Manifest Destiny in Fiction

Worksheet Description

This worksheet introduces students to the “Tucket Adventure Series” by Gary Paulsen, a collection of novels set in 1848 that follows the journey of 14-year-old Francis Tucket as he travels with his family on the Oregon Trail. The worksheet provides a brief description of the series and lists three specific books for students to choose from. After selecting and reading one of the mentioned novels, students are prompted to write a one-page paper. This paper should discuss various aspects of the book, such as the daily life of a pioneer, events of the time period, dangers faced during the journey, and any other elements related to Manifest Destiny that particularly intrigue the student.

The primary objective of this worksheet is to bridge the gap between historical facts and their representation in fiction, enabling students to understand the concept of Manifest Destiny through a narrative lens. By reading a novel from the “Tucket Adventure Series,” students can immerse themselves in the experiences of pioneers and gain a more nuanced perspective on their challenges and motivations. The exercise of writing a paper encourages analytical thinking, urging students to identify and reflect upon how the fictional narrative aligns with historical facts. Furthermore, by allowing students to explore topics of personal interest related to Manifest Destiny, the worksheet fosters independent research and deeper engagement with the subject matter.