Dear Levi: Letters from the Overland Trail by Elvira Woodruff

Dear Levi: Letters from the Overland Trail Reviews

• 
  Julie

  Great read aloud book!
• 
  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.
• 
  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.
• 
  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.
• 
  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.
• 
  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.
• 
  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.
• 
  Shivam

  read this fourth grade lit
• 
  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
• 
  Donna172

  This book is about a twelve year old boy who leaves his family to travel on the Overland Trail. There are many obstacles he faces along the way. A great read for intermediate school readers.
• 
  Stevie

  Good for teaching about Oregon Trail to fourth graders.
• 
  Elena

  A great book that is partly written in letter writing form.
• 
  Joe Fox

  Great