As Far as the Eye Can Reach: Lewis and Clark's Westward Quest (Landmark Books) [Hardcover]

Elizabeth Cody Kimmel (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Landmark Books

In 1803, at President Jefferson’s request, Captains Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery set out to explore beyond the newly purchased land of the Louisiana Territory to the western end of the continent. By the time the Corps returned years later, everyone believed they were dead–killed by bears, attacked by Indians, or fallen victims to a rough country. But the men had survived and with their long journey, they staked a claim to the West for the new country, America.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-Chock-full of historical detail, Kimmel's account of Lewis and Clark's expedition is an eye-opener. The determination of the two leaders and their Corps of Discovery seemed always to outweigh the obstacles they encountered on this treacherous journey. Aiming to find the Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean at President Jefferson's request, the group traversed 7689 miles, much of it in uncharted territory. In vivid, lucid prose, the author describes the involved planning and preparations and their execution and outcomes. Their meetings with Native Americans were almost always peaceful, a goal set for the pair by the president. Lewis's naturalist talents and Clark's abilities as a cartographer heightened the significance of this journey that pushed the boundaries of the country to the Pacific. Excerpts from original journals add to the authenticity of the account. The extensive bibliography and the index further enhance the usefulness of this volume for reports. Though the clarity of the black-and-white reproductions and photos is inconsistent, a book such as this can excite young readers to delve further into U.S. history. A good companion to Rosalyn Schanzer's How We Crossed the West (National Geographic, 1997).
Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. From the Landmark Books series, this volume offers a succinct presentation of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Though the account concentrates on the westward journey, it sums up the return trip and, in an epilogue, briefly tells what happened to Lewis, Clark, and Clark's slave York. Each chapter begins with an excerpt from the journal of one of the expedition's leaders. The many illustrations will include reproductions of period maps, documents, and drawings, as well as artwork depicting the adventures of the Corps of Discovery. Just in time for the bicentennial, this clearly written summary provides a useful overview for students. Some illustrations not seen. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (January 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375813489
• ISBN-13: 978-0375813481
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,827,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Elizabeth Kimmel Willard, the pen name for Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, is a lifetime Little House enthusiast. She is the author of many books for children, including the Lily B. series. She lives in Cold Spring, New York, with her husband and their daughter.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well suited for historical book reports, April 8, 2003

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: As Far as the Eye Can Reach: Lewis and Clark's Westward Quest (Landmark Books) (Hardcover)

This year marks the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's western adventure, so the arrival of this history book addition to the "Landmark Books" series is right on time. In clear, readable text, "As Far As The Eye Can Reach" tells the fascinating tale of how Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked on a harrowing journey to explore and conquer the mysterious western parts of their new country. Western expansion was the dream of then-President Thomas Jefferson, and so co-commanders Lewis and Clark began a cross-country trip through the pristine wilderness stretching across North America to the Pacific Ocean. Faced with the unknown, their aim was not only to stake a claim in the west, but also to collect specimens of plants and animals, map the unfamiliar frontier, find a northwest passage for men to follow, and to establish a diplomatic relationship with the various groups of Native Americans. Author Elizabeth Cody Kimmel tells the grand tale in eight simple, straightforward chapters, a prologue, epilogue and select bibliography. Chapters are numbered rather than named, making the book appear unfriendly and unwieldy for use as a research tool without a comprehensive read-through. Similarly, the impressive cover will attract many students, but the lackluster black-and-white illustrative materials are more academic than enticing. Children age eight and up will find "As Far As The Eye Can Reach" well suited for historical book reports, and teachers will find it a comprehensive teaching tool.