Includes bibliographical references (pages 163-172) and index.

Map of trails -- Snowbound in the Sierras : the story of Virginia Reed -- A raven overhead : the story of Jesse A. Applegate -- To the land of gold and Italian skies : the story of Sallie Hester -- Wintering alone in the mountains : the story of Moses Schallenberger -- Wild roses for Louvina : the story of Mary Ellen Todd -- Woodpecker soup for supper : the story of Henry and John Ferguson -- Heartbreak and hope on the Applegate Trail : the story of Lucy Ann Henderson -- Provisions to the rescue : the story of Octavius M. Pringle -- And in my heart the meadow lark still gaily, sweetly sings : the story of Laura Elizabeth Ingalls -- Above and beyond the call of duty : the story of Welborn Beeson -- A child bride : the story of Mary Perry -- If I should die before I wake : the story of Elisha Brooks -- Orphaned on the Oregon Trail : the story of Catherine Sager -- Barefoot toward Zion : the story of Brigham H. Roberts -- One stew kettle to her name : the story of Martha Ann Morrison -- To the land of golden shores : the story of Charles Frederick True -- Trouble on the Gila Trail : the stories of Susan Thompson and Olive Oatman -- Trouble in Death Valley : the story of John Wells Brier.

"Driven by the promise of prosperity and opportunity on the frontier, thousands of men and women traveled west in the mid-1800s to forge a new life. Accompanying them were their children, wide-eyed and excited about the adventures that awaited them as they headed toward the setting sun. Little did they know how treacherous and grueling the trip would be"--Provided by publisher.