My Way West Book Review

My Way West: Real Kids Traveling the Oregon and California Trails

Written and Illustrated by Elizabeth Goss

Expected publication by West Margin Press: June 29, 2021

Review
My Way West introduces a young audience to the Oregon/California/Mormon trails through the lens of young migrants' experiences. Different topics, such as preparation, bad weather, travel, games, etc. are explained; memoirs from child-travelers allow readers to connect with those who travelled. Perspectives from Indigenous observers, white travelers, and enslaved Black people offer a comprehensive overview of the Oregon trail topic.

It is personal histories (recollections and biographical data) of children that set My Way West apart from other books about the Oregon/California/Mormon trails. T was interested to know that these "kids really said that stuff" that's written on each page. Back matter provides further biographical information on each of the children who have a voice in this book.

My Way West would be ideal for children interested in migration, American history, and the Oregon trail. It was a bit long to read with T in one sitting, so I would suggest taking it in sections for the youngest audience. It would also be good as a reference book for students studying the Oregon trail.

Note: A review copy was provided by West Margin Press upon request for the purpose of this honest review.