how the characters were realistic and interesting. He could picture himself making the same kind of journey as the Churchills! Abel said it was one of the "best books I ever read." For me, I appreciated the historical elements. The kids and I learned more about the Oregon Trail in a fun and accessible way! As the mom of two boys who are on the more sensitive side, I also really appreciated that there were no major tragedies that befell the main characters. I would agree that some kids' books are a bit too intense for certain readers.

- Lael Z. - California Mom of two boys

From the Publisher

2023-09-07
In Crickmer’s middle-grade novel, a stray dog roaming the streets of 19th-century St. Louis finds a forever home.

Scout, along with several other pups, is captured and tied to a tree by a “smelly man.” The man is hoping to find buyers among the hundreds of emigrants waiting in St. Louis for spring to arrive before heading west. Having known only a life of scrounging for food and shelter, Scout is excited to be selected by the three Churchill family children—young teenager Josh, younger sister Sarah, and little Molly. “…I promised myself I would be the best dog any family could ever have,” the dog reflects. The dangerous journey from St. Louis to Oregon City covers almost 2,400 miles, the first 360 via a riverboat that brings the Churchills to Independence, Missouri. They move into a tent village for several weeks, preparing to join a wagon train. While there, a rowdy boy pushes Sarah into the mud. Scout reports what happened next: “I leaped into the air and landed squarely on the boy’s chest, knocking him flat onto his back in the middle of the street.” It is but the first of many times that Scout comes to the rescue, including plunging into a frigid river to pull Molly to the surface when she falls out of the wagon and standing up to a mama bear. Through Scout’s enthusiastic, and occasionally anxious, voice, the author leads young readers through over 2,000 adventurous miles along the Oregon Trail, conveyed through uniquely canine sensibilities and understanding. The narrative serves as a vivid history primer, providing a plethora of details about the hardships and perils of daily life on a wagon train, including the intriguing tidbit that much of the human travel was done on foot because the wagons were unbearably uncomfortable to sit in as they traversed the rugged trail. Scout’s love for and devotion to the Churchill family leaps from almost every page—he’s a dog every young reader will crave for their own. A cute surprise ending will leave readers smiling.

An educational adventure perfect for young chapter-book fans or a family read-along.

Kirkus Reviews