Nine-year-old Mary Ellen Todd, filled with the pioneer spirit, treks cross country in 1852 with her family in search of a better life. - School Library Journal.
But as winter draws near, will the Todds have the strength to complete their journey? And if they make it, will Oregon fulfill their dreams? This is a convincing picture of a pioneer journey that does a good job of showing the tremendous sacrifices people made to follow their dream of a better life.
Crossing rough terrain and encountering hostile people, the Todds show their true pioneering spirit. -- Publishers Weekly With only a guide book to show them the way, the Todd family sets out from their Arkansas home on a two thousand mile trek to claim unchartered Oregon Territory.
Basing her story on the published accounts of her true-life heroine, Mary Ellen Todd, Van Leeuwen describes a family\'s tumultuous journey along the Oregon Trail in 1852.
The Todds survive Indians and swollen rivers, but what will happen when mother has a new baby and winter arrives? Jean Van Leeuwen has written highly acclaimed book for both children and young adults, including Dear Mom, You\'re Ruining My Life.
Nine-year-old Mary Ellen Todd, filled with the pioneer spirit, treks cross country in 1852 with her family in search of a better life
