The Back of Beyond: A Story about Lewis and Clark (Creative Minds Biographies) - Softcover

Bowen, Andy Russell

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1575052245 ISBN 13: 9781575052243

Publisher: LernerClassroom, 1997

Synopsis

In 1803, Meriwether Lewis was offered the chance of a lifetime. The president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, asked him to lead an expedition across North America, through the Louisiana Territory and Oregon Country to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis jumped at the opportunity and called on his friend William Clark to share in the command of the exploration. The two men organized a small unit of volunteers they called the Corps of Discovery. They had little idea of what dangers lay ahead in the mysterious lands. Would they be attacked by wild animals? Could they survive winter's harsh weather? On May 21, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition embarked on one of the greatest adventures of all time. they would change the country forever, as they traveled into the Back of Beyond.

About this title

About the Author:

Author of a number of Creative Minds Biographies.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 3-5--This account of Lewis and Clark's expedition is filled with descriptions of Indians, bears, waterfalls, strange new animals, and more. Beginning with an explanation of Jefferson's plan for westward expansion, Bowen describes problems with terrain, sudden storms, illness, and even mosquitoes. The writing is smooth and the material is well organized. At times, it almost reads like a journal as it describes Sacajawea's reunion with her brother or an encounter with unfriendly Sioux. The black-and-white sketches are unremarkable. Steven Kroll's Lewis and Clark (Holiday, 1994), illustrated by Richard Williams, is much more attractive, but this light touch with historical data and emphasis on the adventure might make Lewis and Clark's accomplishment more impressive to young readers who can't imagine not being able to get from coast to coast before dinner.

Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: LernerClassroom
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 1575052245
• ISBN 13: 9781575052243
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 64
• Illustrator: Ramstad Ralph L.