Flatboats and Wagon Wheels is a richly detailed historical novel that follows young Polly as she and her family journey westward during America's age of expansion. Their adventure begins on a flatboat winding down the Ohio River and continues overland by wagon through forests and plains. Mildred Houghton Comfort vividly recreates frontier life: the creak of timber, sudden storms, encounters with wildlife, and the resilience required to settle in new territory. Through Polly's eyes, readers witness the bond of family perseverance, the challenges of migration, and the triumphs found in forging a future on the frontier. Educatively rich yet emotionally engaging, this story brings 19th-century pioneer experiences to life. Ideal for young adult and historical fiction audiences, Flatboats and Wagon Wheels honors the courage and hope of Westward-bound families.