Traveling to Oregon by covered wagon in 1844 is an exciting adventure for 13-year-old John Sager and his family. The Oregon Trail leads over mountains of broken rock, across churning rivers, and through hostile Indian territory. Each day brings new scenery and challenges. But after months of grueling travel, his father dies-then 11 days later John buries his mother. Suddenly the six young Sagers are alone-and John is the head of the family! Should he let the other pioneer families take his brothers and sisters, or should he keep the family together and head in the direction his parents originally intended-to Oregon? Honor Morrow's thrilling tale and Norman Dietz' dramatic narration bring all of the hardships and thrills of the early western settlers vividly to life.