American Pioneer Books and Resources for Middle School

As part of your history lessons, use these American pioneer books and resources. They should be some of the American history activities you use in your homeschool.

From America’s earliest days, people were eager to move west and explore new territories.

Brave families left civilization behind, packed their wagons and headed west seeking new opportunities.  Their journeys were long and difficult – supplies were few, the terrain was often difficult to navigate, and the weather was not always agreeable.  But they move forward and set a trail for others to follow.

American Pioneers - Books & Resources for Middle School - Education Possible

While learning about what life was like for American Pioneers students may ask questions such as:

  • How did they fit everything into their wagons?
  • What type of homes did they build when the decided on a piece of land to settle?
  • What type of food did they eat?
  • What type of clothes did they wear?

It is very helpful for students to engage in hands-on activities to better understand the challenges faced by the American Pioneers. Be sure to cheek out our Pioneer Life: 8 Learning Activities for Kids. 

There are many other aspects of this interesting time period for kids to explore.

Here are some of our favorite learning resources for American Pioneers themed activities, projects, pioneer crafts for teens, and more!

Lapbooks & Lessons

Homeschool Helps: Remembering the Alamo

Lewis & Clark Discovery Journal

Lewis and Clark Discovery Journal - Education Possible

Online Resources

Find Homesteading lesson plans & request a Prairie Traveling Trunk from the National Park Service

Frontier Legends – Pioneers of the American West

American Pioneers Resources for Middle School - Education Possible

Books

Westward Ho!: An Activity Guide to the Wild West (Hands-On History)

Pioneer Days: Discover the Past with Fun Projects, Games, Activities, and Recipes

Heading West: Life with the Pioneers, 21 Activities (For Kids series)

American Pioneer Family Paper Dolls

A Pioneer Sampler: The Daily Life of a Pioneer Family in 1840

Have fun exploring with the American Pioneers!