Adler, David A.
A Picture Book of Lewis and Clark
Holiday House, 2003
+ 921 Lew
The spirit of adventure of this historical expedition is captured in this version for K-Grade 2children. There is a small amount of biographical information with longer information on the expedition. Himler's impressionistic two page spread paintings are well placed in the text and give a good sense of the unexplored west.
(Grades K-2)

Adler,David
A Picture Book of Sacagawea
Holiday House, 2000
+ 921 Sac
A somewhat glamorized, sanitized and simplified version, we learn of Sacagawea's involvement in the Louis and Clark expedition. Children in grades K-2 would perhaps have their interest peaked by this introduction.
(Grades K-2)

Ambrose, Stephen
This Vast Land: A Young Man's Journal of the Lewis and Clark Expedition: A Novel
Simon and Schuster, 2002
YA Amb
A fictional diary of the youngest member of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery. George Shannon was 19 years old when he had to persuade Lewis to let him join the expedition. The journey itself becomes the center of the story, and each chapter is an encounter with an Indian tribe, difficulty with terrain, or some other type of conflict. At the very end, a positive message about diversity comes through as Shannon rejects some of the white explorer's racist attitudes.
(Grade 8 and up)

Blumberg, Rhonda
The Incredible Journey of Lewis and Clark
Beech Tree, 1987
YA 917.9 Blu
For middle school students and above, in a chronological arrangement covered over 16 chapters. The text is clear and entertaining and especially frank about the humanness in some of the relationships. The lively, gritty account makes this an appeal to middle school readers. These details seem to bring the text to life.
(Grades 7-12)

Blumberg, Rhoda
York's Adventures with Lewis and Clark: An African-American's Part in the Great Expedition
Harper Collins, 2004
+ 971.804 Blu
Many do not know that an African American man was part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. York was Clark's playmate as a child and later his personal manservant. His strength, skills and courageous acts were recorded in the journals, and the native tribes were intrigued by his black skin and strong physique, which often helped the group gain acceptance. Reproductions of paintings, prints, photographs, documents and artifacts illustrate this book.
(Grades 4-6)

Bruchac, Joseph
Sacajawea: The Story of Bird Woman and the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Harcourt, 2000
YA Bru
In a unique technique to move the story along, each chapter is told in the alternating first person points of view of Sacajawea and Clark telling the circumstances to Pomp, Sacagawea's son. Sacajawea's grown son Pomp introduces the characters. Each chapter being with either a Shoshone tale or a relevant journal entry from Clark . Clark's account is crucial to supplying information about Sacajawea that she herself cannot provide. The alternating voice offers a fuller impression of the trip, and a better understanding of the culture, perspective, and the social and historical climate of the times.
(Grades 6-10)

Erdrich, Lise
Sacagawea
Carolrhoda, 2003
+ 921 Sac
Picture book account of the young Shoshone girl who was kidnapped by Hidatsa as an 11 year old, and became the bride of a French Canadian fur trapper named Toussaint Charbonneau.  Though brought along on the expedition as a secondary figure, she became a central figure in saving the trip from ruin on several occasions. Though little is known about Sacagawea's early life, and her time after the expedition was completed , Erdrich tries to avoid fictionalizing what occurred, and smoothly carries through on what is known of the facts. An afterward distinguishes between what is certain and what probably happened. The rich impressionistic paintings create a sense of time and place.
(Grades 1-5)

Eubank, Patricia
Seaman's Journal: On the Trail with Lewis and Clark
Ideals Publications, 2002
E Eub
Seaman was the Newfoundland dog who belonged to Meriwether Lewis. The story is told from the perspective of the Seaman, as they make their trek to the Pacific. Each page is a chronologically dated journal entry from Seaman's perspective. This book would peak the interest of K-2 children, and is lavishly illustrated by the author. Each page is framed in a wood looking border, with the text on each page framed like this also. Also helping to frame the text border are mini illustrations relating to the events described on the page and the large illustrations on the page.
(Grades K-3)

Fitz-Gerald, Christine
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark
(The World's Greatest Explorer's)
Children's Press, 1991
YA 910.922 Fit
A chronological description of the trip with a fair amount of information of background information about the preparation for the trip and the other members of the expedition. A nice combination of current photos of the area explored, as well as newer and older drawings, and photos.
(Grades 4-7)

Fradin, Dennis Brindell
Who Was Sacagawea?
Grosset & Dunlap, 2002
+ 921 Sac
The accurate accessible information, is detracted from by the illustrations, especially the cover and the drawing of people. In a good beginning chapter book reader format.
(Grades 2-5)

Gunderson, Mary
Cooking on the Lewis and Clark Expedition (Exploring History Through Simple Recipes)
Blue Earth Books, 2000
+ 641.59 Gun
The author does a fine job of drawing clear connections from history to food by utilizing passages from Lewis's account of the journey. Food and preparation follow the expedition's travels through various regions and include meals that are indigenous to the area in which they are. Recipes and a glossary are included, as well as a list if internet sites and a list of places to write and visit.
(Grades 2-6)

Hamilton, John
The Journey Home
Abdo, 2003
+ 917.804 Ham
This book picks up in the spring of 1806 as the members of the Corps of Discovery leave Fort Clatsop on the Oregon coast, and return home ( Lewis and Clark separating for a while) A bit about the lives of the two explorers after the expedition make this a bit different that many of the titles. Includes highlights and directions to historical points of interest.
(Grades 4-6)

Herbert, Janis
Lewis and Clark for Kids
Chicago Press Review, 2000
+ 917.804 Her
Jefferson's vision was to not only to explore and find a passageway to the west, but to also explore the continent full of unique plants and animals. This book includes twenty one activities bringing to life the native tribes encountered, the animals and plants discovered and the camping and navigating techniques which were use. A listing of Lewis and Clark sites, museums, websites and a glossary are included.
(Grades 4-8)

Karkowski, Gail Langer
Seaman: The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis and Clark
Peachtree Publisher, 2002
+ Kar
Sometime in the summer of 1803, Meriwether Lewis paid the huge sum of $20 for the Newfoundland dog and named her Seaman. Seaman played an important part in the Corp of discoveries journeys, and his name is mentioned 30 times in the journals. He catches and retrieves game, protects the expedition from wild animals and hostile Indians and becomes a friend and protector to many. Recommended for young readers ages 9-12, the reader will get caught up in the adventure, and by concentrating on the interaction of the dog with the members of the expedition, the men and woman become humanized.
(Grades 3-7)

Kimmel, Elizabeth Cody
As Far as the Eye Can Reach: Lewis and Clark's Westward Quest
Random House 2003
+ 917.8 Kim
Offers a succinct presentation of the expedition. The prose fashion in presenting the facts will grab children's interest. Excerpts from the original journals begin each chapter. The many illustrations will include reproductions of period maps, documents and drawing as well as artwork.
(Grades 4-7)

Kline, Trish
Lewis and Clark
(Discover the Life of the Explorer)
Rourke Publishing, 2002
+ 917.804 Kli
Bare bones information in format for a 2-3rd grade reader. A good choice for the youngest reader who may have an interest in Lewis and Clark.
(Grades 3-6)

Morley, Jacqueline
Across America: The Story of Lewis and Clark
Franklin Watts, 1998
+ 917.804 Mor
Using an episodic organization, each spread details a different segment of the Lewis and Clark adventure. The information is very accurate with very detailed watercolor illustrations. Sure to engage young readers with its easy readability and attractive art.
(Grades 4-7)

Myers,Laurie
Lewis and Clark and Me
Henry Holt, 2002
+ Mye
Seaman, Lewis's 150 pound Newfoundland dog, introduces youngster to this exciting epic. Seaman's tales are filled with joys of companionship and excitement of adventure. The chapters are based on accounts in Lewis's journal, and a relevant quote finishes each fictional episode. An explanation at the end explains the reason earlier books published gave the Seaman the name Scannon. Silhouettes open each chapter, and many oil painting are found within.
(Grades 4-7)

O'Dell, Scott
Streams to the River, River to the Sea
Random House, 1986
YA O'D
This is a fictionalized account of the Sacagawea, told from Sacagawea's point of view. Though those with extensive knowledge of the journals of Lewis and Clark, will notice that many of the incidents in which she played a part, it seems to be difficult to translate statements into narrative scenes and dialogues and does require that conversation action and motive are invented. Like all of the factual information about Sacagawea, she is portrayed as very resourceful and courageous. This fictionalization portrays not only the physical journey for Sacagawea, but a spiritual one as well, as she matures in both her wisdom, and in her love for Clark.
(Grades 6-12)

Orr, Tamara
The Lewis and Clark Expedition: A Primary Source History of the Journey of the Corps of Discovery
Rosen, 2003
Available through MORE
This includes realistic photos painted at the times as well as photos of the maps and journals. Examines the events and key figures behind the adventure through documentation provided by the primary resources.
(Grades 5-9)

Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw
The Lewis and Clark Trail:Then and Now
Dutton, 2002
+ 917.804 Pat
An approach is taken that "you are there" and this method contributes to having the reader understand the hardships involved. Well illustrated and in a large format incorporated information about the land, rivers, and vegetation of the times. As a general rule, the text conveys the "then" while the pictures convey the 'now".
(Grades 4-8)

Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw
Animals on the Trail with Lewis and Clark
Clarion Books, 2003
+ 917.804 Pat
The data and samples of the animal life collected would serve as the basis of scientific study for years to come. The fine photography of the illustrations make this an inviting introduction to the expedition . Also included are the chronology of new animals discovered.
(Grades 4-7)

Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw
Plants on the Trail with Lewis and Clark
Clarion Books, 2003
+ 581.978 Pat
Part of the direction Lewis and Clark received from Thomas Jefferson was to "notice the soil and face of the country, its growth and vegetable production". Along the route they collected nearly 200 hundred seed and specimens , many previously unknown. From the Indians they learned which plants were edible, which had medicinal purposes, and which were good to use for building materials. A chronological listing of the plants collected along with the location is found at the back of book.
(Grades 4-7)

Peterson, David
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark: Soldiers, Explorers and Partners in History
Children's Press, 1988
+ 920 Pet
Offers early biographical materials of both of the great explorers. Overall solid information, but the follow up chapters (titled the Aftermath of Discovery, The Others, Scientific Discoveries of Lewis and Clark, and the Legacy of Discovery) are all on what happened after the expedition, make this a unique choice.
(Grades 4-6)

Quiri, Patricia
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Compass Point Books, 2001
+ 973.8 Qui
Readable text provides a good introductory overview of the historical sites and events. The reproductions, maps and photographs are quite attractive and the text is quite readable.
(Grades 4-6)

Pringle, Laurence
Dog of Discovery: A Newfoundland's Adventures with Lewis and Clark
Boyd, Mills Press, 2002
+ 917.8 Pri
With very descriptive language, a very detailed and historically accurate account of the expedition make this a pleasure for read. Written in the third person, this informative story, though classified as fiction, gives true feel for the times. The sidebars, afterward, index, and lists of resources help to offer a rich detail of the expedition.
(Grades 4-6)

Redmond, Shirley
Lewis and Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President
Random House 2003
+ 917.804 Red
This bit of information about the Lewis and Clark expedition is handled with a light touch aimed at beginning readers. President Jefferson asked Lewis and Clark to go west, "make maps, and explore rivers, collect plants and draw wild animals and send presents." The illustration of John Manders convey the actions and emotions of both the people and the animals. Fun scenes show the explorers trying to catch buffalo, and grizzly bears, but they settle on a cute little prairie dog which they send back with a huge load of plants, skins and animal specimens. This little delight is sure to inspire new readers to want to know more.
(Grade K-2)

St. George, Judith
Sacagawea
G.P. Putnam, 1997
+ 921 Sac
Well written and researched exciting read for adventurer lover's - attacking grizzles, dangerous rapids, hostile Indians, and mysterious illnesses with unusual cures contribute to the excitement of the book. An appealing read for ages 9-12., with a bit of assumed reaction and emotions to events do at times seem a bit awkward.
(Grades 4-7)

Schanzer, Rosalyn
How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis and Clark
National Geographic Society, 1997
+ 917.804 Sch
The reader friendly text is taken from the original journals of the explorer's themselves. The book follows the route mapped out on the end papers. The illustration, done in colored pencil, are very detailed and done an almost folk art style. The pages are broken up into small vignettes with captions. A very good nonfiction picture book addition.
(Grades 3-7)

Smith, Roland
The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe
Harcourt Brace, 1999
YA Smi
Seaman's perspective, both fresh and original, is faithful to the original diaries and brings to life the day to day faced by the expedition. It's a fairly objective way of relating many customs of the various Indian tribes.
(Grades 5-8)

Stein, R. Conrad
The Story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Children's Press, 1978
+ 973.8 Ste
An easier version of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Though the illustrations are mainly done in sepia tone, they offer a clear picture of what the keelboat and pirogues (boat) looked like. This title mentions two points not made in many of the other titles. Both are in regard to what they were asked to investigate on the trip. One was a request to look for the descendents of a Welsh Prince named Madoc, who had sailed to the New World 300 years before Columbus, and disappeared. The other was a request by Benjamin Rush, a doctor, who asked them to closely observe the religious practices of the Western Indians.
(Grades 1-4)

Hatch, Lynda
Lewis and Clark (Pathways of America)
Good Apple, Inc. 1995
+ 372.89 Hat
Each of the major sites along the trail is highlighted in chronological order and includes detailed background information, journal quotations, memorable stories and a bibliography. Activities for students accompany each site description. Though the information is detailed, it will be of interest to students to read on their own, or to have the stories read to them. Includes a list of the names of all of the members of the expedition.
(Teacher Resource)

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