Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time #1) (1) Paperback – January 6, 2015

Required read 📚

My five year old and eight year old loved the tale. Enough danger to make it thrilling, and enough story to make learning bits about history interesting. We looked up every landmark that was mentioned, and my kids loved the idea that one could go visit these real places even today. We had a impactful conversation about quilts as old fashioned forms of scrapbooks, and even had the chance to talk about my memories from my old scrap quilt my kids have grown up with. We traced the journey they took across a map of the United States, and my kids were suddenly interested in knowing names of states.Important final note: if you, like I, have tried to find stories that are kinder to Native American tribes, and allow the truth of their generosity and kindness to shine through historical narratives...this book does that well. Without making any big spotlight on that part of the Oregon Trail, this book briefly mentions tribes and how some of them were instrumental to settlers’ journeys without fuss or fear. I deeply appreciated that.

This is a fun story told from Ranger's point of view. He was trained as a Search and Rescue dog, but he kept chasing squirrels, so he didn't pass the test. Instead he went back home with Luke and chased squirrels until one day he dug up a box--a strange box--so Ranger decided to show it to Luke; he shoved his head through the leather strap so he could carry it and then the box got hot and bright, and Ranger closed his eyes because of the light. When he opened his eyes, he was on the Oregon Trail, where he joined Sam and his family and their wagon train on the trail, sometimes helping them with his search and rescue training, but he never stopped wondering where Luke was and wanting to go home.I bought it because I was curious about a time-traveling dog and a story about the Oregon Trail.I did a lot of research on the Oregon Trail for Detour Trail, and I'm always ready to learn more. The author's note covers the history of the trail and search and rescue dogs, and there's a bibliography for readers who want to find out more. By the way, Ranger does go home after escorting the train to Oregon, and there's another adventure upcoming.

Time travel has long been a staple of the science fiction/fantasy genre both for adults and for children. But this is the first time I've read a book that focused on an animal time-traveling. It creates an interesting conundrum for the animal since Ranger, a dog, can't explain to himself or to his new companions what happened and where he came from. I liked the fact that Ranger's skills in tracking and finding are clearly explained by his search-and-rescue training.The time travel elements are kept simple which is appropriate for a book for the 7-10 age group. More sophisticated readers might desire more explanation but for young readers it's best not to get bogged down in details. The book moves smoothly and quickly through the plot which will keep children turning pages. This new series I think will be a fun way to introduce young readers to just how interesting the past can be, in this case the pioneers who traveled across the plains to find a new life for themselves. The author includes many of the dangers that these pioneers faced such as buffalo stampedes, dangerous river crossings, and disease (including death). And yet the troubles Ranger and his adopted family face don't overwhelm the book. And Ranger despite his new attachments never forgets Luke and his original home.The book works well as a read-a-loud and would make for an excellent introduction to historical fiction while including a science fiction twist that will draw readers into the story.

As part of our homeschool curriculum, I require my son to read aloud for 20 minutes each day. Finding quality books that are challenging yet enjoyable, and do not push any particular agenda, is difficult at best. This series is well written and keeps the child engaged as Ranger goes on his rescue missions. It is also a great way to approach subjects that are difficult to talk about.

Ranger in Time is an exciting book series about a time traveling golden retriever. Ranger travels back to important events in history and helps a child who is in need. In Rescue on the Oregon trail Ranger meets a kid named Sam. He helps Sam as his family travels across the United States on the Oregon trail to find a new home in the west. I love this book because it adds history into an adventure story. While the characters and stories are fiction the event of the Oregon trail really happened. We get a glimpse of what life might have been like back in that era all the while following Ranger the dog who is very entertaining.

Got this for my 10 yr old to read over the summer- it was a hit !

She had to buy this for 4th grade summer reading. She now wants all in the series. There are just enough pictures to keep it interesting and they are drawn well. Cute story with a little adventure and an adorable main character. Definitely recommend. Especially if you’re looking for wholesome books.