Sacagawea
Taking a rare look beyond the myths and legends surrounding Sacagawea’s life, this extraordinary illustrated history recounts the known facts about a remarkable woman and her contribution to one of America’s greatest journeys of exploration. Combining beautifully wrought oil paintings, a moving true story, and a unique larger format, Sacagawea will captivate readers of all ages. Kidnapped from her Shoshone tribe when she was just eleven or twelve, Sacagawea lived with her captors for four years before being given in marriage to a French Canadian fur trapper, Toussaint Charbonneau. With him, she served as interpreter, peacemaker, and guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Northwest in 1805-1806. Braving hunger and fierce blizzards, Sacagawea traveled thousands of miles with a baby on her back. By the end of the legendary journey, Sacagawea’s steadfast courage and capable guidance had ensured her place in history.
Awards
- Carter G. Woodson Book Award
- CBC Children's Choices
- Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
- ILA Teacher's Choices
- Learning Magazine Teachers' Choice Award
Reviews
Booklist
“The unforgettable full-page oil paintings, in warm earth colors, focus on the brave young woman, showing her roots, her extraordinary skills, her melancholy, and her bond with her child and with Clark.” —Booklist
Library Media Connection
“As I was reading this book I wondered how the author could put so many relevant and interesting facts into such a short amount of space and still have room for large, colorful artwork. It provokes a feeling of admiration for what she lived throuh . . .” —Library Media Connection
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
“Erdrich combines known historical fact with accessible storytelling. . . The narrative is interspersed with small but telling details that give concrete insight into the trials and triumphs of everyday life, as well as an unintrusive sense of historical context.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Illustrator: Julie Buffalohead
Author: Lise Erdrich
Lisa Erdrich was born in Breckenridge, Minnesota, and grew up in North Dakota. She is a member of the Turtle Mountain band of Plains-Ojibway. In addition to being a writer, she has worked in Indian health and education for many years.