Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie

Dear America is a fictional journal series written by various authors. Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie is written by Kristiana Gregory. This story traces a young girl's experience as she and her family travel along the Oregon trail.

The story is interesting and engaging. It would be great for young readers who have an interest in the old west and the Oregon trail. At the end of the book there is additional material, including photos, about the people who did travel the trail.

One thing to keep in mind, the story IS fiction. I am curious about some of the details in the story that were clearly wrong or maybe not. Some details made me pause and wonder. The author does not have much of a bibliography. Did she do very much research? What were her sources? The danger with historical fiction is that some readers (and not just young readers) may interpret the story as fact. I am not sure what to do about that. The hope is the story will lead the reader to find out more about actual events.

Despite my concerns of historical accuracy, the book is still worthy of recommendation.

Book Rating: 3 stars