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Reviewed by Suzanne Lieurance
What was it like to be a pioneer? Author Pat McCarthy answers this question by giving young readers a detailed look at the daily life of pioneer children and adults in her new book Heading West: Life with the Pioneers.
This rich and compelling resource includes dozens of firsthand accounts from journals and autobiographies with several illustrations and photos on almost every page. The book is easy for children to read because it provides helpful sidebars and clear captions for all the photos and illustrations. Kids will love the 21 activities that include several easy recipes for foods the pioneers used to make; staples like cornbread and applebutter, as well as special treats like maple snow candy.
The book begins with a timeline of important events during this period and follows with clear explanations of these events and how they each contributed to the westward movement.
Kids will learn that although the life of a pioneer was often isolated and filled with many hardships, in many ways it was not so different from life today. There were regular routines, like school, chores, and church, and fun social events the whole family looked forward to.
This book is the perfect resource for the classroom, the school library, or for homeschooling parents.
Title: Heading West: Life with the Pioneers, 21 Activities
Author: Pat McCarthy
Publisher: Chicago Review Press (August 1, 2009)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
ISBN-10: 1556528094
ISBN-13: 978-1556528095