Details
Synopsis
Tells the story of the Shoshoni Indian girl who served as interpreter, peacemaker, and guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Northwest in 1805-1806.
| Size | | Length: | 115 pages | | Height: | 9.0 in | | Width: | 5.8 in | | Thickness: | 0.8 in | | Weight: | 8.8 oz |
Industry Reviews
Drawing from the journals of Lewis, Clark and other members of the 1804 Journey of Discovery expedition, St. George (Crazy Horse) has written an uneven biography of one of the most important women in 19th-century American history. Beginning with Sacagawea's capture from her native Shoshone tribe by the Minnetarees, the narrative follows her after she is sold into marriage to Toussaint Charbonneau, a French Canadian trader and trapper who talks his way into being a paid interpreter of Indian languages for Lewis and Clark. The weakest part of the account is when the author gingerly explores what Sacagawea is thinking: "Charbonneau wouldn't have been Sacagawea's choice of a husband, but then what woman ever had a choice?" The author is at her strongest when she sticks to facts culled from the journals: details about the delicious Camas roots that, eaten to excess, make the explorers sick; the men's foolish pursuit of grizzly bears; sharp prickly pear cacti that cause boils and infections; the buffoonery of Sacagawea's husband; and the muted elation the company feels when, wet and bedraggled, they finally reach the Pacific. While filled with dramatic facts, the telling is so even-keeled that the hair-raising reunion of the Lewis and Clark parties after splitting up for 40 days is as briefly and dispassionately relayed as the account of Chinook Indians drying salmon along the riverbanks. And although the details of the expedition itself become clear, the woman Sacagawea remains just one step beyond the reader's understanding. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)
Lopate
Gr 4-6 A biography of Sacagawea from the time she was captured by the Minnetaree through 1806, when Lewis and Clark left for home. St. George draws heavily from the journals of Lewis, Clark, and various members of their Corps of Discovery, thus giving readers a good overview of their historic journey as well. As she did in Crazy Horse (1994) and To See with the Heart (1996, both Putnam), the author offers a portrait of a Native American in which her admiration for the individual colors her writing. The inclusion of Sacagawea's assumed reactions and emotions to events (which St. George clearly acknowledges in the introduction) seems awkward, and even condescending at times. For example, the metaphorical play on her name, which means Bird Woman, seems overdone. (In other words, "she had been given wings.") Nonetheless, the book is a well-researched, readable biography. Those seeking additional information on this expedition will find the extensive bibliography useful. Carolyn Angus, The Claremont Graduate School, CA
Lopate
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