Okay, mine are boys 6 and 7 and besides the ones above I mentioned, they also enjoyed Pioneer Cat (cute level 3 reader-type book) and Wagon Wheels (another great level 3 reader).
We also listened to the Sarah, Plain, and Tall series. They really enjoyed this.
My 8yo son loves the little house series – so do try them again. They offer plenty of interest for both genders. Maybe start out with Farmer Boy if you need to draw them in a little…
I am working on planning out our Westward expansion lit. right now so these all look good to me but I can’t say I’ve read all of them yet ;o) Some I’m planning to use now and some I’m tucking away for our next US history round as they seem just a tad too old. Mine oldest are 6&7.
We Were There On The Oregon Trail
Pioneer Sampler
The Little House Cookbook (to complement our continuing to read this series)
I’m writing a curriculum guide that will cover pioneers centered around my church’s history. You might look at I Walked to Zion – it has first hand accounts of the whole ‘moving west’ experience from real children’s journals. There are sections on trail life and more.
I thought I would mention this book in case anyone is interested. It is from Christian Liberty Press. I just got it this week, so we haven’t started it yet. Want to do that today. I skimmed through it and it looks like a very good living book, telling a story which”chronicles the trials and tribulations of a company of pioneer men, women, and children who braved the dangers of the Oregon Trail in 1844″ and “provides a true and accurate picture of what pioneers heading west in a wagon traim would have experienced.” I’m looking forward to reading this to my dd.
Pioneer sampler is great. Very interatctive. My daughter liked By the Great Horn Spoon. She also enjoyed Landmark’s Lewis and Clark. Courage Undaunted is supposed to be very good also, for older children. Conrad Stein’s books are available at most libraries. We all loved Caddy Woodlawn and THe Little House Series.