west (u.s.)

Nineteen poems celebrate cowboy life.

Chronicles the history of the American West, starting with the first European explorations and ending with the beginning of the 20th century. Examines the impact of the white settlers on the lives of the Native Americans and the land. Also discusses the Gold Rush, the Civil War, the building of the transcontinental railroad, the battle of Little Bighorn, and the massacre at Wounded Knee.

Provides a look at what life really was like on the frontier, including information on Native American Tribes, buffalo hunting , dangers on the trail, life in a frontier town, outlaws and crime, and searching for land and gold.

As his family sets out from Missouri to Oregon, young Ben wonders whether he will have more trouble with the dangers of the journey or his debilitating asthma.