LibGuides: Grade 6 Historical Fiction Research: Pioneer Life

Non-fiction from our library collection

These are a few titles from our collection. Find more by entering "pioneer*" in the main search field.You can browse the shelves in the 970s section. I also suggest looking up the Westward Expansion in our print World Book encyclopedia in the MHS Library's reference section.

If You Were a Pioneer on the Prairie by Anne Kamma; James Watling (Illustrator)
ISBN: 0439414288
Publication Date: 2003-03-01
The newest title from this wonderful historical series, "If You Were a Pioneer on the Prairie" gives a child a look at what his or her life would have been like during this time period. What kind of house would you live in? What kind of clothes would you wear? What would you do for fun? Would you go to school?
A Pioneer Farm Girl by Suzanne L. Bunkers (Editor, Foreword by); Ann Hodgson (Editor); Sarah Gillespie
Call Number: E 921 Gillespie
ISBN: 0736803475
Publication Date: 2000-01-01
Excerpts from the diary of Sarah Gillispie, a pioneer from Iowa in the nineteenth century. Includes activities and a timeline related to the era.
Your Travel Guide to America's Old West by Rita J. Markel
Call Number: E 978.02 MAR
ISBN: 0822530740
Publication Date: 2005-01-01
Takes readers on a journey back in time in order to experience life in the American West in the 1800s, describing clothing, accommodations, foods, local customs, transportation, a few notable personalities, and more.

Useful database articles

Oregon Trail on Britannica
This article gives a history of the trail and explains how people traveled.

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Pioneers on Britannica Online
This article is about pioneers in the US West. There is slightly more information at the level 2 reading level. For more information, you should search for "pioneer life" in the high school level of Britannica.
Westward Expansion on the History Channel site
Articles and videos on the Westward Expansion. To cite a video, use this format:
“Movie Topic.” History.com. Date Viewed. < URL OF MOVIE >
To cite an article, click on the Cite button on the left sidebar.
Pioneer life on Trueflix
ebook and video about life in the Old West of the US. (Requires log in. Find login credentials on the home page of the ES library catalog. You can login to that page with the Quick Login. Or come see Mrs. Fitzgerald in the library.

Picture books from the library collection

Dance at Grandpa's by Laura Ingalls Wilder; Renee Graef (Illustrator)
Call Number: PIC Wilder
ISBN: 9780064433723
Publication Date: 1995-09-15
The Little House books tell the story of a little pioneer girl and her family as they traveled by covered wagon across the Midwest. Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic books, illustrated with Garth Williams' timeless artwork, have been cherished by millions of readers ever since they were first published over sixty years ago.
Three Names by Patricia MacLachlan; Alexander Pertzoff (Illustrator)
Call Number: PIC MacLachlan
ISBN: 0060240350
Publication Date: 1991-09-01
A Newbery Medal-winning author once again evokes prairie life in this book called "a gift for all generations" by School Library Journal. Here ahild's great-grandfather tells a long ago story accompanied by luminous, impressionistic watercolors. MacLachlan's well-loved books include Sarah, Plain and Tall.Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.