Rescue on the Oregon Trail

When I first starting seeing blurbs for this, I thought "that sounds like an awesome idea for a beginning chapter book." And it absolutely is.

Sam Abbot and his family are getting ready to set out on the Oregon Trail, but Sam isn't very excited, since they've had to leave their old dog, Scout behind. Little does he know he will soon find a new friend...fast-forward to the present and Ranger, a friendly golden retriever, is digging in the yard. He's smart and obedient, but failed out of search-and-rescue training because of his lack of focus. But when Ranger digs up a mysterious tin box and gets transported back to the Oregon Trail, his training will come in useful. He misses his family and is confused by the strange place he finds show more himself, but he quickly becomes part of Sam's wagon train and helps them travel the Oregon trail through dangerous rivers, illness, and many other adventures until they reach their destination and Ranger finds his way back home.

At 144 pages, this is the perfect length for kids who are ready to start moving on from beginning chapters. The story doesn't gloss over the dangers and tragedies of the trail and there is death, disease, and other perils, but they're presented in a way that focuses on the families and their courage, rather than the horrors they endure. The story is interesting and exciting without being sensationalized and Ranger makes a good narrator of events, as well as adding his own perspective.

An author's note at the end fills in more about the historical context and includes lots of information, quotes, sources, and suggestions for further reading.

Verdict: I'm really pleased with this new series - it's a perfect choice for kids who are interested in history and animals and will be an easy sell to fans of the I Survived series. I'm using it in my book club and I think the kids will really love it. Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9780545639156; Published January 2015 by Scholastic; ARC provided by publisher at ALA Midwinter 2015; Purchased for the library show less

Surprisingly entertaining time travel adventure -- I appreciate that Ranger doesn't talk, isn't a person in a dog suit -- he's just a dog, doing what he's trained to do and very puzzled about his adventure. Also appreciate this excellent introduction to the Oregon Trail for young readers.

{My thoughts} – The Oregon Trail. Goodness. This is one of those topics that most children know so very well. When I was in grade school we use to play a game called The Oregon Trail on the computer. I can still see the old pixel graphics.

Ranger is a golden retriever that washed out of a rescue program. He was easily distracted by squirrels and he wasn’t able to maintain his attention on the classes. However, he did learn a thing or two from those classes.

Ranger gets a unique opportunity to travel back in time to The Oregon Trail. While he is there he meets a family and he starts to help them by finding and rescuing. He does miss his owners in the present though and keeps trying to figure out just how long he is meant to be gone show more before he gets to go back home.

I really enjoyed how this story was written. It was based on the events of The Oregon Trail and sited real information. This helps to leave children wanting to learn more. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. show less

Kids need historical information written in an interesting perspective, using strong characters they can relate too. A dog's perspective of the Oregon Trail hits those nails on the head! Great for either reluctant readers of 5th and above, this is really tailored for 4th grade, dovetailing nicely with their social studies work.

This really is an excellent series, a big step up from Magic Treehouse imo. Heck I learn stuff from them, like in this case the roadometer. Includes back matter.

This first book in a historical fiction chapter book series will captivate readers from the start. This action packed tale leads readers through the challenges and hardships of traveling on the Oregon trail during 1850. A golden retriever named Ranger travels back in time and finds himself experiencing the journey west with the Abbott family. This is a bit similar to magic tree house books as the first aid kit transports Ranger through time. I highly recommend this book!

RESCUE ON THE OREGON TRAIL by Kate Messner is the first book in the newly released, action-packed historical fiction series titled RANGER IN TIME. Ranger the rescue dog is sure to be a hit with young readers.

Ranger is a time-traveling golden retriever. Trained as a search-and-rescue dog, he is transported back in time to the year 1850 to help the Abbott family on their journey west along the Oregon Trail.

The authentic historical details mixed with the fast-paced story make this an excellent book for young history fans who are just beginning to read chapter books. Using a rescue dog as the main character was a brilliant move and will easily draw dog lovers into the historical context.

Although the first book in the series focuses on the show more Oregon Trail, references are also made to the Mormon Trail and the California Gold Rush. The outstanding author’s note section contains excerpts from real journals, facts about training rescue dogs, and additional readings.

Written for ages 6-10, this series is perfect for fans of the Magic Tree House books. Teachers will find this book an excellent interdisciplinary resource for literature circles. It’s a great jumping off spot for a more detailed exploration of the Oregon Trail.

There are lots of great websites geared to children and the Oregon Trail such as Kids on the Trail. Go to http://goo.gl/amWduJ. For a great teacher’s guide, download http://goo.gl/UgTxn6. Check out a video at http://goo.gl/5OlRsN. Check out at cool interactive map at http://goo.gl/JbRonp.

There are also apps you can download with Oregon Trail games. Try http://goo.gl/tc38tx.

The second book in the series titled Danger in Ancient Rome due out June 30, 2015.

Edelweiss ARC show less