Children of the Wild West

Rating:
Summary: Excellent overview of the American frontier life
Review: With a focus on children's experience of the American frontier history from the 1840s to the early 1900s, Russell Freedman tells about the hardships of early pioneers on their way west as well as their everyday life after they had settled down in Oregon, California, or other western states. One chapter of the book is dedicated to the native inhabitants of the western territory -- the American Indians. Two other interesting chapters tell about frontier schools and how games, parties, and celebrations made the hard daily life more bearable for children and adults alike.

Dozens of excellent, large-sized photos illustrate the author's excellent description of pioneer life. Freedman's first chapter even gives an overview of the work of frontier photographers. While the well-researched book is aiming at younger readers, I still recommend "Children Of The Wild West" for every reader interested in basic facts of the American frontier history. Freedman's style of writing is entertaining as well as educating. He doesn't overwhelm the reader with numbers or dry facts, yet never fails to name the most important events complete with year dates.