'Up the River' Summary

Up the River is the sixth and last book in Oliver Optic's "Great Western Series." The story begins with the hero, Fred Markham, and his friends preparing to set out on a journey up the Mississippi River. They are joined by a group of voyageurs, who are experienced boatmen. The group travels up the river, stopping at various towns and settlements along the way. The boys have many adventures along the way. They encounter storms, bandits, and hostile Native Americans. But they also learn a lot about the river and the people who live along its banks. The story ends with the boys returning home to Michigan. They are changed by their experiences on the river, and they have learned a lot about themselves and the world around them.