Dust storms. Native American attacks. Poor crop growth. After spending months living in shacks or "soddies," many pioneers didn't stay to learn the essentials needed to comfortably establish their lives on the American frontier. Readers will learn about the great efforts put forth by the pioneers to make their new land into a home. Building on the social studies curriculum, readers learn little-known facts and surprising tidbits, including what the pioneers used for toilet paper! Historical photographs and illustrations further depict everyday life on the frontier while fact boxes add more unusual information.