LEWIS AND CLARK

Books | Web Sites

Books

For Teachers

The Greenwood Encyclopedia of Daily Life, Volume 5 edited by Joyce E. Salisbury. (Greenwood Press, 2004)
A comprehensive look at the lives of ordinary people — their clothes, food, culture, customs, beliefs, etc.

In Search of York by Robert Betts. (University Press of Colorado, 2002)
A scholarly account of the sole African-American member of the expedition.

Lewis and Clark by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns. (Knopf, 1997)
A companion volume to the Ken Burns PBS documentary, with detailed photographs and information.

Sacajawea Speaks by Joyce Badgley Hunsaker. (Falcon, 2001)
Blends oral traditions, research, and anecdotes to tell Sacajawea's story.

Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West by Stephen Ambrose. (Simon & Schuster, 1997)
A biography of Lewis that relies on the journals of both Lewis and Clark.

For Students

Fiction

Bold Journey: West with Lewis and Clark by Charles H. Bohner. (Sandpiper, 2004)
This account of the expedition is based on the experiences of 18-year-old Hugh McNeal, one of the youngest members of the Corps of Discovery. For older readers.

The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe by Roland Smith. (Harcourt, 1999)
Lewis's great Newfoundland dog narrates the story of his adventures with Lewis and Clark and the members of the Corps of Discovery.

More books from a dog's point of view:

Dog of Discovery: A Newfoundland's Adventure with Lewis and Clark by Laurence Pringle (Boyds Mills, 2002),

Lewis and Clark and Me by Laurie Myers (Holt, 2002),

Seaman, The Dog Who Explored the West with Lewis and Clark by Gail Langer Karwoski (Peachtree, 1999).

The Great Expedition of Lewis and Clark by Private Reubin Field, Member of the Corps of Discovery by Judith Edwards. (Farrar, 2003)
A narrative of the expedition, told from the perspective of a young farmer who was a member of the Corps of Discovery.

The Journal of Augustus Pelletier by Kathryn Lasky. (Scholastic, 2000)
My Name is America series. Diary entries (written by a fictitious 14-year-old boy) tell of the wonders and hardships faced by the Corps of Discovery.

They Call Me Sacagawea by Joyce Badgley Hunsaker. (Falcon, 2003)
A chronicle of the journey of Lewis and Clark, as told by the young Shoshone who acted as an interpreter.
Another book from Sacajawea's point of view:

Sacajawea by Joseph Bruchac (Harcourt, 2000).

Nonfiction

Animals on the Trail with Lewis and Clark by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. (Clarion, 2002)
Full-color photos illustrate the major wildlife species that the Corps of Discovery encountered on their journey.
Another book by the same author:

Plants on the Trail with Lewis and Clark by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent.

As Far as the Eye Can Reach: Lewis and Clark's Westward Quest by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel. (Random House, 2003)
Primary sources, maps, sketches, paintings, and an extensive bibliography make this detailed account a useful tool for learning about the expedition.

The Back of Beyond by Andy Russell Bowen. (Carolrhoda, 1997)
Follow the small group of volunteers drafted by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired western territories.

How We Crossed the West: The Adventures of Lewis and Clark by Rosalyn Schanzer. (National Geographic, 1997)
Illustrations and maps enhance excerpts from the journals of Lewis and Clark.

The Incredible Journey of Lewis and Clark by Rhoda Blumberg, (HarperTrophy, 1994)
This award-winning book chronicles the exploration with original art and archival photos.
Another book by the same author:

York's Adventures with Lewis and Clark by Rhoda Blumberg.

Lewis and Clark: Explorers of the American West by Stephen Kroll. (Holiday House, 1996)
An introduction to Lewis and Clark and their expedition. For younger readers.

The Lewis and Clark Trail, Then and Now by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. (Dutton, 2002)
Follow the route of the great expedition and see what the land looked like 200 years ago and what it looks like now.

A Picture Book of Lewis and Clark by David Adler. (Holiday House, 2003)
An account of Lewis and Clark's expedition for younger readers.
Another book by the same author:

A Picture Book of Sacagawea by David Adler.

Web Sites

Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery
http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/
This companion site to the Ken Burns PBS documentary includes a classroom resources section, lessons, activities, and a wealth of other information about the journey. (Particularly good for kids.)

Lewis and Clark: the Language of Discovery
http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/lesson_plans/lewis_clark/
This section includes lesson plans, background information, a timeline, and a guide to "following the trail."

Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation
http://www.lewisandclark.org/
This site has a kid's page with games and puzzles, as well as an education section with information for teachers and students, including a curriculum guide. (Particularly good for kids.)

You're on the Expedition of the Century!
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/west/maincontent.html
This site enables the user to "lead" a journey. (Particularly good for kids.)