You Wouldn't Want to Explore With Lewis and Clark!: An Epic Journey You'd Rather Not Make

by Jacqueline Morley, Mark Bergin (Illustrator)

Brief text, sidebars, labeled illustrations, and humorous cartoons depict explorers Lewis and Clark, outlining their routes, personal experiences, and encounters with the Native Americans.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Biography

32 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Jacqueline Morley studied English at Oxford University and has taught English and History. She is the author of numerous books, including award-winning historical nonfiction titles for children. Her books have won several TES Senior Information book awards.

Reviews

[Lydia]

You Wouldn’t Want to Explore with Lewis and Clark! : An Epic Journey You’d Rather Not Take by Jacqueline Morley

Opening Moves:
-Prompt predictions based on title
-Activate background knowledge
-Draw attention to the setting
-Prompt readers to notice details
-Foreshadow the problem of the story
-Invite personal connections

Opening:
-Today we’re doing to read a book called You Wouldn’t Want to Explore with Lewis and Clark! : An Epic Journey You’d Rather Not Take by Jacqueline Morley. Why on earth do you think Jacqueline Morley gave her book this title?
-What do you already know about the travels of Lewis and Clark? Talk to a neighbor and try to share three things.
-Look at the illustration on the front. What do you think is happening? It says, “gulp” next to the bear. Do you think he really ate someone?
-What are some problems the characters in this book might face?
-Why do you think I chose this book to share with you?

Rationale:
In 1803 Lewis and Clark set out on an exploration to discover what was in the western United States. This journey took them through Nebraska. Students learn about the lives and travels of early Nebraska explorers, including Lewis and Clark. I think students will really enjoy the humor in this book. They will enjoy the content and have a chance to laugh and be a little goofy. Because this book is a bit lengthy, I think it would be best to begin with pages 5-13 about why they traveled and their time on the plains. If there is time, we could go further, but it won’t necessarily pertain to our Nebraska studies. This book presents facts and information in a silly, unique way that will keep students interested and engaged.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike most of the books in this series, the title is wildly misleading. If I had read this book as a kid, I would have rushed right out to find the nearest Lewis and Clark recruiting station. Yes, there were dangers faced by the explorers, but this book shows the cool and exciting side of exploring. The story even skips over the one death on the trip, which was due to illness rather than any of the hazards of exploring.
As an overview of the expedition, this is a good, quick examination. Readers who want more can easily find it, but kids can finish this book in one sitting. For the most part, the illustrations are not too cartoony for the material.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You and your child are about to embark on a journey along with Lewis and Clark out west as they have just received orders from Thomas Jefferson as he has commissioned an expedition. With lots of pictures and short descriptions, this book does a good job of explaining to younger and older children a fairly quick description of who Lewis and Clark were and about this mission.

[Jen Ferry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Introduction to Lewis and Clark, but not for report writing.

[Caren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun intro for kids, but not much info for a report.
Liked it.

[Kelly Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there was a book in the series that told this story from the Native American's point of view.