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School Library Journal
Gr 3–5
Pringle pieces together much of York's story using journals from Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery expedition and other sources. These records attest to York's helpfulness and strength, as well as to the fascination that many Native American groups had for the man, describing him as "big medicine." In an introduction, the author explains that he uses the word "probably" since slaves seldom left the kinds of primary sources that researchers need. He explains that, according to the customs of the time, slave births were not recorded and that York wouldn't have had a choice about joining the expedition. However, he also points out that both York and Sacagawea were allowed to vote on the placement of the group's winter fort, a right granted ahead of its time. Pringle doesn't gloss over Clark's poor treatment of his servant after the journey, placing it in the context of the times while maintaining the strong story line. Large, expressive watercolor illustrations portray York as a vibrant young man and reflect the remarkable landscapes and grueling work of exploration. Pringle tells the story well, describing York's contributions to this specific expedition while setting a much broader context.
—Pat LeachCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Overview
The little-known life of York, the African American slave owned by William Clark, and his contributions to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition are examined in this carefully crafted Society of School Librarians International Honor Book. Award-winning author Laurence Pringle gives an accurate account of York's life—before, during, and after the expedition. Using quotations from the expedition's journals, he tells how York's skills, strength, and intelligence helped in the day-to-day challenges of ...