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I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer
Matthew Henson was not meant to lead an ordinary life. His dreams had sails.
They took him from the port of Baltimore, around the world, and north to the pole.
No amount of fear, cold, hunger, or injustice could keep him from tasting adventure and exploring the world.
He learned to survive in the Arctic wilderness, and he stood by Admiral Peary for years on end, all for the sake of his goal.
And finally, after decades of facing danger and defying the odds, he reached the North Pole and made history.
At last, Henson had proved himself as an explorer-and as a man.
They took him from the port of Baltimore, around the world, and north to the pole.
No amount of fear, cold, hunger, or injustice could keep him from tasting adventure and exploring the world.
He learned to survive in the Arctic wilderness, and he stood by Admiral Peary for years on end, all for the sake of his goal.
And finally, after decades of facing danger and defying the odds, he reached the North Pole and made history.
At last, Henson had proved himself as an explorer-and as a man.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published December 26, 2007
1 person is currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Carole Boston Weatherford
106 books425 followersCarole Boston Weatherford is a children's book author and poet who mines the past for family stories, traditions, and struggles. A number of CAROLE's books tell the stories of African-American historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Billie Holiday. Other books recount historical events such as the Greensboro Sit-ins and the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. CAROLE's books have received a wide variety of awards, including a Caldecott Honour for “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People To Freedom”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 21, 2021
A picture book biography on Matthew Henson, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eric Velásquez.
Matthew was an adventurer and explorer at an early age. How else could one explain a boy of 12 or 13 years old walking forty (40) miles, from Washington, D. C. to Baltimore, M.D. to see the ships he heard old sailors talking about. He ended up getting his first job on a ship, there. He started out as a cabin boy and worked his way up over the years.
When not on a ship Henson took other jobs. In fact, he was working as a clerk in a haberdashery when he met a young naval officer, Robert Peary. Peary was about to embark on a trip to Nicaragua to map out a canal. He offered Henson a job on this adventure as his personal aide. Henson jumped at this opportunity. Henson took on other duties when a worker became ill.
Over the years, Henson saw five continents. He sailed with many captains, but, he liked working with Peary, and Peary knew he could count on him. They spent over twenty years trying to reach the North Pole. Henson learned the language of the Inuit people which made him a valuable team member since he could communicate with their Inuit workers. With a new ship they set out on their 1908-1909 North Pole expedition, knowing that because of their age this would be their last voyage. This time they succeeded.
The book covers the many challenges Henson overcame to reach his achievements. He always worked hard to accomplish his goals. I think children will learn the important lessons of hard work and perseverance reading this book. The book is for children ages 6 -11.
Black History Month Read
Matthew was an adventurer and explorer at an early age. How else could one explain a boy of 12 or 13 years old walking forty (40) miles, from Washington, D. C. to Baltimore, M.D. to see the ships he heard old sailors talking about. He ended up getting his first job on a ship, there. He started out as a cabin boy and worked his way up over the years.
When not on a ship Henson took other jobs. In fact, he was working as a clerk in a haberdashery when he met a young naval officer, Robert Peary. Peary was about to embark on a trip to Nicaragua to map out a canal. He offered Henson a job on this adventure as his personal aide. Henson jumped at this opportunity. Henson took on other duties when a worker became ill.
Over the years, Henson saw five continents. He sailed with many captains, but, he liked working with Peary, and Peary knew he could count on him. They spent over twenty years trying to reach the North Pole. Henson learned the language of the Inuit people which made him a valuable team member since he could communicate with their Inuit workers. With a new ship they set out on their 1908-1909 North Pole expedition, knowing that because of their age this would be their last voyage. This time they succeeded.
The book covers the many challenges Henson overcame to reach his achievements. He always worked hard to accomplish his goals. I think children will learn the important lessons of hard work and perseverance reading this book. The book is for children ages 6 -11.
Black History Month Read
February 18, 2018
I had never heard of Matthew Henson. I'm so glad I know about him. What an amazing person. He was born in 1866 and he was African American. He expected to be treated as an equal back then. He wanted to explore the world and he wasn't going to let anyone stop him. That takes guts. He and Peary sought to be the first to reach the North Pole. After 6 or 7 tries, they did. There was controversy around this fact during this lifetime because he was Black. He took a picture and is now recognized as being integral to this feat.
The art work is beautiful. It makes you feel like you are on an adventure. Matthew was an extraordinary person. I would give this book more stars, but the text is terrible. It confused me so much. After the story, it gives an account of his life and I figured out what was going on. The was on each page said 'he did not do ...this to do that.' It made it sound like he didn't do these things. It really made it confusing. I kept thinking, did he do it or not. It is poorly written. Tell us what he did accomplish in the positive. The back page was well written and some of those things should have been put in the story too.
Still, I'm glad I found out about this man. It's always to to have stories about people who overcome overwhelming odds in life. It gives everyone HOPE.
The art work is beautiful. It makes you feel like you are on an adventure. Matthew was an extraordinary person. I would give this book more stars, but the text is terrible. It confused me so much. After the story, it gives an account of his life and I figured out what was going on. The was on each page said 'he did not do ...this to do that.' It made it sound like he didn't do these things. It really made it confusing. I kept thinking, did he do it or not. It is poorly written. Tell us what he did accomplish in the positive. The back page was well written and some of those things should have been put in the story too.
Still, I'm glad I found out about this man. It's always to to have stories about people who overcome overwhelming odds in life. It gives everyone HOPE.
February 10, 2018
Matthew Henson was born to sharecropper parents in 1866. As a young boy, he heard a speech by Frederick Douglass, and was inspired by his words to dream of great accomplishments.
When he was 13, Henson signed on as a cabin boy on a ship, sailing to five continents. When the captain died, however, Henson at first could not find another ship on which he could be treated as an equal. But a chance meeting with naval officer Robert Peary, who was determined to be the first man on the North Pole, changed Henson’s life. Henson joined Peary, and together they made seven trips to the Arctic region. Moreover, as the author reports, “Twice on the polar ice cap, Henson saved Peary’s life.” Then, on April 6, 1909, Peary and Henson finally stood together at the Pole, making history.
Weatherford uses poetic first-person narrative in the voice of Henson to tell us how hard Henson worked to overcome discrimination, prove himself, and earn Peary’s trust. As Weatherford has Henson declare:
“I did not sail to the tropics [with Peary] just to launder shirts and cook meals. I meant to prove myself as an explorer.”
He befriended the Eskimos, and learned their skills for survival on the ice. Between voyages, Henson became a railroad porter and explored the U.S. For their trips to the Arctic, Henson built sledges, trained dog handlers, and enlisted Eskimo guides, and went ahead on his own to guide them north. Peary declared he could not make it to the Pole without Henson. Eventually, six of them made it, “one black, one white, four Eskimos….” A camera took their picture, and they planted the American flag.
Controversy followed however. Other explorers claimed to have beaten them to the Pole. Some dismissed the claims of a black man. Peary himself later downplayed Henson’s role, and Peary and Henson parted ways. But before this happened, Henson published his memoir, A Negro Explorer at the North Pole (1912), which included a foreword and praise by Peary.
In all, Matthew Henson accompanied Robert Peary on voyages and expeditions for a period of nearly 23 years. Henson served as a navigator and craftsman, traded with Inuit and learned their language, and was known as Peary's right-hand man during this time. In 1937 Henson was admitted as a member to the prestigious Explorers Club in New York City, the first African American to be accepted. In 1948 he was made an "honorary member," a distinction for only 20 people annually.
Prolific illustrator Eric Velasquez uses full-bleed spreads made from textured watercolors in soft pastels. The pictures effectively convey the alien sweep of the Arctic terrain as well as Henson’s grit and determination.
Evaluation: This book introduces readers to yet another instance of an accomplished black person who played a major role behind the scenes of the better-known story of white accomplishment.
When he was 13, Henson signed on as a cabin boy on a ship, sailing to five continents. When the captain died, however, Henson at first could not find another ship on which he could be treated as an equal. But a chance meeting with naval officer Robert Peary, who was determined to be the first man on the North Pole, changed Henson’s life. Henson joined Peary, and together they made seven trips to the Arctic region. Moreover, as the author reports, “Twice on the polar ice cap, Henson saved Peary’s life.” Then, on April 6, 1909, Peary and Henson finally stood together at the Pole, making history.
Weatherford uses poetic first-person narrative in the voice of Henson to tell us how hard Henson worked to overcome discrimination, prove himself, and earn Peary’s trust. As Weatherford has Henson declare:
“I did not sail to the tropics [with Peary] just to launder shirts and cook meals. I meant to prove myself as an explorer.”
He befriended the Eskimos, and learned their skills for survival on the ice. Between voyages, Henson became a railroad porter and explored the U.S. For their trips to the Arctic, Henson built sledges, trained dog handlers, and enlisted Eskimo guides, and went ahead on his own to guide them north. Peary declared he could not make it to the Pole without Henson. Eventually, six of them made it, “one black, one white, four Eskimos….” A camera took their picture, and they planted the American flag.
Controversy followed however. Other explorers claimed to have beaten them to the Pole. Some dismissed the claims of a black man. Peary himself later downplayed Henson’s role, and Peary and Henson parted ways. But before this happened, Henson published his memoir, A Negro Explorer at the North Pole (1912), which included a foreword and praise by Peary.
In all, Matthew Henson accompanied Robert Peary on voyages and expeditions for a period of nearly 23 years. Henson served as a navigator and craftsman, traded with Inuit and learned their language, and was known as Peary's right-hand man during this time. In 1937 Henson was admitted as a member to the prestigious Explorers Club in New York City, the first African American to be accepted. In 1948 he was made an "honorary member," a distinction for only 20 people annually.
Prolific illustrator Eric Velasquez uses full-bleed spreads made from textured watercolors in soft pastels. The pictures effectively convey the alien sweep of the Arctic terrain as well as Henson’s grit and determination.
Evaluation: This book introduces readers to yet another instance of an accomplished black person who played a major role behind the scenes of the better-known story of white accomplishment.
March 7, 2016
The first time I ever heard about Matthew Henson was in this exceptional picture book account of his life. Born to sharecropper parents in 1866, Henson first went to sea as a thirteen-year-old cabin boy. He would later make seven trips to the Arctic with Robert Peary. On April 6, 1909, he and Peary (and four Eskimo) were the first to reach the North Pole. Sadly, his role was almost immediately discredited and downplayed; it was not until many years later that he received the recognition he deserved. This book introduced children to a famous African American explorer who deserves to be far better known today than he is.
November 2, 2010
This book was ok, but how the author wrote it made it make no sense.
March 28, 2008
• The oil pastel illustrations are beautiful and convey the majesty and wonder of the arctic landscape.
• Weatherford’s choice to start off all of the text blocks with the phrase “I did not…” communicates the hard work, struggle, and determination of Matthew Henson to accomplish his dream of making a place for himself in history, as well as the prejudices that Henson experienced. However, because of the choice to include “I did not…” it might be somewhat confusing to younger readers who do not understand the construction, and that Matthew Henson actually did do those things, but he did them with the intention of accomplishing more than society expected of him. An example of this is, “I did not start as a cabin boy, climb the ranks to able-bodied seaman, sail to five continents, and learn trades and foreign tongues to be shunned by white crews who thought blacks were not seaworthy” (p. 4).
• It is interesting that Robert Peary is first introduced merely as a “customer, a naval officer,” but not by name (p. 5).
• The illustrations and novel depict Henson doing a variety of tasks, actually showing his talent, intelligence, and hard work. However, instead of making him seem superhuman, they also help us to see Henson as a real person, especially in the pictures of him talking and working with the Inuit. These pictures, along with the descriptions on these pages give the impression of Henson as compassionate, as Inuit records and testimony from other crew members (in other works) attest.
• I feel that the language in this book is simple enough to convey historical events in a children’s book, but still flowing and pretty, unlike the stilted language in some of the other works.
• On page 14, there is actually a picture of Henson carrying Peary, illustrating that Henson saved Peary’s life countless times. It is an interesting illustration, because in this case, the image of a black man carrying a white man doesn’t have the negative connotation of the white man taking advantage of the black man. Rather, it shows Henson’s strength, compassion, and the necessity of trusting your comrades when on a dangerous expedition.
• Touches on Henson’s time as a railroad porter and the racism that he experienced, as well as the racism that kept him in financial hardship between expeditions despite his plethora of skills
• It is interesting that the harsh arctic wilderness is personified as the Inuit god Kokoyah throughout the book. Studying Matthew Henson could also serve as a springboard for learning more about the Inuit culture, accomplishments, etc.
• It is strange that the names of the four Inuit who reached the North Pole along with Peary and Henson are not listed. Also, it is odd that the illustration of Henson and the four Inuit at the North Pole does not include all of the flags that they held in reality, just the American flag. This could have been a thematic choice to convey American accomplishment, and emphasize that the face of America includes, or should include, blacks.
I was very impressed with the amount of historical detail (especially the different phases and occupations of Henson) and North Pole expedition specifics (leads, dog teams, moving ice castles, etc.) were included in the book. They were not necessarily explained in depth, but they were touched upon in the text and illustrations. I like that the pictures and text are engrossing because they tell a more narrative tale (unlike traditional biographies) of Henson’s life and conquest of the North Pole. I think that it was a wise decision to include an author’s note about the specific details of Henson’s life so that the picture book can be put into context.
• Weatherford’s choice to start off all of the text blocks with the phrase “I did not…” communicates the hard work, struggle, and determination of Matthew Henson to accomplish his dream of making a place for himself in history, as well as the prejudices that Henson experienced. However, because of the choice to include “I did not…” it might be somewhat confusing to younger readers who do not understand the construction, and that Matthew Henson actually did do those things, but he did them with the intention of accomplishing more than society expected of him. An example of this is, “I did not start as a cabin boy, climb the ranks to able-bodied seaman, sail to five continents, and learn trades and foreign tongues to be shunned by white crews who thought blacks were not seaworthy” (p. 4).
• It is interesting that Robert Peary is first introduced merely as a “customer, a naval officer,” but not by name (p. 5).
• The illustrations and novel depict Henson doing a variety of tasks, actually showing his talent, intelligence, and hard work. However, instead of making him seem superhuman, they also help us to see Henson as a real person, especially in the pictures of him talking and working with the Inuit. These pictures, along with the descriptions on these pages give the impression of Henson as compassionate, as Inuit records and testimony from other crew members (in other works) attest.
• I feel that the language in this book is simple enough to convey historical events in a children’s book, but still flowing and pretty, unlike the stilted language in some of the other works.
• On page 14, there is actually a picture of Henson carrying Peary, illustrating that Henson saved Peary’s life countless times. It is an interesting illustration, because in this case, the image of a black man carrying a white man doesn’t have the negative connotation of the white man taking advantage of the black man. Rather, it shows Henson’s strength, compassion, and the necessity of trusting your comrades when on a dangerous expedition.
• Touches on Henson’s time as a railroad porter and the racism that he experienced, as well as the racism that kept him in financial hardship between expeditions despite his plethora of skills
• It is interesting that the harsh arctic wilderness is personified as the Inuit god Kokoyah throughout the book. Studying Matthew Henson could also serve as a springboard for learning more about the Inuit culture, accomplishments, etc.
• It is strange that the names of the four Inuit who reached the North Pole along with Peary and Henson are not listed. Also, it is odd that the illustration of Henson and the four Inuit at the North Pole does not include all of the flags that they held in reality, just the American flag. This could have been a thematic choice to convey American accomplishment, and emphasize that the face of America includes, or should include, blacks.
I was very impressed with the amount of historical detail (especially the different phases and occupations of Henson) and North Pole expedition specifics (leads, dog teams, moving ice castles, etc.) were included in the book. They were not necessarily explained in depth, but they were touched upon in the text and illustrations. I like that the pictures and text are engrossing because they tell a more narrative tale (unlike traditional biographies) of Henson’s life and conquest of the North Pole. I think that it was a wise decision to include an author’s note about the specific details of Henson’s life so that the picture book can be put into context.
April 14, 2016
I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer is a biography for fourth grade and up. This book won the Black Eyed Susan Award. This story is about how Matthew Henson accomplished his dreams to become a famous explorer. We learn throughout the story he was the first person to reach the North Pole. The reason I'm giving this book 3 stars is because it has a lot of factual information on each page. The text starts out with a sentence that would be hard for younger children to understand. This book is in an easy to read format but the wording would be hard for young readers to understand without adult assistance. This book is written in first person. The illustrations are rich, detailed, and very realistic. They are drawn in oil pastel that are beautiful and have an arctic landscape. This biography has a powerful language to describe the life, and explorations of Matthew Henson. I also enjoyed the brief summary of Matthew Henson's life at the end of the book. I feel that children would really enjoy the photographs in this book, but would be confused based on the wording. I would read I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer to a student who was having trouble with classwork because Matthew Henson never gave up.
March 20, 2008
This gorgeous picture book uses spare, powerful language to describe the adult like and explorations of Matthew Henson. He was an African-American explorer who, after several failed attempts, eventually made it to the North Pole. The prose was poetic and I think it'd make a great readaloud for older grade-school kids. It certainly sparked an interest in me and I look forward to finding out more details about Henson's life and travels.
August 13, 2016
Poetic language introduces Matthew Henson, an African American, who "does not" conform to what society says a black man can do, but proves to himself that every step he takes everyday will lead him to accomplish his goals--and he does, as a member of Robert Peary's team that reached the North Pole on April 6, 1909.
The pastel illustrations that Eric Velasquez painted are exquisite and match the tone of the story. A book to reread, especially for older children and adults.
The pastel illustrations that Eric Velasquez painted are exquisite and match the tone of the story. A book to reread, especially for older children and adults.
December 18, 2023
Fantastic book to read aloud to my 4th grade class. Matthew Henson was the first person to reach the North Pole, and this is an illustrated kids book telling of his story. Great illustrations, nice stylized syntax, great figure to highlight.
August 5, 2020
The syntax in this book makes no sense. The afterword would have made better text. Also, they eat the dogs.
June 15, 2009
I love a book where you come away with knowledge of someone or something you had absolutely no idea existed. In I, Matthew Henson: Polar Explorer, I learned about Matthew Henson, who together with Robert Peary became the first men to reach the North Pole.
I, Matthew Henson is written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Through poetry, it tells the life story of Matthew Henson, an African American man with big dreams of exploring the world. Born in 1866, Henson lived in a time when African Americans had very limited opportunities in the world. Through hard work and a little luck, he accomplished goals most people only dreamt about. Written in lyrical first person verse, the hardships he encountered along the way (such as serving as a manservant, frigid weather, racism) are beautifully and realistically depicted:
"We had not survived the frigid cold
that broke some and killed others
to let our dream belt when hope
and cash ran low. While others gave up,
we returned to the polar region
and, guided by Eskimos, fetched
a prize from the ice cap-a meteor,
which Peary sold to raise funds."
Henson, Peary and four Eskimos reached the North Pole on April 6, 1909. While the book ends on a positive note, there's an extensive author's note at the end of the book which talks about the controversy that Henson and Peary experienced after their journey. Someone else claimed to have gotten there first, and then some authorities dismissed their accomplishment because of the color of Henson's skin. While eventually all was resolved, the book presents a realistic portrayal of the trials experienced by one African American at the turn of the century.
I, Matthew Henson is written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Eric Velasquez. Through poetry, it tells the life story of Matthew Henson, an African American man with big dreams of exploring the world. Born in 1866, Henson lived in a time when African Americans had very limited opportunities in the world. Through hard work and a little luck, he accomplished goals most people only dreamt about. Written in lyrical first person verse, the hardships he encountered along the way (such as serving as a manservant, frigid weather, racism) are beautifully and realistically depicted:
"We had not survived the frigid cold
that broke some and killed others
to let our dream belt when hope
and cash ran low. While others gave up,
we returned to the polar region
and, guided by Eskimos, fetched
a prize from the ice cap-a meteor,
which Peary sold to raise funds."
Henson, Peary and four Eskimos reached the North Pole on April 6, 1909. While the book ends on a positive note, there's an extensive author's note at the end of the book which talks about the controversy that Henson and Peary experienced after their journey. Someone else claimed to have gotten there first, and then some authorities dismissed their accomplishment because of the color of Henson's skin. While eventually all was resolved, the book presents a realistic portrayal of the trials experienced by one African American at the turn of the century.
January 22, 2010
The writing of the book makes this clear - every new spread repeats how Matthew Henson didn't persevere against some hardship - be it the environment, prejudice, hunger (they have to eat their sled dogs at one point, so if your kids are especially sensitive, be ready for it!), or superstition - in order to give up or fail at that point.
Matthew Henson, of course, actually existed and actually helped Peary reach the North Pole. In his words, he was the FIRST one there, in fact, but it's hard to know what really happened because afterwards Peary distanced himself from Henson when there were competing claims about which group of explorers had arrived first. (This is spelled out in the afterword instead of in the book proper, which allows the book to end on a happy, uplifting, and successful note instead of "I didn't do all this so that the guy I traveled with could say I didn't really help him and my accomplishment doesn't count, but you know what? That's what happened anyway".)
The writing is forceful and clear, and it's not so wordy you can't read it aloud.
Matthew Henson, of course, actually existed and actually helped Peary reach the North Pole. In his words, he was the FIRST one there, in fact, but it's hard to know what really happened because afterwards Peary distanced himself from Henson when there were competing claims about which group of explorers had arrived first. (This is spelled out in the afterword instead of in the book proper, which allows the book to end on a happy, uplifting, and successful note instead of "I didn't do all this so that the guy I traveled with could say I didn't really help him and my accomplishment doesn't count, but you know what? That's what happened anyway".)
The writing is forceful and clear, and it's not so wordy you can't read it aloud.
May 2, 2017
The reason I'm giving this 2 stars is because on each page the text starts out with a sentence that is, in my opinion, confusing. For example, "I did not sail to the tropics just to launder shirts and cook meals. I meant to prove myself as an explorer." She states what he did not mean to do or mean to happen before stating what did happen. I found this confusing and I think kids will too. A couple of sentences like that would have been ok, but not a whole book of them.
I liked the pictures, but the last illustration was a picture of an actual photograph that was taken at the pole, which I would have liked to have seen at the end of the book, along with the author's elaboration on Henson's life. The book was especially disappointing considering how interesting Henson was and how much I've enjoyed other books by her in the past.
I liked the pictures, but the last illustration was a picture of an actual photograph that was taken at the pole, which I would have liked to have seen at the end of the book, along with the author's elaboration on Henson's life. The book was especially disappointing considering how interesting Henson was and how much I've enjoyed other books by her in the past.
June 18, 2008
This is a beautifully illustrated (by Eric Velasquez) overview of the life of Matthew Hensen. The illustrations are extraordinary in their use of pastels to create the feeling of cold and desolation in the polar regions. In a few short sentences Weatherford is able to tell the episodes of his life and why he remains a well-known figure in exploration. Weatherford uses the pattern of starting each episode with "I did not..." to set the tone for Hensen's determination to make something of his life. He "does not" do the ordinary or expected. He steps forward to stretch himself and to make himself be seen as more than a servant. He proves his value time and again. He also proves his courage and intelligence. The picture book feel of this biography is a good introduction to a man who did not live an ordinary life.
August 19, 2015
I liked this book though the text structure can be a bit difficult. Each page follows a, "He didn't do this to not do that," structure that just kind of got in the way of the story at times. Still, it's a creative scaffold and I enjoyed the book either way. Weatherford is a master of presenting history that is comprehensible and engaging and this book is no different. The illustrations by Eric Velasquez are rich and detailed, very realistic. I would recommend this book to middle grade readers with an interest in explorers or African-American history. Henson is an amazing historical figure that has been the subject of numerous books in the last decade or so. This one is one of the better ones I've read.
March 1, 2013
I had never heard of Matthew Henson - which is a travesty. I've heard a lot about Robert Peary, first explorer to reach the North Pole, but I had no idea his traveling companion was a black man. I learned a lot from this book, which has inspired me to learn more about Matthew Henson. I gave it a 3 because I was turned off by the writing style. Every page starts with "I didn't" do something so that something else could happen. It's distracting and for me had a negative connotation. I would have preferred to just read a book that focused on the amazing life of this man. The writing style also makes it difficult for a child to understand and consequently misses the target audience.
December 1, 2010
Way too LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG of a book! Yes, it hit the historical facts but it was dull and the length could have been cut in half. I had to read this book to the class and it took forever and I gained only a few of the student's attention. Even my cooperating teacher agreed that this book was not a good read aloud book. She hadn't read it before but thought that it would be good. It was not. The way the book was written was in a factoral way and the story wasn't engaging like you'd think it might be.
May 10, 2017
I knew Matthew Henson was an amazing individual and was probably the main reason he and Peary made it to the North Pole, but this did such a good job of showing his hard work, dedication, and expertise. The way it's written really ropes you in and doesn't feel like a dry biography. Eric Velsquez's artwork is beautiful, as always.
I liked the other picture book bio I read on Henson, Keep On!: The Story of Matthew Henson but this is a cut above!
I liked the other picture book bio I read on Henson, Keep On!: The Story of Matthew Henson but this is a cut above!
January 9, 2009
While I mostly really liked this book, the distinct writing style chosen "I did not ... only to..." (which is on every page) starts to wear a bit, and by the end I found it annoying. However, that should not dissuade anyone from purchasing the book for their library, still a very good choice for the biography section.
April 10, 2012
I love great picture books for teaching me fun stuff! Oh, yeah, they teach the kids, too. I didn't know anything much about this expedition and only knew Peary's name so I'm so glad I read this book. Maybe I should look for a grown up biography to read - do you think it will have such fun pictures?
November 18, 2014
This picture book biography is great for point of view. Written in the first person with a strong air of determination and grit on the part of Matthew Henson, this book chronicles the important role Matthew Henson played in the expeditions of Admiral Peary and his uncredited role as the first man to reach the North Pole with Admiral Peary.
January 12, 2017
The only reason this book is getting 2 stars is for the beautiful illustrations and the informative afterward. I rarely use the word "hate," but I absolutely hated the narrative; which was so irritatingly repetitive with "i did not do this to.." on each freaking page. I seriously had to force myself to finish this quick read. Bad.
October 19, 2008
I always count on Weatherford for important topics, good writing, and a pull on my heartstrings. This is another book I read several times in order to feel the rhythm of the author's structure and her choice of words.
November 20, 2009
A story about how an average man followed his dreams to become a famous explorer. He goes on to be the first person to reach the north pole. The story is written as fiction instead of non-fiction. At the end of the story, there is a brief summary of Matthew Henson's life.
October 17, 2013
Loved the subject matter but thought the writing and execution of the story were terrible! I am looking forward to finding another book on this great explorer. I really was distracted by the terrible writing...
August 22, 2017
Young readers will have a hard time with the writing style of this book. Stating what he did as "I didn't..." gets confusing.
Also a sentence about how they ate their dog sled team is sure to be alienating. :(
Also a sentence about how they ate their dog sled team is sure to be alienating. :(
December 23, 2008
Possible book club book (boys)
June 1, 2010
A great inspirational story; never give up.
January 16, 2016
Very informative and moving. A pleasure to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews