American Slave, American Hero

 

 

American Slave, American Hero: York of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

 

Written by Laurence Pringle

Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu

 

Calkins Creek Books, 2006, 40 pp., $ 17.95

ISBN: 97811590782828   (ages: 9-12) 

Rating:  HR            Genre:  Biography

 

Although “York,” the personal slave to William Clark was honored in 2001 by President Clinton, his contributions to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition have never been shared in such detail before this book. Wonderfully illustrated in realistic watercolor, young readers can see and imagine the sacrifices forced upon York--but which he gladly honored—as a slave. Lewis and Clark noted his prowess as a hunter and his communication skills with Native Americans who thought him to be “big medicine.” After many years in discovery with the Lewis and Clark team, York requested to visit his family and made his humanity known to his “owner.” This book is of critical importance to any classroom from about third grade forward. The language of the text is easy to read and engaging. (Trade Book)

 

 Reviewer:  Dr. Dixie K. Keyes

                 Assistant Professor

                 Middle Level Education

 

Suggested Themes: Curriculum/History/Time Span/Westward Expansion

 

 

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