Jedediah Smith (Watts Library)

Gr. 3-6. From the Books of Exploration series, these slender volumes provide abundantly illustrated biographical accounts of two figures in American history. Focusing on the well-documented years of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the first book spotlights Sacagawea, who was about 16 when the Corps of Discovery set out on its journey. Less romanticized than some accounts of Sacagawea, this text presents her story in a straightforward way and acknowledges that sources differ about her later life. The second book introduces a man who further explored the West a generation after Lewis and Clark. From 1826 to 1831, Smith made his way through the land that would become Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. The many colorful illustrations include paintings and prints from many periods, modern photos of sites, and clearly drawn maps. Each book concludes with a time line, a glossary, and lists of recommended books, videos, organizations, and Web sites as well as a note on sources. Other titles in this useful, attractive series can be found in the Series Roundup. Carolyn Phelan
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