ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Across the Wide Missouri (book)

"Across the Wide Missouri" is a book that tells the story of people who lived a long time ago, when America was still being explored and settled by pioneers.

The book is set in the early 1800s, during a time called the fur trade era. During this time, adventurous people called trappers would travel far into the wilderness to hunt animals like beavers and otters. They would catch these animals and take their fur to sell for money.

One of the main characters in the book is a man named Boone Caudill. He is a trapper who goes on many exciting adventures along the Missouri River and in the Rocky Mountains. Boone meets many different people, including Native Americans, who have been living in these areas for a very long time.

The author of the book, Bernard DeVoto, does a really good job of describing the beautiful landscapes that Boone sees on his journey. He talks about the tall mountains, the vast prairies, and the strong rivers. He also writes about the different animals that Boone encounters, like bears, wolves, and buffalos.

But it's not all fun and games for Boone. He faces many challenges and dangers throughout the book. He has to be very brave and smart to outsmart rival trappers, survive harsh weather, and avoid dangerous situations. Boone learns a lot about survival skills and how to live off the land.

The book also talks about the relationships between the trappers and the Native Americans. Sometimes they would get along and work together, but other times there would be conflicts and misunderstandings. It shows how different cultures and ways of life can collide when new people move into an area.

Overall, "Across the Wide Missouri" is an exciting adventure book that teaches us about the history of America and the people who explored and settled the West. It shows us how people had to be brave, resourceful, and respectful of others to survive in the wild and build a new life.