The Unsung Hero of the
Expedition
Capstone Editions
(pub. 1.1.2019)
40 pages
A True Tale with
A Cherry On Top
A uthor: Hasan Davis
A Cherry On Top
A uthor: Hasan Davis
and illustrator: Alleanna Harris
C haracter: York
O verview:
"Thomas Jefferson's Corps of Discovery included Captains Lewis and Clark and a crew of 28 men to chart a route from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean. All the crew but one volunteered for the mission. York, the enslaved man taken on the journey, did not choose to go. Slaves did not have choices. York's contributions to the expedition, however, were invaluable. The captains came to rely on York's judgment, determination, and peacemaking role with the American Indian nations they encountered. But as York's independence and status rose on the journey, the question remained what status he would carry once the expedition was over. This is his story."
C haracter: York
O verview:
"Thomas Jefferson's Corps of Discovery included Captains Lewis and Clark and a crew of 28 men to chart a route from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean. All the crew but one volunteered for the mission. York, the enslaved man taken on the journey, did not choose to go. Slaves did not have choices. York's contributions to the expedition, however, were invaluable. The captains came to rely on York's judgment, determination, and peacemaking role with the American Indian nations they encountered. But as York's independence and status rose on the journey, the question remained what status he would carry once the expedition was over. This is his story."
T antalizing taste:
"July 1805, Rocky Mountains
... While we were searching, Captain Clark bestowed an honor on me. Throughout our journey, the captains made it a point to name the natural wonders we encountered... This day they named a group of islands after me - York's Eight Islands. That name meant a great deal to me and made me believe that the captains valued my efforts. It let me dare hope that my future might be different."
And something more: Hasan Davis explains in his Author's Note in The Journey of York: "President Jefferson called them to the capital to report the success of their mission. Captain Lewis submitted the official roll of the expedition with comments on each man's performance of duties and recommended the men be rewarded for their commitment and sacrifice. Congress and President Jefferson granted each double pay and 320 acres of land for their services. But York's name did not appear on the official roster. He received no pay, no land, and no recognition for his sacrifice...
Too few voices have been heard from the many people who helped build this great nation. Too many stories have been ignored. It is time to recognize this man, his voice, and his story, for the contributions and sacrifices he made.
His name was York."
"July 1805, Rocky Mountains
... While we were searching, Captain Clark bestowed an honor on me. Throughout our journey, the captains made it a point to name the natural wonders we encountered... This day they named a group of islands after me - York's Eight Islands. That name meant a great deal to me and made me believe that the captains valued my efforts. It let me dare hope that my future might be different."
And something more: Hasan Davis explains in his Author's Note in The Journey of York: "President Jefferson called them to the capital to report the success of their mission. Captain Lewis submitted the official roll of the expedition with comments on each man's performance of duties and recommended the men be rewarded for their commitment and sacrifice. Congress and President Jefferson granted each double pay and 320 acres of land for their services. But York's name did not appear on the official roster. He received no pay, no land, and no recognition for his sacrifice...
Too few voices have been heard from the many people who helped build this great nation. Too many stories have been ignored. It is time to recognize this man, his voice, and his story, for the contributions and sacrifices he made.
His name was York."
6 comments:
This looks good. I love all the new picture book biographies coming out this year. :)
Thanks for sharing. Have a great reading week.
Tragic: "no pay, no land, and no recognition". I'll find this, Jeanne. Thanks for the great review.
Hi Myra,
Yes, I think you'll find this is a compelling picture book biography.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Linda,
I had the same reaction -- tragic and so incredibly unfair. I'm glad this story is being told, and that you'll be looking for it.
Thanks for stopping by.
This is a completely new-to-me book and I'm adding it to my list. Thanks for the great review, Jeanne!
I found it at my library, Jeanne. Will read it soon! I'm glad you shared!
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