Module 10: Apples to Oregon

Apples to Oregon

Book Summary

Apples to Oregon is a mostly tall tale (according to the author) that tells the story of how the first apple tree was brought to Oregon. Although the story is mostly made up, it is based on a real story, which the author describes in the notes at the end. This book is a story of the hardships of taking fruit trees and children across the plains and rivers from Iowa to Oregon.

Citation 

Hopkinson, D. (2004). Apples to Oregon: Being the (slightly) true narrative of how a brave pioneer father brought apples, peaches, pears, plums, grapes, and cherries (and children) across the plains. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.

My Impressions

I really enjoyed this book. It's series of events is a little outrageous and not entirely historical, but it is a good take on the Oregon Trail and understanding that the trip was not always easy. It is a fun book and an interesting spin on something that could be dry and boring.

Review Excerpts

Burg, R. (2004). Apples to Oregon: Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (and Children) across the Plains (Book). School Library Journal, 50(9), 162-163.

"Amusing details abound, and the slightly exaggerated humor of the pictures is in perfect balance with the tone of the text. The plucky heroine .... often takes center stage. An entertaining choice for storytimes or an amusing supplement to units on westward expansion."

Weisman, K. (2004). Apples to Oregon: Being the (Slightly) True Narrative of How a Brave Pioneer Father Brought Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Grapes, and Cherries (and Children) Across the Plains (Book). Booklist, 101(1), 132.

"Hopkinson's alliterative tall tale is rich in language that begs to be read out loud... and Carpenter's colorful oil paintings add to the exaggerated fun."

Suggestions for Use in a Library

I love the idea of having students create tall tales based on historical events. Perhaps there could be a competition to see who's tale is the craziest, while still holding to the basic facts of the event itself. We could have the younger classes listen to the tales and be the judges based on entertainment, while the teachers could judge based on historical accuracy.