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abigailbat's review
4.0
This is a great book for dog lovers, particularly readers who enjoy reading about and learning about history. There's a good dose of adventure here and interesting historical details that help bring the time period to life. The perspective shifts between the dog Ranger's view and the kid Sam traveling on the Oregon Trail. Ranger is a caring dog and there are plenty of doggy details (like including the "golden lean") that will feel authentic to young dog lovers.
panda_incognito's review
4.0
This book is well-paced and entertaining, setting a great pace for the rest of the series. Although it's the first book, I read them all out of order and didn't miss out on anything. The series premise gets adequately explained in the framing device of each story, and even though I had hoped for more information in this book about how the time travel aspect worked, there was none.
This story will appeal to kids who enjoy pioneer stories, and it addresses the challenges of traveling the Oregon Trail without being too grim or upsetting for sensitive kids. The historical note shares additional information, and also adds more context about indigenous peoples affected by settlers moving out West.
This story will appeal to kids who enjoy pioneer stories, and it addresses the challenges of traveling the Oregon Trail without being too grim or upsetting for sensitive kids. The historical note shares additional information, and also adds more context about indigenous peoples affected by settlers moving out West.
jhans113's review
5.0
I really love this book, it's short but it's way good, it's a fun way to learn about stories from the past. And feeling like you traveled back in time.
azajacks's review
4.0
So grateful to Kate Messner for this 1st book in the series. It fills that gap between beginning reader/chapter books, like Henry and Mudge, and more mature middle grade chapter books. The plot is engaging enough to hold readers' attention and fulfill their love of adventure, and yet the book is age-appropriate for third, fourth, and fifth graders.
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
bethnellvaccaro's review
3.0
This was a cute book about a rescue dog that improbably travels through time and helps people. This is a good simple series for about the third grade age.
tienno22's review
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised that I ended up enjoying this book.
This would not be the type of book that I would pick up at a bookstore now, but it was already on myself from when I bought it about 6 years ago - as you can tell, my reading style has altered a lot since then. However, I decided to give it ago since I am on a mission to read every book on my bookshelf.
It has an enticing plot that keeps you going. I don't ever remember it being static or boring. The character are wonderful. I have a big problem with annoying characters and this book made all the characters real and enjoyable.
Messner does an excellent job at formulating Ranger as a character. Having an animal as a main character is difficult, but Messner does this well. She makes Ranger a REAL dog. He acts like a real dog instead of some fictional creature that is intended to be a dog but doesn't make sense as a dog. He doesn't have any superhero crazy motives. His only motive throughout the novel is to get home to his owner, Luke. Ranger is REALISTIC and this makes him a well written character.
With this being said, this book is targeted towards younger, elementary school children so the content is heavy, deep, or enlightening. The writing is not extremely eloquent, but this is an excellent novel for children. It is fun to read and just something to kick-back and enjoy. Older readers may enjoy it as well if they are looking for a quick and spontaneous read.
This would not be the type of book that I would pick up at a bookstore now, but it was already on myself from when I bought it about 6 years ago - as you can tell, my reading style has altered a lot since then. However, I decided to give it ago since I am on a mission to read every book on my bookshelf.
It has an enticing plot that keeps you going. I don't ever remember it being static or boring. The character are wonderful. I have a big problem with annoying characters and this book made all the characters real and enjoyable.
Messner does an excellent job at formulating Ranger as a character. Having an animal as a main character is difficult, but Messner does this well. She makes Ranger a REAL dog. He acts like a real dog instead of some fictional creature that is intended to be a dog but doesn't make sense as a dog. He doesn't have any superhero crazy motives. His only motive throughout the novel is to get home to his owner, Luke. Ranger is REALISTIC and this makes him a well written character.
With this being said, this book is targeted towards younger, elementary school children so the content is heavy, deep, or enlightening. The writing is not extremely eloquent, but this is an excellent novel for children. It is fun to read and just something to kick-back and enjoy. Older readers may enjoy it as well if they are looking for a quick and spontaneous read.
staceym's review
4.0
If you like Magic Tree house this is a great next series for kids who like to learn about other people and places.
jennybeastie's review
4.0
Surprisingly entertaining time travel adventure -- I appreciate that Ranger doesn't talk, isn't a person in a dog suit -- he's just a dog, doing what he's trained to do and very puzzled about his adventure. Also appreciate this excellent introduction to the Oregon Trail for young readers.
okiecozyreader's review
I love books that teach something with a fun story. My son enjoyed this book.
sarahrusty's review
3.0
Great mix of time travel and historical facts all combined into a great chapter book series!