The Unsung Hero of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
March 1, 2019
Gr 3-6-The subject of this outstanding story was the only person on the three-year Lewis and Clark expedition who did not volunteer for the task. As an enslaved man belonging to Captain William Clark known only as "York," the story of this extraordinary member of the party has gone relatively untold. Readers will find a fresh perspective on this exploration through York's unexpected contributions, and despair at his return to bondage at the end of the journey. Indigenous people he interacted with came to trust in him as a communicator. A turning point in his story came when the chief of the Hidatsa, wary of white men, treated York with respect, who he dubbed "Big Medicine." His reputation as a non-white member of the group benefited the explorers, allowing them to be welcomed by a variety of indigenous groups. Readers are treated to a personal perspective on slavery and exploration by an author and illustrator who are #ownvoices. Great care was clearly given to historical accuracy-the expedition interacted with dozens of Native American Nations, and the writing and images reflect respectful research. In addition to a compelling story with bold illustrations, endnotes reveal careful consultation with historical experts. VERDICT This will be a great addition to collections where students are required to study explorers, but the story is gripping enough to become a welcome component of a rich nonfiction collection.-Deidre Winterhalter, Oak Park Public Library, IL
Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 1, 2018
York was the only man who set out with Lewis and Clark on their journey of exploration who did not volunteer. As William Clark's enslaved manservant and the only nonwhite member, he didn't have the choice.In a series of brief, dated snapshots, York narrates the story of the expedition from his embarkation from Louisville in 1803 to the eve of their departure from the Oregon coast in 1806. In between, he covers incidents both oft-told (Sacagawea's joining the party at Fort Mandan; the geographical challenges met) and rarely heard (Clark's use of York to impress Native peoples; York's inclusion in the vote on the decision to site their final winter camp). Davis imagines York's feelings as he navigates his role as both enslaved African-American man and almost-full member of the expedition, narrating in a stiff voice that emulates 19th-century prose and also captures the stress of life as a second-class citizen: "After that vote...I worked as hard as any three men. Capt. Clark said that I 'pushed my body to exhaustion.' I just wanted to show the others how much I deserved that vote." Harris' illustrations also evoke the flat, primitive style of much 19th-century painting. Compositions frequently place York at the margins or in the shadows, underscoring the fact that he was not a full member of the party. A closing author's note contextualizes and complicates his legacy.An important, underheard voice. (glossary) (Picture book. 5-10)
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January 1, 2019
Grades 1-3 York, a man enslaved by Captain William Clark, was the only African American member of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Davis describes this storied journey from York's point of view, letting him tell about encounters with Indians who had never seen a black man, his vow to keep Sacajawea and her son alive at any cost, and a harsh snowstorm in the mountains. In one memorable scene, York describes a decision in which his vote is counted along with those of white men. The text is somewhat long for a picture book but full of interesting details. Harris contributes a series of well-composed tableaux, portraying each character with dignity while featuring a variety of American landscapes. A picture book spotlighting York is welcome, and his portrayal here is respectful and sympathetic, though the first-person narrative rests on somewhat shaky ground between fact and fiction. The appended author's note offers further information, but no sources. Still, this picture book provides a colorful introduction to York, a unique figure in American history.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)