Russell Freedman did an exceptional job with this book; it zeroes in on the immigrant childrens experience of going West as well as the indigenous Indian childrens lives before, during and after interaction with the white settlers.
The photos selected were exceptional and eye-opening. My favorite aspect of the photos selected centered on the variety of tribal children photographed. I dont think I will ever forget the two sets of photos of Indian children as they entered Indian Training Schools (schools that taught Indians how to become white) and how they had changed 14 or 15 months later. There was no spark of joy or happiness in any of these chosen children.
Most books talk about the life in the US and the Territories from an adults perspective. This volume focuses on life amongst the younger population; it is wonderful.
The photos selected were exceptional and eye-opening. My favorite aspect of the photos selected centered on the variety of tribal children photographed. I dont think I will ever forget the two sets of photos of Indian children as they entered Indian Training Schools (schools that taught Indians how to become white) and how they had changed 14 or 15 months later. There was no spark of joy or happiness in any of these chosen children.
Most books talk about the life in the US and the Territories from an adults perspective. This volume focuses on life amongst the younger population; it is wonderful.
Exerpt - "ON MAY 19, 1841, a dozen covered wagons and seventy men, women, and children left Missouri and headed for the Pacific Coast..."
We loved this book while homeschooling. It is a rich and stirring look at life on the Western frontier with original black and white photographs of children and their families.
It gives you a sense of "being there" in the old west and has several stories helping us to understand what these children's lives were like.
It covers American Indians as well, giving you a picture of how they were treated in the boarding schools that they were forced to attend.
Reading level is about 9-12, but everyone will love the photos.
We loved this book while homeschooling. It is a rich and stirring look at life on the Western frontier with original black and white photographs of children and their families.
It gives you a sense of "being there" in the old west and has several stories helping us to understand what these children's lives were like.
It covers American Indians as well, giving you a picture of how they were treated in the boarding schools that they were forced to attend.
Reading level is about 9-12, but everyone will love the photos.
Older child reader...good exercise to get them to see where the author is trying to persuade us of his opinion by his writing. Great photos.
