Where today’s action begins:

Sam is helping to pack the small wagon at the family farm.  The wagon is jammed with everything that Pa says they can bring.  Many of their belongings have to be left behind to leave more room in the wagon for supplies and necessities.  Everyone is sad and unsure about leaving for the uncertain Dakota Territory, except for Pa and maybe Billy.  The morale greatly improves when Jake, their yellow dog, decides to join them on their journey.  (pages 25-32)

Where key events happen today:

After three weeks of traveling, the family prepares to cross the broad, brown Mississippi River.  The family in the wagon before them suffers the loss of their new red colt when it drowns while being pulled behind the ferry.  Billy and Sam are terribly disturbed by the loss of such a fine animal, especially since the lack of knowledge of the owner of the wagon greatly contributed its death.  Despite the previous wagon’s difficulty crossing the river, the White’s land safely on the banks of the Mississippi.  (page 32-47)

Where today’s events end:

After traveling a bit farther, the White’s come across other wagons with plenty of company to talk to.  Sam and Billy find a new friend, Allan Grant.  Ma and Pa also enjoy having adult conversations about the journey they have had so far.  Before Sam and Billy play too much, they have a private funeral service for the red colt they name Hank.  (pages 51-56)
 

 

Return to Grasshopper Summer Lesson Two

Return to Level 6 Literature Unit Index