Synopses & Reviews
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 lifebefore, 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 the journey. Artists Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu consulted with a Lewis and Clark expert to create thoroughly researched and stunning watercolor paintings of York's life.
Review
"[A] handsome tribute to Clark's near-lifelong companion and slave. Carefully noting where details are scant or absent, he traces York's early years, significant role in the expedition that is 'still considered the greatest in United States history,' and later and later unhappy experiences. . . . Rich in eye-opening observations." --Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Pringle tells the story well." --School Library Journal
About the Author
Laurence Pringle is the recipient of three major awards for his body of writing--the Eva L. Gordon Award for Children's Science Literature, the Washington Post-Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Prize from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He lives in West Nyack, New York.
Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu have illustrated many books, including An Angel Just Like Me, Snow in Jerusalem, Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree, and Jewels. They live in New York City.