A Picture Book of Sacagawea

Picture Book Biography

by David A. Adler, Dan Brown (Illustrator)

A concise look at the legendary Shoshone woman who led explorers Lewis and Clark on their route from the Dakotas to the Pacific Ocean.

Born in the Rocky Mountains, Sacagawea was taken captive and held hundreds of miles away from home for years. When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark came through her new village, Sacagawea was offered as a guide since the explorers were heading toward Shoshone territory, where she was from. Pregnant with her first child and the only woman on the expedition, she accompanied them through the frigid winter of 1804-05 and gave birth to her son as the group traveled west. Her knowledge of the land, interpretation skills, and diplomatic manner were of great use to the team and helped ensure a successful voyage.

This child friendly narrative of Sacagawea's intrepid life contains memorable facts, history, and context, accompanied by elegant illustrations. Back matter includes a timeline, author's note, and bibliography.

Genres: History, Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, American History, Childrens, Native American

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

David Abraham Adler is an American children's author. He was born in New York City, New York in 1947. He graduated from Queens College in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in economics and education. For the next nine years, he worked as a mathematics teacher for the New York City Board of Education, while taking classes towards a master's degree in marketing, a degree he was awarded by New York University in 1971. In that same year, a question from his then-three-year-old nephew inspired Adler to write his first story, A Little at a Time, subsequently published by Random House in 1976. Adler's next project, a series of math books, drew on his experience as a math teacher. In 1977, he created his most famous character, Cam Jansen, originally featured in Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, which was published that year.

Adler married psychologist Renee Hamada in 1973, and their first child, Michael, was born in 1977. By that time Adler had taken a break from teaching and, while his wife continued her work, he stayed home, took care of Michael, and began a full-time writing career.

Adler's son, Michael S. Adler, is now the co-author of several books with his father, including A Picture Book of Sam Adams, A Picture Book of John Hancock, and A Picture Book of James and Dolly Madison. Another son, Edward, was the inspiration for Adler's Andy Russell series, with the events described in the series loosely based on adventures the Adler family had with Edward's enthusiasm and his pets.

As of November 2008, Adler has three sons and two grandsons. He lives in Woodmere, New York.

(source: Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ages: 5 - 9

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[Ben Truong · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Picture Book of Sacagawea is a children's picture book written by David A. Adler and illustrated by Dan Brown. It is a biographical picture book of Sacagawea – a Lemhi Shoshone woman who was notable in helping Lewis and Clark in their expedition.

November, at least in my part of the world is Native American Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, preferably a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.

Sacagawea was a Lemhi Shoshone woman who, at sixteen, met and helped the Lewis and Clark Expedition in achieving their chartered mission objectives by exploring the Louisiana Territory. She traveled with the expedition thousands of miles from North Dakota to the Pacific Ocean and helped establish cultural contacts with Native American populations in addition to her contributions to natural history.

Adler's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The reliable no-nonsense approach is inclusive enough to satisfy most early elementary school grade needs, but those seeking inspiration or validation will need to look elsewhere. Furthermore, the text seems a tad flatfooted in places, which makes the narration a tad dull. Brown's watercolor illustrations depicted the narrative somewhat well with some places where the illustrations seemed a tad awkward.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Most of the familiar elements of Sacagawea's life are presented: the approximate place and date of birth; death of her mother in a raid by a rival tribe; her marriage to a French trapper Charbonneau; joining the expedition with her husband; the birth of her son Jean Baptiste; her ability to communicate with other native peoples; her wide ranging knowledge of edible plants; and the like.

All in all, A Picture Book of Sacagawea is a good, albeit cursory biography about Sacagawea, but executed rather mediocrity.

[Skylar · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not recommended for history/homeschool use. Sacagawea is very light-skinned and looks more like my Ashkenazi Jewish relatives than an indigenous woman. Writes in the text that the Hidatsa people were lighter-skinned than the Shoshone (and presumably Sacagawea), but they’re drawn with darker skin, most noticeably in the scene where they are selling her to her “husband.”

Dismissive language around her captivity and rape, dismissive language and illustrations around the enslaved member of the Lewis and Clark journey. Ignores the effect of this expedition on Native peoples and Sacagawea herself, presenting her as an uncomplicated hero just here to help like it was a choice. “She helped assure the success of the journey and open up the continent to the people of the United States.”

All things considered, there are many much worse book versions of this story, but that doesn’t make this a “good” one. Probably the least harmful of the harmful books I pre-read, which means still harmful and not for use in our homeschool.

Misc annoyances with the illustrations: Just plain annoyed by the “2 month old baby on a cradleboard” that is clearly a 1+ year old baby and not a cradleboard. Also bothered by the weird Pippi Longstocking-ish braids of Sacagawea - they just sit so unnaturally, like a bad plastic wig.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Picture Book of Sacagawea (Picture Book Biography) by David A. Adler, Illustrator Dan Brown- Hindi language translation by Vidushak- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The narrates the story of Sacagawea who was born in the Rocky Mountains. Sacagawea was taken captive and was taken hundreds of miles away from home for years. When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark came through her new village, Sacagawea was offered as a guide since the explorers were heading toward Shoshone territory, where she was pregnant with her first child. She was the only woman on the expedition. She accompanied them through the frigid winter of 1804-05 and gave birth to her son as the group traveled further west. Her knowledge of the land, interpretation skills, and diplomatic manner were of great use to the team and helped ensure a successful voyage. This book contains memorable facts, history, and context, accompanied by elegant illustrations. The last page includes a timeline, author's note, and bibliography. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice overview for young kids about a Native American woman who played a major role in the Expansion of the West as a guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark expedition. There is very little known about Sacagawea other than what is found in the journals of Lewis and Clark. But, what is clear, is that Sacagawea made quite the impression on Lewis and Clark and she was favorably recorded and celebrated in history for her wilderness abilities.

It is mentioned that she was born in the Shoshone tribe in Idaho and then kidnapped by another tribe and relocated to North Dakota. From there, she was sold to her French-born "husband" and when he volunteered to join the expedition, it was Sacagawea who proved the greater asset. We enjoyed the book but I think we may have learned more from the 3 minute YouTube TedEd video we watched.

[Emily Sammartino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sacagawea was a Native American Shoshone Indian who guided Lewis and Clark on their expedition. After she was captured and sold an opposing tribe to a white trader, she served to translate and show the land to the new travelers, with her newborn baby. The illustrations were not the most appealing, they looked old which turned me off from the book. I was hoping the book would give new details about Sacagawea, but most of the information was what we already know and learn from school. The book was okay, and I would read it to my students when introducing Sacagawea to students, but apart from that I would not read this book again.

[Kimberly Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacagawea was born in 1788 or 1789, the books does not know for sure, and she lived in the Western Rocky Mountains. She was from the Native American Tribe, Shoshone Tribe. She became famous for guiding Lewis and Clark during their exploration of the Missouri River. Good book with great illustrated pictures for grades 3-6.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My kids and I have read a lot of Lewis & Clark/Sacagawea picture books. This one is ok. Very basic, which would be good for an introduction, but fairly boring for children who already know about Sacagawea.

[Brandielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gibson - 3 Stars
Foley - 5 Stars

[TREVIS C]

The story of the life of Sacagawea and the assistance she offered to Lewis and Clark.

[Rachel Behrends · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great explanation of Sacagawae and the Lewis and Clark expedition for young children.

[Ulana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an easy read briefly telling the story of Scagawea's life. It told of her traveling with the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveling west. She helped them on this journey.

[Samantha Mozes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biography; 2001.

While this book is a little dry, it is very informative. This would be a great book for children researching/learning about Sacajawea, or a teacher who is having on a lesson about her to supplement. It would also fill in a Lewis and Clark lesson fairly well, and could be a great way to give some more personal history.

[Alissa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: A Picture Book of Sacagawea
Author: David A. Adler
Illustrator: Dan Brown
Genre: Biography
Theme(s): Native Americans, American Expansion
Opening line/sentence: Sacagawea was born in 1788 or 1789 in the western Rocky Mountains.
Brief Book Summary: Around ten or eleven years old, Sacagawea, a Shoshone, was captured by the Hidatsa. After being sold to be the wife of Charbonneau, Sacagawea met Lewis and Clark. Sacagawea served as a guide and a translator for Lewis and Clark as they explored the west during the American expansion.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Linda Lilley (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 13, No. 2))
In this picture book biography, the author gives details about the life of Sacagawea. It provides the reader information about her early life with the Shoshone and her capture by the Hidatsa. The book tells how she was a vital part of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Overall, the author does an excellent job telling the story of her life, strength, and courage. The beautifully detailed illustrations would make the book very appealing to young readers. Grades 3-5. 2000, Holiday House, Unpaged, $16.95. Ages 8 to 11.
(PUBLISHER: Holiday House (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2000.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: A. Braga (Parent Council Volume 8)
Issuance of the Sacagawea dollar has increased an awareness of her role in the exploration of the west. This appealing picture book tells her story and brings alive an interesting chapter of American history. 2000, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 8 to 10.
(PUBLISHER: Holiday House (New York:), PUBLISHED: c2000.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both reviews state how the author does an excellent job telling the story of Sacagawea. The first review states how beautiful the illustrations are and how they can make the text more suitable for young readers. The second review credits the Sacagawea dollar for increasing the awareness of her role in the American expansion.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: Being told in chronological order will help students understand the events that impacted Sacagawea's life. At the end of the text, the author provides a list of important dates that can help students organize what they had just read in detail. The illustrations provide students with a glimpse of what the Native Americans and the explorers looked like during this time.
Consideration of Instructional Application: Once students have finished reading this book, they would be encouraged to research more information on Sacagawea and her journey with Lewis and Clark. With this information, students will create a timeline of the events that occurred during the American expansion. Once students have finished their timelines, they will present them to the class.

[Kiersten Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. This book has no received any awards.
2. This book is meant for students in grades 1-4.
3. This book starts out explaining how Sacagawea lived in her tribe called The Shoshone. After another tribe attacked her own, Sacagawea was separated from them and captured by the other tribe. Then, Lewis and Clark encountered Sacagawea and brought her along their adventure as a translator and guide.
4. I really liked this book because of the writing and illustrations. The author makes this story easy to read and follow for the targeted audience, all while telling an accurate description of Sacagawea's life. I also really liked the illustrations on almost every page depicting the written words.
5. One way this could be used in the classroom is when covering the topic of Native Americans. The students could read this book and do further research on the tribe in which she was born into. Another way that this book could be used is by talking about the Lewis and Clark expedition. This book could be used as a transition from Native Americans to the Lewis and Clark expedition.

[Chris Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book about Sacajawea portrays her as a hero while glossing over the fact that she was basically a slave pressed into service by her white husband, who either bought her or won her in a bet after she was kidnapped by another tribe. I'm sure Lewis and Clark could not have done it without her, but I'd be worried about the messages students might take away from this book. Adler writes that "during her seventeen months as part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, she helped assure the success of the journey and open up the continent to the people of the United States." But would she have helped, given the choice, and was opening up the continent to the United States good for the Shoshone, Hidatsa, or other Native Americans? Are they included in "the people of the United States"? Also, Brown's illustrations are troubling; Sacajawea looks white and York, the black slave, looks ashen blue. A map would have been nice, too.

[Melanie, Aaron, Annie, and Mary Project · Rating 5 out of 5]

By: David D. Adler
Illustrated By: Dan Brown
Grade Levels: 3-5
Lexile Measure: 800L
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.6
Reviewed By: Aaron Carter

As its name suggests, A Picture Book of Sacagawea is filled with illustrations of the young Shoshone woman who was instrumental in the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition; however, there's extensive text describing all facets of her early life, from being captured and turned slave, being sold to the "white man" and joining the expedition (the only female among the group). Although the sentences are generally simple in structure, there are some words and names that might prove challenging to readers, especially those in the lower recommended grades. There's a helpful list of important dates at the end of the book. This book would be a good choice to read aloud or assign when discussing the Lewis and Lark expedition, or at the beginning of a unit on western expansion.

[Danielle]

1. No awards
2. Grade 2-5
3. This picture book tells the amazing story of Sacagawea in a brief story. She was the interpreter and guide for the Lewis and Clark expeditions. The story tells known information about the incredible woman.
4. She was kidnapped as a child, and sold to be someone's wife. Her brutal life is not fully depicted in this story. Often the author depicts her with makeup, and cheerful despite the horrors she faced. This book, while telling some of her story, does not do this amazing woman justice.
5. This book is good as an introduction to the Lewis and Clark expeditions. It can also be compared to more detailed and accurate texts for students to determine its value.

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly I'm just mad at this book for illustrating Sacagawea as so light skinned when it was written in the text that "the Hidasta were taller and lighter skinned than the Shoshone". They also made her son appear light skinned, too. I know his father was a French Canadian, but that is just highly unlikely.

I know we try to lighten the mood with history for children, but I think this takes it a bit too far. There are other, better, children's book out there about Sacagawea. (I highly suggest Kristin Petrie's version for storytelling and lesson plans.)

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this history book that was also a biography of the Indian woman whom traveled with Louis and Clark. I thought this book could be used for so many different topics like history and a biography for starters.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, though poorly reviewed, provided a simple, richly illustrated intro to Sacagawea for Caoimhe. I edited the attack by the Hidatsa, and C's favorite section was the reunion between Chief Cameahwait and Sacagawea.

[Andrea Retana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would love to use this book to teach students about American Indians. I think this book has great illustration and uses very simple vocabulary. It would help young students to start learning about history. I would recommend this book for 4th and 5th graders .

[Jen]

Very informative book about the life of Sacagawea and her significance to the success of Lewis and Clark’s expedition. (Nonfiction)

[Ali LAli · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is an adventouos book

[Deanna Sutter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was just okay.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story was okay, but the artwork was horrible.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was ok. I was not a fan of the illustrations, but it did provide a simple overview of Sacajawea's life and I might still use this as an aid in a lesson plan.

[Megan Knippenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple yet informative.

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 49735 EN Nonfiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 5.0 - AR Pts: 0.5
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP

[LaDow Picture · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a story. Basically just facts in paragraph form.