Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson (Photobiographies) [Paperback]

Dolores Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 26, 2007 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Photobiographies

The conquest of the North Pole was an elusive, almost impossible goal at the beginning of the last century. But a son of patrician parents, Robert E. Peary, and a son of sharecroppers, Matthew Henson, shared a dream of conquering the unconquered North Pole and were brave enough to risk their lives numerous times before they finally succeeded. Henson’s great physical stamina and his ability to speak Inuit and develop warm relationships with the peoples of the Arctic were indispensable to the quest. He mastered the complexities of the dog sled and led the team across the layers of ice that covered the frigid, threatening Arctic Ocean. Henson and Peary’s jubilation at finally reaching the Pole was later dashed when controversy swirled around their achievement. Even after their deed was recognized, African American Henson’s contribution was largely overlooked. It took the world many years to hail him as a hero of exploration.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Starred Review. Grade 5-8–Stunning archival photographs from the early 20th century help tell the inspiring story of the African-American polar explorer. They document the excursions of Robert E. Peary and include some of the first images captured of the Inuit people and of the North Pole. Henson was hired as Pearys manservant, though proved himself a loyal friend and worthy trailblazer in the fierce, frozen conditions at the top of the world. Hensons story is told in informative, descriptive prose based on research from ample resources. Surviving family members help personalize this ennobling biography of a deserving innovator and the only person to be awarded National Geographic Societys Hubbard Medal posthumously. The story demonstrates that fortitude, strength, and loyalty are not determined by the color of ones skin, but by the determination of ones spirit.–Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 5-8. The quest to be the first to reach the North Pole is an exciting adventure story, and Henson got there first, as part of the ninth expedition led by Robert Peary in 1909. But Henson was African American, labeled as Peary's "Negro manservant," and he did not get full recognition until 2001. This entry in the National Geographic^B Photobiography series focuses on the physical details of the dangerous Arctic journeys ("Harsh winds stung their faces. Giant fissures of ice threatened every step"), the repeated failures and the teamwork, as well as Henson's skills, stamina, and essential role in forging relationships with the Inuit. Johnson avoids diatribe, clearly pointing out the respectful relationship between Peary and Henson. At the same time, the racism comes clear: "the frozen, bleak Arctic was more hospitable than his own country." What's more, upon returning home from his extraordinary travels, Henson found himself still forced to take menial jobs such as stockboy. The book design is beautiful: thick paper, spacious type, and stirring photos that capture the icy storms as well as the people involved in the history. Back matter includes a glossary, a chronology, a bibliography, a few Web sites, and notes for direct quotes. Readers older than the target audience will be equally moved by the achievement of the sharecropper's son who explored the world. For another great Polar adventure, recommend Jennifer Armstrong's Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World (1999). Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (December 26, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426302681
• ISBN-13: 978-1426302688
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,046,121 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Explore the World > Polar Regions
  • #96 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Exploration & Discovery

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, March 20, 2009

By 

Rudy Neufeld (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson (Photobiographies) (Paperback)

I'd purchased this book for a younger black child who aspires to be an explorer. I will probably consign it to the trash bin rather than reading it to him.

Book fails to live up to the claims of the published editorial reviews. "Stunning archival photographs" are few and mundane. Story line about Black explorer Matthew Henson is minimal and at times minimized. Hardly inspiring.