Book excerpt: Just imagine-riding for six months in a wagon, choking on dust, sweating in searing heat, crossing raging rivers, fighting off disease and Indians-the life of a pioneer on the Oregon Trail. Beginning in the 1840s, thousands of Americans took the risk... and lumbered across this seemingly endless trail to a life of promise in the west. This book includes: What's in That Wagon? Manifest Destiny Perils Along the Trail Into the Unknown Who Were Those Pioneers Bountiful Buffalo Hands-on Activities Reproducible Activities Glossary Fascinating Facts Timeline And Lots More! Students can learn much from the compelling story of the overland pioneers who let nothing, and no one - including daunting Mother Nature, a vast, untamed wilderness, and hostilities of all kinds - stand in the way of their dreams and determination. Climb on up in your wagon and "bump along" in this fun, factual and "Wow-that's amazing" book!