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
by Deborah Hopkinson, Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
2008
This is the ("slightly true") story of Delicious - yes, she's named after an apple - and her family as they move from Salem, Iowa clear out to Milwaukie, Oregon in the mid-19th century. Delicious tells us about their adventure-filled journey, one based on a personal dream as tall as this tale: Papa getting his precious fruit trees, carried in boxes set to wagons, across the western plains and mountains, and ultimately planted in good old Oregon dirt. "Along with apples, my daddy took peaches, pears, plums, grapes, and cherries. Oh, and by the way, he took us along too." And it's a good thing too, because Delicious saves the day time and time again for her family, but especially for her beloved Papa and his dream.
While a tall-tale, this story also serves as an good portrayal of the pioneer experience in many regards. In fact, Hopkinson provides an interesting and informative Author's Note, allowing the reader to explore the fact behind the fiction. Carpenter's illustrations are beautiful and colorful and lovely to look at, as they capture equally well the hardship and humor of life on the Oregon Trail.
As a bonus, if you're the kind of parent that likes to get your "character actor" on while reading aloud, Apples to Oregon is a dream come true.
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