In Pursuit of a Dream

Gr 7 Up—This film chronicles the Oregon Trail journey of 24 teens and 3 teachers who spend two weeks on a wagon train traveling from Wyoming to Oregon. Forced to relinquish all electronic devices, the teens don period clothing and step back in time to the 19th century, where they learn of the hardships and unexpected joys and triumphs of the pioneer experience. They begin their expedition by choosing items to take in their wagons, and as they navigate the Trail, they encounter living history interpreters acting as government geographers and Pony Expressmen, and trade with Shoshone Indians. The group's journey is full of unanticipated problems, and they must face the consequences of the choices they make, overcome physical and emotional obstacles, and learn to work together. For most of them, the expedition is also a character-building exercise. When they arrive in Oregon, they feel the same pride and satisfaction that the original migrants must have felt. Technical quality is very good, and the format is similar to a TV reality show, with trail footage mixed with interviews of the teens and teachers. Narrated quotes from the diaries and letters of 19th century teens introduce each segment. By showing teens actually experiencing history, student interest will be held and the film will help viewers better understand the physical and emotional difficulties that were part of the journey west. A good choice for secondary collections.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Public Schools, MO