by Donna L. Scofield (Author)
Eleven-year-old Cliff's dad was independently wealthy, which enabled him to spend his life exploring time travel. Cliff and his friend, Sam, "borrow" his newly-perfected time machine to experience first-hand something they've studied in school: the trek West on the Oregon Trail. Cliff planned ahead, and thought he'd prepared for everything, but there are still some instances when their ruse is almost exposed. They experience death, fear, hunger, thirst and weariness. They also learn to love the young family that provides shelter in exchange for the boys' help. Extensive research went into this book. Adventure, dialogue and humor keep the research from being obvious. The young reader will have a hard time stopping at the end of the chapter.
Author Biography
Ms. Scofield is the author of two historical fiction novels, and a collection of her newspaper family humor columns. As a result of working in elementary schools for years, she is very knowledgeable about children's tastes. Extensive research enables her book to be a suitable choice for extra reading to accompany study of the Westward Expansion, which is often taught in 4th grade. Crisp dialogue and action keep the young reader engrossed.