The Lewis and Clark Expedition (We the People) Book

Chronicles the expedition led by Lewis and Clark to explore the unknown western regions of America at the beginning of the nineteenth century, describing its mishaps, ...

Children's Literature

In 1803, Thomas Jefferson bought a huge piece of land that "stretched from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian border. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States." Jefferson decided to send an expedition to explore it as well as the Oregon Territory. He chose Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary and a skilled outdoorsman, as the leader. Lewis, in turn, asked William Clark to join him. The journey was supposed to last about a year and a half, but took almost a year longer. Several books for younger readers have been written about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Ms. Quiri, however, vividly captures the sights, sounds, hardships, and adventures of Lewis' and Clark's astonishing achievement. In succinct prose, appropriate for her audience, she provides all the necessary details with a dramatic narrative voice. Colorful illustrations enhance the text as does the back matter, which includes an index and resources for further information. The book is part of "We the People" series. 2001, Compass Point Books, $21.26. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Ellen Butts