I'm looking for a book I read when I was little. It's called 'wagon wheels.' at least it has that in the title, the actual title may be longer. It was published sometimes before 1980, probably closer to the 50's or 60's, if not earlier. I have no idea who wrote it. It's not a really short book, at least 200-300 pages, and I don't remember there being any pictures.

here's what I can remember of the plot. I know it's not much, but it's been about 15 years since I've read it. I mostly remember random details, not the plot as a whole.

it's about a family who moves west. They travel on a stagecoach to get there. They make headcheese from either a cow or pig head, I can't remember which. They raise pigs by setting them loose in the woods to fatten them up. They track a bee back to it's hive to gather honey. They made maple sugar candy by melting the sap and dripping it into a bowl of snow to harden. They boiled down animal fat to make lye soap. The main character was a boy who was about 10-15 years old.

I'm sorry it's not much to go on. I know there's a book called 'wagon wheels' out by a woman named brenner, but that's not the right book. That book is much too short and way too new and the one I'm looking for is not an easy reader for children.

Found one called Wagon Wheels by Barbara Brenner & Don (ILT) Bolognese

That's not the one. That one is a children's easy reader that was written in the past decad or so. I'm looking for a chapter book that was written at least 30 years ago.

Anyone else have any idea?

Could it possibly be...

Wagon Wheels: A Contemporary Journey On The Oregon Trail by Candy Moulton

I don't know it's the only one I have heard of with that title besides the one by Barbara Brenner...

no, it was a fiction book. Thanks for the suggestion, though ^_^

Hi I have read that book when I was a child and also have been searching for it so I can read it to my son.

All the info you gave about it is correct but I am in the same position as you in that I can't find it. I believe Wagon wheels was the title nothing more but don't remember the author. I wish someone new it. Sorry not to be more help other than your on the right track.

I'm glad at least one other person knows what book I'm talking about. At least I know I'm not the only person who's ever read it ^_^

I will ask my grand mother as she is the one that gave me the book. I believe it was damaged but now I can't stand it and am going to go look in storage for it but I think it was ruined during a flood and lost to me forever :(

I would be forever grateful if you do manage to find out the author's name ^_^

Aha!! I found my book I could sing and dance for joy it was in storage! It was a school reader called "singing wheels" 1953 by Mabel O Donnell
It is The Alice and Jerry book series
Published by Row,Peterson and company.

Your welcome ;)

thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I don't think I ever would have found it without your help ^_^

Your very welcome, your local used book story may very well have it. :) not very often I know anything much so glad to have helped you!

BTW Powell books has a copy for 12.95 so I'm sure you can get it where you live or order from them.