In 1851, 12-year-old orphan Austin Ives joins a wagon train headed for California. As he makes his way across the country, Austin writes home to his brother Levi, describing life on the rugged Overland Trail. Extensively researched, with episodes based on true incidents, the epistolary format and character development offer solid reading.-Booklist An IRA Teachers' Choice | Dear Levi: Letters From The Overland Trail by Elvira Woodruff, Paperback | Indigo Chapters