Adventures on the American Frontier

Imagine sitting in a basket dangling thousands of feet above the ground drilling a hole into the side of mountain. Then you have to stuff that hole with dynamite and get out of the way before it explodes. This dangerous work was just part of the job for the men who built the Transcontinental Railroad. Lively language, historical photos and illustrations, and primary accounts help readers understand the dangers the workers faced every day while building the Transcontinental Railroad. Meets Common Core critical thinking standards, and provides strong ties to social studies standards on westward expansion.

Imagine being in the middle of the Texas rebellion at the Battle of the Alamo. The Texans were outnumbered more than 10 to 1, but they were ready to fight to the death for independence from Mexico. Lively language and historical illustrations help readers feel as if they are part of the fight. The text is clear where fact meets legend in this historical battle. Meets Common Core critical thinking standards.

Though the Pony Express existed for less than two years, its legend lives on today. Its mission was to deliver mail 2,000 miles across the American plains and deserts in half the time it would take by stagecoach. Riders faced many dangers, from hostile American Indians to wicked weather. Lively language and historical illustrations will help readers feel as if they are part of the journey. Meets Common Core critical thinking standards, and provides strong ties to social studies standards on westward expansion.

Imagine leaving your home and moving across the country to a new life on the unknown frontier. That's exactly what members of the Donner Party were trying to do in the mid-1800s when they traveled out west, chasing their dreams of a better life. But instead, many were destined to meet a cruel fate. Lively language, historical illustrations, and primary source journal entries from members of the Donner Party help readers feel as if they were a part of the journey. Meets Common Core critical thinking standards, and provides strong ties to social studies standards on westward expansion.

Imagine being asked to explore an unknown part of the country. That's exactly what happened to Daniel Boone in the mid-1700s. Boone and others cut a path through the wilderness of Kentucky and Virginia. Lively language, historical illustrations, and primary source journal entries from Boone and his fellow settlers help readers feel as if they were a part of the journey. Meets Common Core critical thinking standards, and provides strong ties to social studies standards on westward expansion.

Gold! Gold from the American River! These words sparked the California Gold Rush and caused adventure seekers to head west in hopes of discovering gold. Some did strike it rich; others went broke. But they all had the adventure of a lifetime. Lively language, historical photos and illustrations, and primary source accounts help readers understand the highs and lows of life as a miner. Meets Common Core critical thinking standards, and provides strong ties to social studies standards on westward expansion.

Imagine being asked by the president of the United States to explore an unknown part of the country. That's exactly how Lewis and Clark found themselves blazing a trail west from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, they met American Indian tribes and documented plants and animals they had never seen before. Lively language, historical illustrations, and primary source journal entries from the explorers help readers feel as if they were a part of the journey. Meets Common Core critical thinking standards, and provides strong ties to social studies standards on westward expansion.

Imagine leaving your home and moving across the country to a new life on the unknown frontier. That's exactly what thousands of people did in the mid 1800s when they traveled along the Oregon Trail, chasing their dreams of a better life out West. Lively language, historical illustrations, and primary source journal entries from settlers help readers feel as if they were a part of the journey. Meets Common Core critical thinking standards, and provides strong ties to social studies standards on westward expansion.