Bruchac's (The Arrow Over the Door) intimate novel about Lewis and Clark's epic Western exploration unfolds through the alternating voices of Sacajawea, their Shoshone interpreter, and Clark. Sacajawea's now-grown son, Pomp (Jean Baptiste Charbonneau), introduces the two narrators, explaining that Shoshone custom dictates that "one can tell only what they have seen"; since he was not yet born at the beginning of the adventure, he recounts the tale as it was told to him. Sacajawea's chapter follows, opening with a creation tale of the "great flood"--each of her chapters begins with either Shoshone tales or those of other tribes the crew encounters, and many function as cautionary fables; relevant journal entries introduce Clark's chapters. This framing device results in a few contrived references in the narrative (e.g., "The fur trade, Pomp, can make a brave man rich or cost him his life," says Clark), and the assumption that Pomp already knows the story occasionally diminishes the suspense. But Bruchac builds the alternating chapters chronologically and keeps the pace moving. Both narrators recount intriguing cultural nuances; for example, when a deserter from the expedition is recovered, the Otoes Indians plead the white man's case, arguing that it would be better to kill him than humiliate him with a public whipping. The greatest strength of the novel, however, is Sacajawea's voice, enhanced by the lyrical repetition of traditional storytelling ("It was the Moon when the Leaves Fall from the Cottonwoods," she recalls of the day she first sees Lewis and Clark). The author adheres closely to journals kept by members of the expedition, creating characters who are both lifelike and compelling, at a fascinating juncture in history. Ages 12-up. (Mar.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|
At age sixteen, Sacajawea is married, a mother, and has been taken from her Shoshone people. She has been asked to join Lewis and Clark in their expedition to explore the land from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean. As a translator, peacemaker, caretaker, and guide, young Sacajawea alone will make the historic journey of Lewis and Clark possible. This captivating novel, which is told in alternating points of view-by Sacajawea herself and by William Clark-is a unique blend of history and humanity. It proves an intimate glimpse into what it would have been like to witness firsthand this fascinating time in our history. This is Sacajawea's legendary journey...
1100158742
Sacajawea: The Story of Bird Woman and the Lewis and Clark Expedition
At age sixteen, Sacajawea is married, a mother, and has been taken from her Shoshone people. She has been asked to join Lewis and Clark in their expedition to explore the land from the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean. As a translator, peacemaker, caretaker, and guide, young Sacajawea alone will make the historic journey of Lewis and Clark possible. This captivating novel, which is told in alternating points of view-by Sacajawea herself and by William Clark-is a unique blend of history and humanity. It proves an intimate glimpse into what it would have been like to witness firsthand this fascinating time in our history. This is Sacajawea's legendary journey...
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Product Details
BN ID: | 2940169720990 |
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Publisher: | Blackstone Audio, Inc. |
Publication date: | 12/01/2011 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |
Sales rank: | 1,099,678 |
Age Range: | 10 - 13 Years |
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