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Blue Skies West
Adventure awaits and danger abounds on the trail...Blue and Charlie have to be tougher than the rest to make it through!
Blue Skies West is the fifth in an exciting series for kids (and adults!) to learn more about important stories in U.S. History--told from the horse's point of view!
This story follows a horse named Blue, a horse who is lucky enough to find himself in the middle of one of the most important events in the history of the United States: The Oregon Trail. His boy, Charlie, can't wait to head out on the trip. Charlie and Blue have lived in Iowa farmlands their entire lives, so they are excited to head out on a trail 2,000 miles long to see their new home. The rest of Charlie's family wants to see the fabled lands of Oregon, where they will make their own home.
But along with rumors of excellent farmland, abundant grass and water for livestock, and gold and timber to last for generations, comes with warnings of disease: cholera, dysentery, and influenza. Dangers like water crossings, stampedes, and even wagon train robbers will face them in every territory they cross. The family will have some exhilarating new adventures and will make many new friends, but will Blue, Charlie, and his family make it to Oregon without losing anybody along the way?
"Blue Skies West" is the fifth in Mattie Richardson's exciting Horses in History series that is geared for children 8-12 years old but can be enjoyed by any age. Each book in the series is a standalone story.
Blue Skies West is the fifth in an exciting series for kids (and adults!) to learn more about important stories in U.S. History--told from the horse's point of view!
This story follows a horse named Blue, a horse who is lucky enough to find himself in the middle of one of the most important events in the history of the United States: The Oregon Trail. His boy, Charlie, can't wait to head out on the trip. Charlie and Blue have lived in Iowa farmlands their entire lives, so they are excited to head out on a trail 2,000 miles long to see their new home. The rest of Charlie's family wants to see the fabled lands of Oregon, where they will make their own home.
But along with rumors of excellent farmland, abundant grass and water for livestock, and gold and timber to last for generations, comes with warnings of disease: cholera, dysentery, and influenza. Dangers like water crossings, stampedes, and even wagon train robbers will face them in every territory they cross. The family will have some exhilarating new adventures and will make many new friends, but will Blue, Charlie, and his family make it to Oregon without losing anybody along the way?
"Blue Skies West" is the fifth in Mattie Richardson's exciting Horses in History series that is geared for children 8-12 years old but can be enjoyed by any age. Each book in the series is a standalone story.
150 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2022
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Mattie Richardson
8 books6 followersLibrarian by day, Author, Fiddler, and Drummer by night.
www.appaloosybooks.com
www.appaloosybooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 19, 2022
Do you children love history books with adventure? Maybe you have a horse lover in your house. If so then Blue Skies West from the Appaloosy Books should be on your bookshelf! I love history and it is my hope that my kids will too. But as I have been homeschooling my children I have found that many history books are very dry and unappealing to children. This is why I have absolutely been loving Blue Skies West.
Blue Skies West is part of the Appaloosy Horse Series and it is based on The Oregon Trail historical event. What makes this book so unique is that it is written from a horse’s point of view. The name of the horse in this book is Blue, he is traveling The Oregon Trail with Charlie and his family. While we get to know Charlie and his family, we not only see their struggles but also empathize with the horse through the journey.
What I appreciate with this story is the time that the author; Mattie Richardson, took into researching the topic. The Oregon Trail was not one of ease and joy. There was a lot of heartache, disease, death, and terror for many how set out on the journey. She also stays true to the time period and the language/terms used. For example, now we use the term Native Americans, however back during the 1800’s the term Indian was used. So keep this in mind if this bothers you but know that the author does not do this out of disrespect but just keeping accuracy with the time period. This is a great opportunity to talk with your children about different cultures and respecting them.
This book not only is a great addition to learning about The Oregon Trail, it also created some additional learning. Mapping the route and measuring distance one could travel. Learning about the different Native American Tribes and the different good they might have traded with those traveling. Even learning about the different diseases and illnesses many faced on the journey. This is the type of history I like to teach my kids, a book that opens their minds to learning more is a plus!
Blue Skies West is part of the Appaloosy Horse Series and it is based on The Oregon Trail historical event. What makes this book so unique is that it is written from a horse’s point of view. The name of the horse in this book is Blue, he is traveling The Oregon Trail with Charlie and his family. While we get to know Charlie and his family, we not only see their struggles but also empathize with the horse through the journey.
What I appreciate with this story is the time that the author; Mattie Richardson, took into researching the topic. The Oregon Trail was not one of ease and joy. There was a lot of heartache, disease, death, and terror for many how set out on the journey. She also stays true to the time period and the language/terms used. For example, now we use the term Native Americans, however back during the 1800’s the term Indian was used. So keep this in mind if this bothers you but know that the author does not do this out of disrespect but just keeping accuracy with the time period. This is a great opportunity to talk with your children about different cultures and respecting them.
This book not only is a great addition to learning about The Oregon Trail, it also created some additional learning. Mapping the route and measuring distance one could travel. Learning about the different Native American Tribes and the different good they might have traded with those traveling. Even learning about the different diseases and illnesses many faced on the journey. This is the type of history I like to teach my kids, a book that opens their minds to learning more is a plus!
October 20, 2022
I’ve said it above, but I’ll say it again. We loved this book. We have read and enjoyed all of this series of books by Mattie Richardson. They’re wonderful examples of historical fiction and she’s a great example to children of following their dreams and making them a reality. With her first book being published at the age of 16 she definitely can be said to have worked for her dreams!
This was such a fun book to read. All of my fluent readers read through this book on their own. But we also read through it together as a family. My kids all loved it! Our age range is ages 17 down to 1. Of course, the 1-year-old didn’t stay around for all the readings but she did love pointing out the horse on the cover. She loves her neigh neighs for sure.
Going west with Charlie and Blue was a great time. I think this book would be a great basis for a unit study that focuses on going west and its history of it. There are a lot of other books that would go well with it. I highly recommend you read this one! It will have you doing some minor nail-biting with the train robbers as well as feeling moments of pride.
You will fall in love with the characters and the writing!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the Homeschool Review Crew and the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This was such a fun book to read. All of my fluent readers read through this book on their own. But we also read through it together as a family. My kids all loved it! Our age range is ages 17 down to 1. Of course, the 1-year-old didn’t stay around for all the readings but she did love pointing out the horse on the cover. She loves her neigh neighs for sure.
Going west with Charlie and Blue was a great time. I think this book would be a great basis for a unit study that focuses on going west and its history of it. There are a lot of other books that would go well with it. I highly recommend you read this one! It will have you doing some minor nail-biting with the train robbers as well as feeling moments of pride.
You will fall in love with the characters and the writing!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the Homeschool Review Crew and the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
November 14, 2022
My daughters love horses. They don’t enjoy history. But thanks to Appaloosy Books we have found a way for them to learn something new with something they love. Blue Skies West by Mattie Richardson is the latest in the horses in history series. We were excited to read it!
Recommended for ages 8-14 (makes a great read aloud too) we experience historical times and places in a new and fun way. Enrichment Guide coming soon!
Experience travel, the Iregon Trail, through the eyes of Blue, as they dream of the future while facing many trials and dangers and thrills.
This book makes it all feel so real. You really can imagine exactly what these moments felt like. So much so that her brother wants to read it when she finishes. This is a very real adventure. Be prepared. Appreciate it also. There are so many things to learn and ways to learn them as each page is read. My girl was amazed at the struggles of simple daily tasks. What a way to learn appreciation for all we have today. 🙃
We are planning to find or buy the other books in this series. Definitely appreciate these for older kids or as a story read together. Besides imagine the great discussions. I love the detail gone into this story. Also a great way to engage and develop a love for history and books and horses!
Recommended for ages 8-14 (makes a great read aloud too) we experience historical times and places in a new and fun way. Enrichment Guide coming soon!
Experience travel, the Iregon Trail, through the eyes of Blue, as they dream of the future while facing many trials and dangers and thrills.
This book makes it all feel so real. You really can imagine exactly what these moments felt like. So much so that her brother wants to read it when she finishes. This is a very real adventure. Be prepared. Appreciate it also. There are so many things to learn and ways to learn them as each page is read. My girl was amazed at the struggles of simple daily tasks. What a way to learn appreciation for all we have today. 🙃
We are planning to find or buy the other books in this series. Definitely appreciate these for older kids or as a story read together. Besides imagine the great discussions. I love the detail gone into this story. Also a great way to engage and develop a love for history and books and horses!
November 4, 2022
Blue Skies West by Mattie Richardson is a historical fiction novel set on the Oregon Trail. It’s book five in the Horses in History series from Appaloosy Books. The stories journey through major events in American history, but with a twist – the narrator is a horse.
In this installment, the horse narrator is named Blue. He is beloved by his human family, and especially by his boy, Charlie. Charlie’s family decides to move westward and faces many challenges along the way. The Oregon Trail was dangerous!
The book begins with a map of the Oregon Trail. It shows where the trail was in relation to the modern day United States. From there, we jump straight to the action and adventure.
I read Blue Skies West aloud to my 6 year old son. He liked the adventure and action in the story, and especially the parts about animals. We learned about the resiliency and grit it took to uproot one’s family and move them across the country.
In this installment, the horse narrator is named Blue. He is beloved by his human family, and especially by his boy, Charlie. Charlie’s family decides to move westward and faces many challenges along the way. The Oregon Trail was dangerous!
The book begins with a map of the Oregon Trail. It shows where the trail was in relation to the modern day United States. From there, we jump straight to the action and adventure.
I read Blue Skies West aloud to my 6 year old son. He liked the adventure and action in the story, and especially the parts about animals. We learned about the resiliency and grit it took to uproot one’s family and move them across the country.
December 12, 2022
Well researched, very factual and brimming with information. The characters - an entire family- will have someone the reader can identify with as the family prepares to move West.
The story is told through the eyes of Blue the horse. His love for his young master is touching and adds a personal note to the story. I did feel sometimes, that there was opportunity to see the world through a horses eyes that was sometimes missed. For example: When Blue was ridden by the father- how did that feel for Blue? Was it confusing? Was the father a pro? Or heavy handed on the reins?
I think a middle grade reader with fondness for horses will love this story AND learn something on the sly!
The story is told through the eyes of Blue the horse. His love for his young master is touching and adds a personal note to the story. I did feel sometimes, that there was opportunity to see the world through a horses eyes that was sometimes missed. For example: When Blue was ridden by the father- how did that feel for Blue? Was it confusing? Was the father a pro? Or heavy handed on the reins?
I think a middle grade reader with fondness for horses will love this story AND learn something on the sly!
October 26, 2022
I enjoyed Mattie’s creative take on history through the horse’s eyes. She did a great job including imagery that set the scene for each Territory. I also loved how the chapters were named after the present-day state and that she included a map designed the same way. The vocabulary and storyline are easy to read and children should not have an issue understanding. She did not shy away from tragedy or danger but was sure to not make those issues the focal point of view.
November 24, 2022
This story of the hardships of the Oregon Trail is told through the eyes of Blue, a young horse who is traveling with his owner, Charlie, and Charlie's family. From their start point in Iowa, to where they joined the wagon train in Independence MO, and on all the way through to Oregon, there are hardships and illness, and sometimes death.
This book, besides being an excellent historical fiction novel, is also a horse story, with conversations between Blue and his older and wiser stablemate, Belle. I'd recommend this book for children aged about 8 to 14.
This book, besides being an excellent historical fiction novel, is also a horse story, with conversations between Blue and his older and wiser stablemate, Belle. I'd recommend this book for children aged about 8 to 14.
August 11, 2022
I read this book for my son, one chapter at a time for bedtime. He was Constantly begging for one more chapter. I even stayed intrigued as an adult. Mattie you did an amazing job on the historical aspect of the book and kept our attention through the entire thing. We can’t wait to read more by you! Great job!
September 5, 2022
Very interesting story of the travels on the Oregon Trail, some devastating events, some very close calls and eventually the arrival to their new home. I love that the story is told by Charlie's horse, Blue. I'm excited to check out more from this Author.
November 14, 2022
Our family really enjoyed this book. It is interesting and well-written historical fiction. My daughter enjoyed it so much that she passed it on to her brother and convinced him to read it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews