Wonderful overview of those rugged adventurers known simply as the pioneers. Beautiful photographs, artist renderings, and excerpts from literature flesh out a vivid portrait of trail life. The book takes deep dives into AmerIndian relations, the unique challenges faced by women on the prairie, technology, and other areas of fascination. The book really glosses over the horrible reality of Chinese railway "workers," but otherwise manages to do well in tackling the challenge of capturing the excitement of westward expansion without shying away from its violence and racism. Indeed, I think the book can provided a good template for social studies teachers who might be struggling to frame westward expansion in a way suitable for modern sensibilities. ( )