Most kids love the Wild West and stories of Cowboys, Indians, and moving west. What better topic to focus on for summer reading!
We're continuing the 10 Days of Wholesome Books for Summer Reading series today with our Summer Reading Round-Up!
There are so many topics that you could delve into, including:
- Daniel Boone and the Wilderness Road
- Louisiana Purchase
- Lewis & Clark
- Jedediah Smith
- Oregon Trail
- Davy Crockett
- Pony Express
- Wagon Trains
- Battle of the Alamo
- Cattle Drives
- Oklahoma Land Run
- Buffalo Bill
- Annie Oakley
- Wild Bill Hickok
- Chisholm Trail
- Ghost Towns
- Stagecoach Towns
- and much more!
Add an extra bit of wild west fun to your summer reading with these colorful Reading Round-Up logs.
Just fill in the title of each book as your child reads it OR make a list of books that you'd like your child to read and then add a gold star (or other western themed stickers) to each one as it's completed.
This post may contain some affiliate links for your convenience, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission. This helps me keep my blog up and running without costing you a penny more! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
The Boy in the Alamo
by Margaret Cousins
Young Billy Campbell tells us the story of the Alamo in this gripping tale. The historical accuracy is such that is rarely found in books written today. There are some references to killing and dying that may be too sensitive for small children. This one is harder to find but worth it!
Bound for Oregon
by Jean van Leeuwen
If you'd like a book that shows true pioneering spirit and the sacrifices made by those who traveled west in search of a better life, then look no further. This book follows the Todd family on their two thousand mile trip from Arkansas to the Oregon Territory.
Dandelions
by Eve Bunting
You will love this gentle story about Zoe and her family as they settle in the Nebraska Territory. Accompanied by lovely illustrations, this book shows the importance of family, perseverance, and dependence upon God.
Davy Crockett: A Life on the Frontier
by Stephen Krensky
This ready-to-read book tells the real story of Davy Crockett and all that he accomplished during his life. No tall tales to be found within these pages! Only the facts, with a handy timeline in the back as a visual.
Race for the Prairie
by Aileen Fisher
I loved reading this book, and my daughter did as well. A wonderful story about a family who wants to stake their claim during the Cherokee Strip Land Run...along with about 100,000 other people! There's never a dull moment in this one.
Ransom's Mark: A Story Based on the Life of the Pioneer Olive Oatman
by Wendy Lawton
This is just one of the Daughters of the Faith series of books. We enjoy the books so much, but some are definitely not for smaller children, and this is one. Based on the true story of Olive Oatman, this is a book you won't want to put down.
Real Cowboys
by Kate Hoefler
It can be a little difficult to find gentle, positive stories about cowboys for younger children, but this delightful little book fits the bill. Children of all ages will enjoy reading about Real Cowboys and what their day-to-day life really looks like.
Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis & Clark
by Gail Langer Karwoski
The story of Lewis & Clark told from the perspective of a dog, Seaman, that accompanied the Corp on their journey of discovery. An engaging tale with wonderfully descriptive writing.
Susanna of the Alamo
by John Jakes
This is a fabulous book that we enjoyed so much! From the back cover: "Never before has history spoken so vividly to children. John Jakes tells a story of bravery and spirit that has significance for all time. Paul Bacon's masterful illustrations join with the text to draw the reader right into the heart of this deeply moving struggle for liberty."
Tree in the Trail
by Holling C. Holling
This book has one of the most unique perspectives of history I've seen. Told from the point of view of a tree, of all things. But this tree sees quite a bit from its place on the Great Plains near the Santa Fe Trail.
Who Was Davy Crockett
by Gail Herman
My kids really enjoy the Who Was? series of books. This one about Davy Crockett tells the real story and separates fact from myth.
Your kids love this series too? You can find a whole list of FREE studies to accompany these books here.
Other Recommended Books
These are books that we've heard great things about but haven't read yet, or we've read parts but not all.
How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis and Clark by Rosalyn Schanzer
What Was the Lewis & Clark Expedition? by Judith St. George
Louisiana Purchase by Peter and Connie Roop
What Was the Alamo? by Pam Pollack
Path to the Pacific: The Story of Sacagawea by Neta Lohnes Frazier
What Was the Wild West by Janet B. Pascal
Voices of the Alamo by Sherry Garland
The Wild West: An Interactive History Adventure by Allison Lassieur
Facing West: A Story of the Oregon Trail by Kathleen V. Kudlinski
Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson
Voices of the Western Frontier by Sherry Garland
God's Mountain Man by Esther Loewen Vogt
If you enjoy these books and would like a resource for more wholesome books you'll want to check out The Good and the Beautiful's Book List. It's a free downloadable list of more than 650 clean content books that have high literary and moral value.
Don't forget to pick up your FREE printable reading logs!
This post is part of the 10 Days of Wholesome Summer Reading series. Be sure to check out all of the posts and visit the other contributing bloggers for lots of encouragement and freebies!
This post may contain some affiliate links for your convenience, which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission. This helps me keep my blog up and running without costing you a penny more! Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
