Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell, 1847
(Libby/OverDrive eAudiobook)

Gr 3-7-Hattie Campbell is 13 years old in 1847 when her parents decide to sell their farm in Missouri and make their way across the Oregon Trail to Oregon City for a fresh start after the death of Hattie's sisters in this title by Kristiana Gregory (Scholastic, 1997). She is given a journal for her birthday and told to record "both the bad and the good, Hattie." And so she does. Teaming up with dozens of other families, the wagon train begins its six-month journey across the prairies and mountains of the West. Their wagons are full and their hearts are hopeful. Hattie reflects upon the slowly changing scenery, the curiously friendly Indians they meet, and the devastating toll the long journey takes. Many in the wagon train arrive in Oregon City on foot with only a few precious possessions. Black-and-white photos, a recipe for Johnny Cake, and maps of the route can be found at the end of the book. The narration is well done, and Hattie's youthful voice shines through. While the plot is not riveting, young girls will enjoy Hattie's journey and elementary grade social studies classes studying the Oregon Trail will learn about life on the Trail.-Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.