Dear Levi: Letters from the Overland Trail

Dear Levi #1

by Elvira Woodruff

In 1851, 12-year-old orphan Austin Ives joins a wagon train headed for California.  As he makes his way across the country, Austin writes home to his brother Levi, describing life on the rugged Overland Trail.  Extensively researched, with episodes based on true incidents, "the epistolary format and character development offer solid reading."-- Booklist   

An IRA Teachers' Choice

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile, Middle Grade, Historical, Adventure

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1994

About the author

Elvira Woodruff is an American children's author known for blending fantasy and history in her stories. Born in Somerville, New Jersey, she studied English literature at Adelphi and Boston University. Before becoming a writer, she worked a variety of jobs and later found inspiration while working as a librarian in Easton, Pennsylvania. Woodruff has published numerous children's books, including George Washington's Socks, The Memory Coat, and Dear Levi. Her work has been praised for its engaging storytelling and historical depth. Throughout her career, she has created imaginative, heartfelt stories that continue to captivate young readers.

Reviews

[Whitney George]

This is a favorite book every year in my class. It is written in letter form; Austin is writing back to his brother about his experience on the Oregon Trail.

[plumcrazybooks]

Great read aloud book!

[Lori]

Again, another historical fiction that my 8 year old boy enjoyed. THis is about the Oregon trail.

[Gina]

This is a pioneer book written in diary form, inspired by diaries that were actually written by men and women who traveled on the Overton Trail between 1840-1870. The feel is a lot like Laura Ingalls Wilder, except more tragedy is discussed. In this book, Austin Brently's grandfather has left him letters from his great uncle, and a diary that he had called a "button book." His grandfather said in his will that these letters and book meant more to him than any of his material possessions. Austin's great uncle was traveling on the Overland Trail, and wrote the letters Austin's grandfather, Levi. The letters are pieces of Austin's family history.

I loved this book! Partly because I love all things "Pioneer," and partly because I love family history. I can't even imagine being willed a family treasure such as this!

This would be a good book to read as a class in a middle school history class to learn about the hardships the Pioneers of our county faced. It is very realistic. 4th and 5th graders could use this for the same thing.

[Janet]

From the author's notes:
"This story was inspired by the reading of original diaries of the men and women who traveled along the Overland Trail between the years 1840 and 1870. During that time over a quarter of a million people made their journey across the continental United States. It was a migration of some 2,400 miles, and as the diaries make clear, it was not for the faint of heart."
"Among this adventurous group of pioneer were many children. I often wondered what the journey had been like for them. In researching this question , I was impressed with the strength of spirit these young travelers displayed in facing countless hardships, as well as their ability to shoulder a fair share of responsibility for their survival."
"The courage of these boys and girls, living so long ago , inspired me to want to re-create their story."

This was an outstanding story, I am so glad I found it and read it. Although this book was written for children in mind, I think everyone who picks it up will enjoy it.

[Rut]

The Booklist is right this book keeps adrenaline pumping, and in my case also some tears. I couldn't help it. Even though the characters are fictional, as the author said, the facts behind this story are true. Many people, many children...did go through these experiences while traveling all the way to the West. And I kept wondering how hard it must have been to those children, to face fear, the hardwork, abuse and the loss of a loved one.
Very well documented, and interesting, I couldn't put it down.

[Emily]

For a very short book for an adult, but a decent rid for a kid around 5th grade, this was pretty good I thought. It was entertaining and gave some perspective to what life was like on the oregon/overland trail for an orphaned kid. There were sad moments, and relateable humor and interesting characters, and discussions of conflicting views of the indians and such.

[Maggie]

The author utilized many pioneer diaries to create a fictional story for kids. As we know, it was a rough, sometimes heartbreaking journey across the 2400 miles making up the Overland Trail. The book is written through letters from a 12 year old boy to his younger brother he left behind to make the trip. It was interesting to experience the journey from that viewpoint.

[Chris]

As the author stated, there were many children who crossed the country during the 1800'swithout much written about them. This fun, realistic, heartbreaking story I would recommend to all readers age 9+.

[Nina Schlottman]

I think this is a very warmhearted book. It's a nice and easy quick read if you want to take a break from a long series or something. The only reason for the 4 stars is that it could use more action but otherwise, if you're looking for something easy, this is for you.

[Taylor]

If you've ever thought, you know I'd really like to read the cliff notes of the video game Oregon Trail and all the terrible things that happen, this is the book for you. You almost can't help but laugh because it's so tragic for the characters. I did like the book though. Worth the short read.

[Nancy]

So much tragedy, sorrow, death and loss. So much bravery, strength, perseverance, and determination.

[Liz]

I decided to read this because I had just finished The Diary of Mattie Spenser. Even though this is an elementary level book, I found it to be interesting and real.

[Travelmaven]

Always looking for books to share with elementary school aged kids, especially about American history. This has lots of info about the Oregon Trail, told from a teen point of view.

[Josie Fidler]

Check out my review on my blog! josieslibrary.wordpress.com/2018/04/3...

[Gabi Meadows]

I really enjoy the subject of the Oregon trail, so this book immediately was interesting to me. I wish it was longer!

[oliver]

This book is dogshit.

[Hiyan Patel]

It was a very realistic book

[Maddie Jones]

Read this for my class’s book club! Heartwarming story, and I know my students will enjoy reading it!

[Grace]

It was realistic, had a few nice twists.

[Ann]

Fun thing about being a teacher: reading YA novels counts as "work." :) Fourth grade is going to be reading this book next week, and I had never read it before. As the title indicates, it's a story told in letters from one brother on the Overland Trail to his younger brother, remaining behind in Pennsylvania. Even though it's a pretty simple book, it doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the journey...I was surprised by how many people the author allowed to die. Not an earth-shaking book, but one I think the fourth graders will enjoy. Good way to learn about some US history too. And it only took an hour to read!

Side note: According to this book, the trail was some 2,400 miles long. The Appalachian Trail is approximately 2,100 miles long. I wonder what those early Oregon settlers would say if they knew that today, people like me WANT to hike a trail of that distance as a "fun" activity. Huh.

[Duane]

This is a good read for the beginning reader. It's the letters home that an older brother is sending to his younger brother who stays in Pennsylvania while he's traveling along the Oregon Trail. Insightful and enjoyable, this book should appeal to any reader who enjoys some history in their reading. A very good read.

[Miss Amanda]

gr 4-6 119 pgs


1851 Overland Trail. 12 year old Austin writes letters to his younger brother Levi left behind in Pennsylvania. Austin is traveling to his father's claim in Oregon. The journey is long and dangerous. Austin describes the new friends and also tragedies.

Companion book to "Dear Austin" also by Elvira Woodruff.

[Mary Raccuia]

Austin is a 12 year old boy who is leaving his 11 year old brother to travel to Oregon to claim his fathers land. Austin writes to his brother everyday to stay in touch with his only blood relative-Levi. Along the way he learns to swim as well as work with large oxen. This would be a great way to introduce students to the 1850's America movement across the country to the West.

[Shivam]

read this fourth grade lit

[Marshmallow]

tells about the adventure traveling crosscountry

[Hayley]

I love history and stuff, so this was a good read. It made me feel like I was actually there but it got kind of sad.

[Matthew]

I think that this is a great book. This has very specific info about the Organ Trail.

[Susie]

Read it when I was really young. Loved it in the sixth grade. Kids that love history will love this.

[Dayton]

good