Description

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In 1851, 12-year-old orphan Austin Ives joins a wagon train headed for California.  As he makes his way across the country, Austin writes home to his brother Levi, describing life on the rugged Overland Trail.  Extensively researched, with episodes based on true incidents, "the epistolary format and character development offer solid reading."--Booklist  

An IRA Teachers' Choice

About the Author

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Elvira Woodruff is the author of more than 20 picture books and novels for young adults. Her book Dear Napoleon, I Know You’re Dead, But . . . has been included in numerous child-voted state award programs, including the Mark Twain Book Award, the Sequoyah Children’s Book Award, and the West Virginia Children’s Book Award. Born and raised in New Jersey, Woodruff began writing professionally at the age of 35, and hasn’t stopped since. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening (morning glories are a favorite) and traveling. She also spends a lot of her time visiting schools and libraries, sharing her ideas about writing with children. 

Beth Peck has illustrated many books, including Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory and The Thanksgiving Visitor. She lives in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Praise For…

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"Woodruff presents a bounty of information in a format that will be especially valued as a classroom readaloud."--Bulletin, Center for Children's Books.