Sacajawea
"We are to ascend the Missouri River with a boat as far as is navigable and then to go by land, to the western ocean, if nothing prevents."With these words from one of the members of Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's Corps of Discovery, the men embark on their fateful journey. Encountering danger, hardship, and excitement along the way, Lewis and Clark carry out their plan of attempting to bring peace to the various Indian nations while exploring the western part of the continents. One of the most important moments on this great expedition comes when they meet Sacajawea, a Shoshone woman who becomes translator, peacemaker, caretaker, and guide--and an invaluable member of the Corps.Told in alternating points of view by Sacajawea and Clark, this historical novel will rivet every reader, history buff or not. Including excerpts from Clark's and Lewis's journals as well as traditional Shoshone tales, the often-humorous, always compelling story inspires, educates, and entertains. Joseph Bruchac has written more than 60 books for children and adults, and received many literary awards, including the PEN Syndicated Fiction Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Native Writers' Circle of the Americas. (Ages 13 and older)--Emilie Coulter