American Slave, American Hero: York of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

by Laurence Pringle

Award-winning author Laurence Pringle gives an accurate account of York's life - before, during, and after the expedition. Using quotations from the expedition's journals, he tells how York's skills, strength, and intelligence helped in the day-to-day challenges of the journey. Artists Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu consulted with a Lewis and Clark expert to create thoroughly researched and stunning watercolor paintings of York's life.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Childrens, African American, School, Biography

40 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Annelisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main issue with the book is that of tone and perspective. We know that, unfortunately, York left nothing in his own words for us to dissect; one of the many tragedies of slavery. (The same is true for Sally Hemings.) Just as unfortunate is the fact that much of the information we do have about York comes from the very people who initiated and benefited from the system that silenced his voice in the first place. I've always been fascinated by York, and because I had never read this book before, I was hoping for something different that the usual fare about him. But that was not the case, and I was disappointed as a result, particularly since this is a book for children. I don't think that the book emphasized just how horrible slavery was, even for those who may not have faced especially harsh treatment (but even saying that is problematic.) And the reader still doesn't get anything new or learn at least a sliver of information about York that doesn't fall into familiar patterns. The same is true for other groups. For example, referring to different Native American tribes as "friendly" versus "not friendly" has always been a pet peeve of mine. As a side note, I still find it hilarious that Clark didn't know how to spell.

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had higher hopes for this book. Many of the statements that praise the achievements of York are conditional, saying "even though he was a slave...". I expected this book to be more celebratory about his contributions and a lot less of a narrative written from a white person's perspective, but I guess that's what we have to work with, as a primary source used to write it was the journal of Lewis and Clark.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book in shedding light on Amercian history, particulate the Lewis and Clark expedition. The book introduces York, the personal slave to William Clark. It shows the man's impact on the famous journey and overs another perspective to the accounts we have learned in textbooks. Because York was a slave, many details of his life are not documented, but the author has included what probably happened. I'd include this with any study of the westward expansion and Lewis and Clark.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting! York was a real hero in American history.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very hard to accept that we will never know more about York.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad I read this book since I did not know of York's history.

[Victoria Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 1700’s, on a plantation in Virginia, two boys named York and William were born. They grew up to become wonderful friends. The plantation was owned by John Clark, the father of William. York’s parents were salves on the plantation. Since York and William grew up together, at the age of 12, William chose York to be his personal servant. In the meantime, York met and married a woman who was a slave at a nearby farm. In July 1803, Clark received a letter from Meriwether Lewis asking him to join him in exploring the unmapped West. They chose to take Williams trusty slave, York, with them. While traveling west and encountering many hardships, York was a tremendous help. On September 23, 1806 the explorers reached St. Louis, MO. All the members of the expedition were named and praised as national heroes. The men of the expedition were rewarded with double pay and land. York however, was given nothing because he was a slave. York asked Clark for permission to return to Virginia to be with his wife, but Clark made him stay in St. Louis. Clark got upset with York’s attitude and sent York to his family in Kentucky to be a freight wagon driver. Ten years later, Clark gave York his freedom.

This was a great picture book because it explains the significant part York played in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Much can be learned about the expedition and the troubles the crew encountered along the way. It allows the reader to travel though the Lewis and Clark expedition in a different perspective. This book allows, the reader to learn about the other men who made the exploration possible. This is a great read and I would highly recommend it to those who are studying or teaching about the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

From School Library Journal: Pringle pieces together much of York's story using journals from Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery expedition and other sources. These records attest to York's helpfulness and strength, as well as to the fascination that many Native American groups had for the man, describing him as "big medicine." In an introduction, the author explains that he uses the word "probably" since slaves seldom left the kinds of primary sources that researchers need. He explains that, according to the customs of the time, slave births were not recorded and that York wouldn't have had a choice about joining the expedition. However, he also points out that both York and Sacagawea were allowed to vote on the placement of the group's winter fort, a right granted ahead of its time. Pringle doesn't gloss over Clark's poor treatment of his servant after the journey, placing it in the context of the times while maintaining the strong story line. Large, expressive watercolor illustrations portray York as a vibrant young man and reflect the remarkable landscapes and grueling work of exploration. Pringle tells the story well, describing York's contributions to this specific expedition while setting a much broader context.—Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE
Good companion to Rhoda Blumberg's "York's Adventures with Lewis and Clark: An African-American's Part in the Great Expedition"
Age Range: 8 - 18 years
Grade Level: 3 and up
Lexile Measure: 990L

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent picture book that takes us through the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition, while introducing us to a key member of the expedition, York. York was Clark's slave who accompanied him on the expedition. York was important because of his excellent survival skills. He was an excellent hunter, and very strong. He could steer canoes through rough water, and help build forts and canoes. In addition, the Indians were fascinated by him, because they had never seen a black man before, which was instrumental in creating necessary alliances. Without these alliances, the members of the expedition would not have been successful. I think at times Clark treated him as an equal, but it did bother me that he always referred to him as his servant. Even though he was working as an equal, he was still just a servant.

This was an excellent and simple read. It would be a good companion during a unit on Lewis and Clark during U.S. history. It could also be used for a biography study and during Black History Month. Because this is done in picture book format, it makes the text available to everybody including sixth through eighth grade below level readers.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our students do a study of the Lewis and Clark expedition every year. The students chose five members of the Lewis and Clark expedition to research write about and present for their project. In our school York is always one of the most popular and compelling figures. There isn't as much information available about him. Because of his status as a slave and because he was not allowed to learn to read and write his journals never existed. It was against Virginia law, where he was born and raised, to teach a slave to read and write. For that reason his point of view cannot accurately be told and his life story must be pieced together from the records kept by others.

In the author’s note at the back of the book Pringle points out that in researching for this book he found more than a dozen books about Sacagawea and at least six about Seaman the dog that went on the journey but few about York. It is clear that this volume is much needed and makes a valuable contribution to our American history. This book is well written, beautifully illustrated and highly recommended.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read as I had not heard of York, a black slave, in connection to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Usually we are seeing books on Sacagawea, the Native American young woman on is on the journey. This title has really gotten me interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition, especially the journey to St. Louis and the connection William Clark had to other Clark’s were were prominent in frontier history and especially Kentucky history.
This title was fascinating for the overview of the expedition, the Native Americans who encountered York and were unaware of black people. But how sad William Clark could not have treated York better and held him in higher regard after all his service to the expedition.
The watercolor paintings illustrating this title are exquisite. Very nice.

[Maggie Mattmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT information! Love that the author highlights York as the first black voter and Sacagawea as the first woman voter! Lots of good information about the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the value York brought to that journey. Might be a little wordy for kids- even the age group I'm guessing this is geared for. (At my school, 4th graders study the Lewis and Clark expedition.)

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the watercolor pictures.

There's lots of text, so this would be better for older kids.

[Erik D]

Hero
American Slave, American Hero: York of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (2006) by Laurence Pringle Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu
This amazing story of York, the slave and personal servant of William Clark, of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame, is carefully and painstakingly pieced together from records and accounts of that age. As a slave, few if any primary records existed, but a number of historical documents as well as personal accounts paint the picture of an incredible man. York, an impressive man both physically and in deed, is described in numerous accounts written by members of the expedition. Even the various tribes the expedition encounters, revere York as “big medicine” which means they see him as a powerful force. The story of York and the Lewis and Clark Expedition is beautifully illustrated with the watercolor paintings of Van Wright & Hu, who take full advantage of each page covering them in near cinematic detail and revealing the world the explorers encountered to bring the story to life. The imagery accentuates the text and furthers a reader’s understanding of the challenges and dangers the explorers faced as well as the amazing beauty of the American West and its Native peoples. The text speaks plainly about York’s life and does not seek to sugar-coat any of the facts or history behind slavery in the United States. What it shows is that in spite the institution of slavery that exists, a hero, like York, can rise and their actions be noted and recounted. The authenticity and frank nature of the book make it an excellent addition to primary school classrooms or libraries.
Target Audience: Grades 3-7 Ages 8-12