Which Way to the Wild West?

Sheinkin, Steve. Which Way to the Wild West?. New York : Flash Point, 2010.

Plot: The title attempts to differentiate the romance and reality of the United States' westward expansion. Beginning with the Louisiana Purchase and the expedition of Lewis and Clark, the westward expansion launched the nation into a new era. While much of the change offered better economic and social opportunities for hard workers, minorities, and foreigners, it also signaled the end of several Native American nations, the birth of racist hostilities, and the rise of national crises. The move west created both troubles and benefits to the growing nation of the United States.

Genre: History

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Two Miserable Presidents: The Amazing, Terrible, and Totally True Story of the Civil War, The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, and Treachery

Personal Thoughts: Sheinkin attempts to teach his readers the aspects of history missing from a classroom-based education. He manages to do so through a combination of intriguing storytelling, biographies, and quotes from the people living at the time. He introduces key characters from history without revealing too much about them at first, leading the reader to wonder about their place in the West's story. He also notes some of the more humorous aspects of national history. However, he also avoids minimizing the crueler aspects of history, particularly in regards to minorities and children. Yet, he manages to prevent his book from becoming a long rant against White settlers. Overall, the novel balances the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of the westward expansion.