Matthew Henson: The Quest for the North Pole (Sterling Biographies) - Softcover

Olmstead, Kathleen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1402744412 ISBN 13: 9781402744419

Publisher: Union Square Kids, 2008

Synopsis

He risked the great unknown...and became the first man to reach the North Pole. But it took decades for the cloud of racism to lift and give African-American explorer Matthew Henson the rightful recognition for his extraordinary achievements. Here is the story of Henson’s dramatic, groundbreaking life.
Matthew began his travels as a ship’s cabin boy, but it was his partnership with Robert E. Peary that made history. Although he acted as the team’s indispensable carpenter, hunter, navigator, and interpreter, his crucial role in the expedition went largely unacknowledged. Kathleen Olmstead, the adaptor of several Classic Starts® novels, captures all the adventure, danger, and thrills involved in reaching the top of the world

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 7–9—Most of the text in the first book is concerned with Cousteau's evolving inventions for breathing and exploring underwater. Olmstead describes how his films and television specials opened a new world to viewers, and how he became a leading advocate for the oceans. She also makes mention of Cousteau's secret second family and his dispute with his son Jean-Michel over using the family name for an ecotourist resort. In the second book, Henson's own contradictory and partially fabricated writing about his effort to reach the North Pole with Robert Peary presented some challenges to the biographer, but she gamely sorts out the most likely version of the story, letting readers know what is unsubstantiated and what is corroborated fact. Olmstead describes Henson's life as a series of triumphs and disappointments, not the least of which was Peary's refusal to acknowledge the crucial role he played in their several expeditions. The author also emphasizes the differences between Henson's experiences in the Arctic, where he was treated like family by the Inuit, and even fathered a child, and his less-welcome reception back in the United States. Both of these attractively formatted titles have black-and-white and full-color photographs or reproductions as well as sidebars. Solid additions to biography shelves.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM
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From Booklist

Longtime explorer Henson accompanied Robert Peary on their many quests to be the first to reach the North Pole, but when they finally made it, Henson was barely mentioned in newspaper reports except as Peary’s “negro assistant” or “manservant,” and it took years for the African American explorer to finally gain recognition. Scrupulous in distinguishing fact from surmise, with an attractive design and a photo, print, or map on each double-page spread, this small, clear volume in the Sterling Biographies series focuses on the danger, drudgery, and excitement of those many Arctic expeditions across hundred of miles of snow and ice. Unlike most other Henson biographies, this one also discusses his essential role in bonding with the Inuit, learning their language, making friends; and, for once, the Inuit guides are named in person. Extensive back matter includes a bibliography, chapter notes, and a glossary that makes the words in intrusive bold type throughout the text unnecessary. Grades 5-8. --Hazel Rochman

About this edition

• Publisher: Union Square Kids
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1402744412
• ISBN 13: 9781402744419
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128