Illus. in black-and-white. In 1851, 12-year-old orphan Austin Ives joins a
wagon train headed for California. As they make their way across the country,
Austin writes home to his brother Levi, describing day-to-day life on the
Overland Trail. In his own observant and vigorous voice, Austin tells of the
everyday happenings--hunting game and fording streams--as well as more dramatic
episodes, from devastating illness to complex encounters with Indians.
"Woodruff presents a bounty of information in a format that will be especially
valued as a classroom readaloud."-- "Bulletin, Center for Children's Books."