“Independence was full of travelers passing through. Some, like Sam’s family, were making the trip to the Oregon Territory for better farmland. Others were going to California to search for gold. When some of them heard stories about disease, starvation, and snowstorms along the route, they decided they weren’t up for the trip after all.”

This passage reveals that Independence, Missouri, was a hotspot for Oregon Trail travelers, who routinely stopped in the town to buy provisions and prepare for their long journey. By detailing the frightening dangers people encountered on the trail, the book highlights the bravery of the pioneers and contributes to the theme of Courage in the Face of Uncertainty.

“Pa said that the Oregon Territory was a land of milk and honey. He said it would be one of those places to love for sure. Still, Sam couldn’t help worrying it would be like Independence—a land of dust, smelly animals, and stale bread.”

Pa’s optimism about Oregon represents the mindset of many pioneers who traveled west in the hope of creating a better life. This passage reveals the optimism and fear of pioneering families as they risked everything to travel west.

“‘Poor Ranger. You still can’t resist those squirrels, can you?’ Luke came over and scratched Ranger’s ear. ‘You would have been such a good search-and-rescue dog.’ Ranger thought so, too.”

Luke reveals that Ranger is a trained and intelligent dog but is too distractible-prone to be a rescue dog. This scene helps readers imagine Ranger’s abilities and recognize his desire to help people, which will become a large part of his character and the story’s plot.