- Paperback: 199 pages
- Publisher: Scholastic Signature (Sep 1 2001)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0439280680
- ISBN-13: 978-0439280686
- Product Dimensions: 19 x 13.5 x 1.3 cm
- Shipping Weight: 159 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #202,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Amazon
"We are to ascend the Missouri River with a boat as far as is navigable and then to go by land, to the western ocean, if nothing prevents."
With these words from one of the members of Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's Corps of Discovery, the men embark on their fateful journey. Encountering danger, hardship, and excitement along the way, Lewis and Clark carry out their plan of attempting to bring peace to the various Indian nations while exploring the western part of the continents. One of the most important moments on this great expedition comes when they meet Sacajawea, a Shoshone woman who becomes translator, peacemaker, caretaker, and guide--and an invaluable member of the Corps.
Told in alternating points of view by Sacajawea and Clark, this historical novel will rivet every reader, history buff or not. Including excerpts from Clark's and Lewis's journals as well as traditional Shoshone tales, the often-humorous, always compelling story inspires, educates, and entertains. Joseph Bruchac has written more than 60 books for children and adults, and received many literary awards, including the PEN Syndicated Fiction Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers' Circle of the Americas. (Ages 13 and older) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Publishers Weekly
Bruchac's (The Arrow Over the Door) intimate novel about Lewis and Clark's epic Western exploration unfolds through the alternating voices of Sacajawea, their Shoshone interpreter, and Clark. Sacajawea's now-grown son, Pomp (Jean Baptiste Charbonneau), introduces the two narrators, explaining that Shoshone custom dictates that "one can tell only what they have seen"; since he was not yet born at the beginning of the adventure, he recounts the tale as it was told to him. Sacajawea's chapter follows, opening with a creation tale of the "great flood"--each of her chapters begins with either Shoshone tales or those of other tribes the crew encounters, and many function as cautionary fables; relevant journal entries introduce Clark's chapters. This framing device results in a few contrived references in the narrative (e.g., "The fur trade, Pomp, can make a brave man rich or cost him his life," says Clark), and the assumption that Pomp already knows the story occasionally diminishes the suspense. But Bruchac builds the alternating chapters chronologically and keeps the pace moving. Both narrators recount intriguing cultural nuances; for example, when a deserter from the expedition is recovered, the Otoes Indians plead the white man's case, arguing that it would be better to kill him than humiliate him with a public whipping. The greatest strength of the novel, however, is Sacajawea's voice, enhanced by the lyrical repetition of traditional storytelling ("It was the Moon when the Leaves Fall from the Cottonwoods," she recalls of the day she first sees Lewis and Clark). The author adheres closely to journals kept by members of the expedition, creating characters who are both lifelike and compelling, at a fascinating juncture in history. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
FIRSTBORN SON, how has your day been? Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
FIRSTBORN SON, how has your day been? Read the first page
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Concordance
Browse Sample PagesConcordance
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable,
By TheHighlander (Richfield, PA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Sacajawea: The Story of Bird Woman and the Lewis and Clark Expedition (Paperback)
Sacajawea was the Indian teen that acted as guide and translator to Louis and Clark's expedition across the north-western territory that would soon become part of the United States with the Louisianna Purchase. Read about Sacajawea's early years, how she was pledged in marriage as a child. Stolen by a raiding party when only eleven and subsequently lost to a traveler while the new tribe was gambling with her. Married soon there after and giving birth all before the age of sixteen. And the interesting part of her life was yet to come. The book also covers the expedition and its encounters while exploring the new land and the many Indian tribes the met. It is told in alternating view points of Sacajawea and Captain Clark. Their views on the happenings around them are very interesting. It is apparent how time and time again Sacajawea, or Janey as the expetition named her, was indespensible. Read between the lines to see the bond that formed between Sacajawea and Captain Clark. This is an outstanding book that I recommend to adults as well as teens. Very informative and easy to read. The chapters were short and it was interesting how they altered from one view to the other and back.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic!! A joy to read.,
By Anne G. Williams (Huntington Beach, CA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Sacajawea (Hardcover)
I think one of the best things about this version of the Lewis and Clark story is the way the author alternated chapters by Sacajawea and Captain Clark. The whole book is told as a collections of stories for Sacajawea's son, Pomp, who was a favorite of Captain Clark. Their separate characters and backgrounds, American and Indian, shine through their versions of the memorable moments of the voyage to the Pacific Ocean and back. This may be listed as a book for children, but it should not be labeled for any particular age group. Adults will enjoy it too. The book so clearly points out the great optimisim of the early explorers that led them through dangerous situations with such confidence. The reliance upon actual texts from the participants of the voyage make this a very authentic story.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not just for teens,
By A Customer
This review is from: Sacajawea (Hardcover)
I got this book for my 10 year old daughter, but I picked it up and found I couldn't put it down. It was a wonderfully entertaining story full of historical detail, and as told from the 2 points of view, Clark and Sacagawea, it just came alive in my mind. Joseph Bruchac tells a fascinating story and educates at the same time. I highly recommend this book for teens as well as adults.
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