Don't know much about Pioneers? This book will tell all the basics that you need to know! This book is like no other social studies book that I have previously read. Instead of just stating facts about the particular topic, this book starts every page with a misconception question about Pioneers. A lot of the questions are things you would not normally learn when learning about the pioneers. Most of them are not questions about where the Pioneers are from, or how they came about but instead they were facts and questions that students are not usually taught about. For example one of the questions is, "When is a shortcut not a shortcut?" I actually learned a lot from this book, I realized I did not know much about Pioneers like I originally thought I did. This was a fun insightful book, I love the added pop quiz in the back of the book. ( )

This book is from the Don't Know Much..." Series. This one is about the pioneers and beyond. Not only is it about the pioneers, it has information about Lewis and Clark, what life was like for the pioneers, the dangers as they traveled across the country, the California Gold Rush, Native Americans, and even the railroad. This book's format is one of questions and answers, giving readers insight into the realities of moving out west. It is not meant to be read to students cover to cover. It would be better to tell of the book and read the aspect that is relevant to the area the teacher is teaching or read different parts on different days. This could easily catch the interest of students and get them reading this on their own or other books in the series. Davis explains what life was like for the pioneers as well as how Native Americans were treated. There is a great deal of good information. The time line is beneficial, but there is no bibliography. There are additionally resources at the end of the book, some are websites. This looks like a good series. ( )

This nonfiction picture book about the pioneers is a comprehensive children's book that gives a great overview of westward expansion in United States history.

Don't Know Much About the Pioneers is written in a very casual, question and answer format that is easy for children to understand. The book is written conversationally, and uses modern day examples to help children understand. Every page includes at least one picture, adding to the interest and entertainment of the book. It discusses who the pioneers were, the expedition of Lewis and Clark, as well as what the Pioneers encountered on their travels. It discusses the Pioneers relations with the Indians, the Indians' removal, and the lives of cowboys and those hunting for gold in California. The text also includes quizzes to test the children's' comprehension along the way, such as asking why the Pioneers went west (p. 10).

Overall, I would recommend this informational text to any teacher or parent looking to teach their children more about westward expansion and many of the difficulties that people faced during this time period. This book would be a great introduction reading to a unit about the pioneers and westward expansion. I would recommend this book for preschool aged children through third grade. ( )

This book takes you into the life of the pioneers. This book gives details and pictures of the life and times of the pioneers. They ran into many problems while settling America, such as sickenss, waether, and accidents on their journey on the Oregon Trail. This book shows many illustations, some humorous, showing the pioneers' lives. I think children would enjoy this book while learning history at the same time. ( )