Tomorrow

You will have time to work on your responses during readers' workshop.

Author's Note

What were the most interesting things to you in this section?

Author's Note

How did the information in this section affect your understanding or appreciation of the story?  Did it change anything for you? 

Chapter Sixteen

If you were Mary Ellen, how would you be feeling now about the new life that you have?  Please be sure to elaborate and explain yourself fully, using details from the text to support your ideas.

Chapter Sixteen

In your opinion, what were the things that finally enabled Mary Ellen to feel comfortable and at home in Oregon?

Chapter Fifteen

As we approach the end of this story, what predictions do have for how things will end?  What questions would you like answered in the final chapter?

Chapter Fifteen

How did you feel about the decision to take some of the contents of the abandoned wagons that the Todds found?  Please explain yourself clearly and thoroughly.

This question adapted from Hannah's idea.  Thank you, Hannah.

Chapter Fifteen

On page 146, Mary Ellen tells us that "The oxen strained and pulled with all their waning strength."  What do you think "waning" means?  Why do you think that?

Chapter Fourteen

With all the hardships, death, and challenges faced by the Todds, how have they managed to keep going and get as far as they have? What keeps them going, in spite of all the difficulties? What do you think lies ahead for them?

Chapter Thirteen

On page 130, Mary Ellen explains that "The oxen were so worn out that they had to be goaded to start..." What do you think "goaded" means? Why do you think that?

Chapter Thirteen

Please reread the last paragraph on page 128 (which continues on page 129) and the first two paragraphs on page 129. Why was Mary Ellen furious with father? Do you think she had a right to feel that way? Please explain your thinking clearly and thoroughly.

Chapter Twelve

On pages 123-124, Mary Ellen said, "... Mrs. Clark had come down with the fever.  I missed her bustling presence and her cheerful, encouraging voice around the cooking fires."

In this context, what do you think "bustling presence" means?

Be sure to explain why you think what you do.

Chapter Twelve

In this chapter, the families in the wagon train had to decide which of two trails to follow, and ultimately could not agree, so the parties split up, with the Todds and the Clarks taking the newer trail, and everyone else, including the Grants, following the older trail.  What were the pros and cons of the choice Mary Ellen's family made?  What do you think was the most important factor in making the decision that they did?  Please explain clearly and thoughtfully, using evidence from the text to support your ideas.

A Fork in the Trail

In this chapter, the Todd family chose an alternate trail to take to Oregon. Please read about it here: The Applegate Trail.

Chapter Eleven

Until this point in the story, all the Indians the Todd family had encountered had been friendly, and Father said that the Indians in this chapter were not on the warpath with the whites.  Why then, did this band of Indians harass and trouble the Todds and Grants?  Be sure to explain yourself fully.

Chapter Eleven

On page 108, Mary Ellen says, "We had gone about five or six miles when Father sent John on ahead to look for a nooning place."

What do you think "nooning" means, and why do you think that?

Historic Sites on the Oregon Trail

Click on the link to learn more about some of the landmarks that Mary Ellen's family passed on their journey: Historic Sites on the Oregon Trail.

Chapter Ten

In each of the last two chapters, the travelers faced great adversity, even having to face the possibility of death.  How do you think these experiences might impact their choices as they continue their journey?  As always, be sure to explain yourself thoroughly.

Wagon Train Crossing the Platte River 1840s-1850s

Chapter Eight

There were a few instances of conflict in this chapter. With regard to slowing down or pressing on, which group of travelers do you think made the best decision? Please explain your thinking.

Chapter Eight

On page 73, Mary Ellen tells us that Louvina admonished her. Please reread this passage and explain what you think "admonish" means.

Chapter Seven

On page 70, Mary Ellen said that riding the Grant's horses "made a nice change in the monotony of our days."

What do you think "monotony" means?

Chapter Seven

After reading this chapter, do you feel that Mary Ellen is justified in feeling afraid of the Indians they encounter? Please explain yourself thoroughly.

Chapter Six

How do you think Mary Ellen feels about her family's current situation?  Why do you think her father is so determined?

Chapter Six

By the end of this chapter, after they make it across the river, Mary Ellen is certain that her family will not be going back to Arkansas.  Do you think they made the right decision?  What about all the other families that turned back -- what do you think about their choice?

Chapter Five

On page 51, Mary Ellen is amazed by what her father did as the two wagon trains raced for the bridge.  Why was she amazed by what he did?

Why do you think her "gentle, patient father, who did not believe in violence, who could not be goaded into a fight, who never even raised his voice to correct a child" did what he did?

Independence, Missouri in the Early 1850s

The trail began at the old Independence Landing north of Independence, Missouri.  The center of activity in the small town of Independence was the bustling square. Most of the new pioneers camped a mile or two from the square and were busily purchasing supplies needed for their four to five month trek. Those with horses or mules left first so they could feed upon the shorter grasses. The majority with powerful and durable oxen left two weeks later because cattle have a different dentition than horses.

Chapter Four

What are we learning about Mary Ellen's father's personality?  What kind of man is he?  What do you think about him?  Be sure to use evidence from the text to support your thinking.

Chapter Three

We are beginning to see some differences in personality between Mary Ellen and Louvina.  How do you see those differences, and how might they have an impact on the family's journey?

Chapter Three

On page 27, John uses an ox bow for a chair. An ox bow is part of a yoke. A yoke is a shaped wooden crosspiece bound to the necks of a pair of oxen (or occasionally to horses). It is held on the animals' necks by an ox bow, from which it gets its name. The ox bow is usually U-shaped and also transmits force from the animals' shoulders. A swivel between the animals, beneath the centre of the yoke, attaches to the pole of a vehicle or to chains (traces) used to drag a load.

Chapter Two

Was there anything that the Todd family packed for their journey that surprised you?  Is there anything you would have chosen to bring (if you were there in 1852) that they did not?

Chapter Two

Please revisit chapter two in order to effectively respond to this: As Mary Ellen's family prepares to set off for Oregon, she seems to feel quite conflicted.  Try to put yourself in her place.  What might you be feeling at this moment?