A My America: A Perfect Place, Joshua's Oregon Trail Diary, Book Two
#2 in Joshua's Oregon Trail Diary Series
on Goodreads (169)
What’s inside...
Late in 1848, nine-year-old Joshua McCullough starts a second journal, recording events in Willamette Valley, Oregon Territory, as his family and others they met on the trail begin to get settled. In Patricia Hermes's Book Two of Joshua's journey West, we follow young Joshua upon his arrival in Oregon where his new life will begin. It is the fall of 1848, and Joshua and his family have finally arrived in Oregon. Excited about their new home, they choose a place to build and raise a farm. Despite the challenges and setbacks they face out West, they also experience great success and joy.
Discussion points
How do you think Joshua felt when facing challenges on the Oregon Trail? What would you do in his situation?
What are some of the important decisions Joshua's family had to make during their journey? How do those decisions affect their outcomes?
How does Joshua's perspective on his family and friendship evolve throughout the story?
What are the most significant lessons Joshua learns during his adventure? How can you apply these lessons to your own life?
In what ways do the experiences of Joshua and his family relate to challenges people face today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Joshua's shoes while discussing the questions, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Use follow-up questions to delve further into your child's responses, promoting critical thinking.
Connect the historical context of the book with present day, making it relevant to your child’s life and current events.
Highlight the themes of perseverance, decision-making, and personal growth that are present throughout Joshua's journey.
Acknowledge any emotional responses from your child, reassuring them that it's okay to feel strongly about the characters and their situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Joshua's journey on the Oregon Trail illustrates the challenges and hardships faced by pioneers. Despite numerous obstacles, Joshua learns to keep pushing forward.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to overcome difficulties in their own lives, whether it’s solving a tough math problem or dealing with a challenging situation at school.
Example Lesson: The importance of family and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the diary, Joshua highlights how his family works together to navigate the hardships of the trail. Their cooperation and support for each other are vital for their survival.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of collaborating with others, whether it’s during group projects in school or during team sports.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: Joshua and his family continuously adapt to the changing landscapes and challenges on the Oregon Trail.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being flexible and adapting to new environments or changes in life, such as moving to a new school or dealing with a new family dynamic.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: The diary exposes Joshua to diverse communities and Native American cultures along the trail, promoting respect and understanding for different ways of life.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate and respect cultural diversity in their community and beyond, fostering a more inclusive mindset.
Example Lesson: Historical appreciation
Explanation: By reading about Joshua's experiences, children gain insight into a significant historical event and the pioneer era of American history.
Real-World Application: This can spark interest in learning more about history and understanding the events that shaped the world, enhancing their educational foundation.