January 1, 1997
A basic account of the nineteenth-century expedition across the North American continent is written in competent, plainspoken prose. In describing the events and emotions of the trek, excerpts from the journals of both Meriwether Lewis and William Clark are used sparingly but to good effect. A few of the accompanying black-and-white illustrations have a static quality. Bib., ind.
(Copyright 1997 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
March 1, 1998
Gr 3-5-This account of Lewis and Clark's expedition is filled with descriptions of Indians, bears, waterfalls, strange new animals, and more. Beginning with an explanation of Jefferson's plan for westward expansion, Bowen describes problems with terrain, sudden storms, illness, and even mosquitoes. The writing is smooth and the material is well organized. At times, it almost reads like a journal as it describes Sacajawea's reunion with her brother or an encounter with unfriendly Sioux. The black-and-white sketches are unremarkable. Steven Kroll's Lewis and Clark (Holiday, 1994), illustrated by Richard Williams, is much more attractive, but this light touch with historical data and emphasis on the adventure might make Lewis and Clark's accomplishment more impressive to young readers who can't imagine not being able to get from coast to coast before dinner.-Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY