The Story of Sacajawea: Guide to Lewis and Clark (Dell Yearling Biography) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Long ago, safely nestled in a valley of the Bitterroot Mountains, in what we now know as the state of Idaho, was a large village..." (more)
Key Phrases: shining mountains, Little Bird, Captain Clark, Captain Lewis (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Sacajawea's life is the stuff of real Wild West adventure: born a Shoshoni, she was captured at 13 by a hostile tribe and forced into slavery, then married off to a cantankerous French trapper. While caring for her infant son she served as an interpreter and sometimes guide for Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition. Unfortunately, this rather tedious biography doesn't do Sacajawea's story justice. Rowland's prose is bland and interest quickly flags. To her credit, the author researched her subject meticulously, and she manages to keep from straying into the realm of legend, but the story never springs to life. The skimpy map and black-and-white illustrations (some of which display an alarmingly inaccurate sense of perspective) are lamentable. If the aim is to interest children in history, better to point them instead to Scott O'Dell's vivid and moving Streams to the River, River to the Sea: A Novel of Sacajawea . Ages 8-11.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-- Sacajawea has long been seen as a figure of courage, daring, and adventure to youngsters. In this biography--by far the most thorough and straightforward available--Rowland covers what little is known, or can be surmised, about Sacajawea's childhood and discusses her role in the famous expedition of 1804-05. Rowland avoids sentimentality and fictionalizing, and, aside from a few minor errors, is accurate in her account. Unfortunately, her writing lacks the spark and insight that bring characters to life; her book is adequate but unexceptional, and students are not likely to turn to it for leisure reading. There is no index or bibliography; the black-and-white illustrations scattered throughout are roughly drawn; and the map lacks state boundaries, making it difficult for readers to place the expedition in context. O'Dell's historical novel Streams to the River, River to the Sea (Houghton, 1986), for the same age group, is more interesting but is highly romanticized and often misleading. --Ann W. Moore, formerly at Lane Road Library, Columbus,
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (August 2, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440402158
• ISBN-13: 978-0440402152
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #483,174 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Favorite Read-Aloud, July 6, 2009

By	Cracked Harp - See all my reviews

We used this in our study of American History for my 6 and 10 year old children. I think the author did a fine job of bringing the adventures of Lewis and Clark to life. It doesn't necessarily focus on just Sacajawea, but we felt that we had traveled along with her. There wasn't an overt political agenda to the book, which was very refreshing. My children were inspired by this book to learn more about Lewis and Clark's travels. They can still tell the story of Sacajawea's cowardly husband in the storm.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for children., March 24, 2008

By	Joan M. Schoppe "bookworm" (Windermere, Fl) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was a book I sent to my grandson who loves to be read to. He enjoyed it very much.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sacajawea (Dell Yearling Biography), January 9, 2007

By	Mary Pat Larsen (Concrete, WA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Was given as gift. Was told recipient liked it very much.