~3.5. I didn't know that a group of Americans decided they were going to commemorate the bicentennial of the United States by riding in wagon trains eastward to Valley Forge. The Mormons out west do similar annual reenactments with handcarts as part of their Pioneer Day celebrations (because it's a key part of their culture here) but weeks on end crossing the country? woof. Julie is excited because she's very into the Little House books and also because she hasn't seen her cousins in forever. Cousin April is also into the show and I do wond-oh, that's probably why a lot of Americans thought this was a great idea. I'm amused because I'm planning on doing a Little House reread soon and I'm curious about what holds up still to my adult eyes (with knowledge of contemporary history).

The part that most annoyed me was leaving belongs on the side of the trail because going up a mountain strained the horses. I sort of understand pioneers doing it, but this is 1976... that's just littering, y'all, and the last book showed that Julie does have environmental inclinations so what gives?

also also: no Ivy in this book, so no POCs around aside from the Looking Back section. :( ( )

I didn't know about the wagon train during the Bicentennial, so that was interesting to read about. This was fine, but really is only going to be of interest to American Girl enthusiasts. ( )

I was slightly annoyed that this book, which takes place in 1774, is about the end of the bicentennial wagon train- which took place in 1776. Julie joins the train very excited to experience a taste of pioneer life for three weeks. She's especially excited to ride a horse, but when she tries, she falls off and is frightened and upset. She feels like her dream is crumbling, but she has to get back on the horse in order to get a signature from a descendent of an original signer of the declaration of independence. She does, and even rescues the signature when it is stolen by another wagon train. ( )