Stories of the American West are full of pioneers, outlaws, and sheriffs, whose daring escapades rival the most thrilling fiction. Titles in the Wild West series debunk many of these infamous tales, revealing the real historical figures who inspired well-known westerns. The focus shifts to settlers in Oregon Trail, where the author critically examines this iconic route, noting that the history of the trail "sometimes ignores how western settlement affected the lives of Native Americans." Photos and reproductions of period art nicely break up the text, and inset boxes both offer writing prompts encouraging critical thinking and provide more targeted information for extra context. With accessible text and a thoughtful approach, this series not only introduces the history of the American West but it also encourages students to learn a valuable analytical skill: reading between the lines.