Description
This stunning picture book offers a riveting account of African-American explorer Matthew Henson’s 1909 journey to the North Pole with Admiral Peary.
Matthew Henson was born just after the Civil War, a time when slavery had been abolished, but few opportunities were available for Black people. As a child, Henson exhibited a yearning for adventure, embarking at age thirteen on a five-year voyage sailing the seven seas. But Henson’s greatest adventure began when Robert Peary invited him to join an expedition to the North Pole. After many storms, injuries, and unimaginable cold, on April 1, Peary, Henson, and four Inuit men began the final 133-mile push to the Pole.
This fascinating tale from award-winning nonfiction author Deborah Hopkinson (Carter Reads the Newspaper, Thanks to Frances Perkins) is paired with beautiful artwork from Stephen Alcorn. Perfect for Black history and exploration units. Available in eBook.
Awards:
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council
Oregon Book Awards (Winner, Children’s Picture Book) ―Literary Arts
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association
Land of Enchantment Book Awards (Picture Narrative Master List) ―New Mexico Library Association, New Mexico Council of IRA
Also available from Deborah Hopkinson:
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Sweet Land of Liberty
Thanks to Frances Perkins
Reviews
“Sturdy prose…stylized illustrations range from images of classic Americana to organic figures in motion…” ―Publishers Weekly
“Henson’s story is dramatic, although the narrative voice is soft as velvet, while Stephen Alcorn’s artwork appears both washed in bitter cold and defrosted by its hand-tinted quality.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Large in scale and often handsome…” ―Booklist
“Strikingly illustrated…articulate and straightforward prose…” ―School Library Journal
“Verselike blocks of text…Alcorn’s illustration capture his awe…” ―News and Observer
“Beautiful and informative picture book…” ―The Carroll News
“There is plenty of action in Keep On! for young readers.” ―The San Francisco Chronicle
“One of the most heart-warming stories I’ve read in a long time…Hopkinson stimulates the reader’s imagination with her unique writing style, using Henson’s own words as text, then following them up with her own lively narrative, making for a very interesting read…I usually pass along the books I review, but this one is going into my special collection.” ―Picture Book Depot
“Fascinating and beautifully written…” ―Through the Looking Glass
Awards
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies, Children’s Book Council, 2010
Oregon Book Awards (Winner, Children’s Picture Book) ―Literary Arts, 2009
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2010
Land of Enchantment Book Awards (Picture Narrative Master List) ―New Mexico Library Association, New Mexico Council of IRA, 2012-2013
More Details
AR Level: 5.9
F&P: GRL S, Gr 4, Genre B
Lexile: AD1080L
Themes: African-American History, Perseverance, Polar Exploration, Strength
BISAC 1: JUV004020 JUVENILE FICTION / Biographical / United States
BISAC 2: JUV016050 JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Exploration & Discovery
BISAC 3: JUV030120 JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / Polar Regions
