Scout of the Oregon Trail: The story of an American family Traveling the Oregon Trail in 1852 as told by Scout, the family's dog.

by Todd Crickmer, Gary Knippa (Illustrator)

Traveling the Interstate at 70 miles per hour, have you ever wondered, "How did our ancestors cross this vast continent at three miles per hour, with no paved roads, no bridges, and no stores, restaurants, or motels? And more importantly - why?" To find out, follow Stewart and Mattie Churchill with their children, Josh (15), Sarah (13), and Molly (6), along with Scout, their amazingly brave and faithful dog, as they make this incredible trip in 1852. You will see the journey through Scout's eyes and hear the story through Scout's voice - as Scout is your trail guide on this remarkable story of American History.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2023

Reviews

[Fred Worley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I am not a dog person, but dogs like me, and the author has captured how a gifted and talented dog would think and write if they could only keyboard. The literary oddity that the story is told by a dog goes away during the first page when the dog meets the family. Spoiler alert, if you are reading this book for CEUs, don't read the questions at the back of the book until you've finished the book. Many historical facts are woven into the story line and answer any questions you have about how the west coast was opened to settlement by Europeans. And it shows sympathy to the natives that have occupied this land for centuries. Since it's aimed at a younger reader (I'm seventy-six and it was young enough for me) then you're fairly sure this isn't the Donner Party revisited. But it doesn't spare the description of how difficult and treacherous daily life on the trail was for families with young children and older relatives. It gives examples of how experienced leaders and a wagon train of families new to the wilderness could combine their talents to bring their newly organized community to the West Coast. Great story with historical perspective benefits for the reader.

[Barbara Worley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. I fell in love with Scout and would love a dog if it could be as smart and loyal as Scout. Several points: I liked the story from the dog's point of view. You really got that down and I forgot the dog was narrating. It was an amazing journey with lots of adventures. Your excellent descriptions made me feel like I was really there. The characters were all well-developed. The timeline, and study questions at the end lend themselves to a classroom study novel for upper elementary to middle school readers, although adults would enjoy it too. Great Job, Todd

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars for this charming, heartfelt story of a family taking the strenuous journey of the Oregon Trail. The story is told through the eyes of their dog, Scout, and at times I had to remind myself that it was she who was narrating the family's experiences. As they make their way through this hazardous and arduous trip you are treated to a bit of history of just what it was like to take on the challenges of the terrain heading west in 1850's America.

[Sherry Crickmer]

Loved this tale, told from the dog's point of view, about a family crossing America in the 1850's on the Oregon Trail. There is adventure in every chapter. I'll be reading this aloud to my grandchildren.

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the Churchills and their dog Scout as they travel the Oregon trail as part of a wagon train from St Louis to the Willamette Valley in the 1850’s - and all told from the pov of the remarkable Scout! Perfect for readers of all ages. A great choice for family reading night.

[Paige F · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Full of adventure. Scout and family are so realistic. I felt like a part of their family as I got deeper into the book. I recommend this for young people and adults alike.