A Pioneer Sampler: The Daily Life of a Pioneer Family in 1840 - Softcover

Greenwood, Barbara

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0395883938 ISBN 13: 9780395883938

Publisher: Clarion Books, 1998

Synopsis

In an unusual blend of fiction and nonfiction, A Pioneer Sampler chronicles one year in the lives of the Robinson family. Illustrated historical notes enlarge on the social history and describe activities related to the stories, from churning butter to predicting the weather. Young readers are invited to try their hand at these tasks to experience a bit of pioneer life.

About this title

About the Author:

Barbarba Greenwood worked at a historical museum churning butter, spinning thread, and embroidering cloth before writing A Pioneer Sampler.

From Booklist:

Gr. 4^-6. Combining fact and fiction effectively, this appealing book offers a window into the lives of pioneers. First published in Canada as A Pioneer Story: The Daily Life of a Canadian Family in 1840, it has just as much to offer American children as their Canadian counterparts. Greenwood offers fictional episodes about one family, the Robertsons, but between chapters about their adventures' there are sections giving background information about the period. For instance, in one story Meg goes to the general store to buy ribbons but decides to spend her money to help a neighbor who can't afford the postage due on a letter. The next few pages show what might be found at a village store; explain how to make a balance scale from yogurt containers and a coat hanger; discuss the post office and letter writing during pioneer days (including the information that the U.S. began using postage stamps in 1847); and give a recipe for homemade ink. Profusely illustrated with attractive pencil drawings, this book will prove a valuable resource for children studying the period. Carolyn Phelan

About this edition

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0395883938
• ISBN 13: 9780395883938
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240