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Title: A Good Look into the Lewis & Clark Expedition
Review: Gail Langer Karwoski has done an excellent job of fictionalizing the Lewis & Clark adventure by drawing on details from their diaries. Using Lewis' dog, Seaman, as a focal point, she details the many dangers and perils faced by the explorer group while doing good character development of the protagonists. Sacagawea and York, a slave owned by Clark, are shown in their pivotal contributions (often ignored) to the expedition. My only criticism revolves around the portrayal of the various Native American groups encountered by Lewis & Clark. Because she has drawn on the diaries and their viewpoint, various tribes are depicted as either "noble savages" or "thieving Indians" and deeper cultural issues are not explored as to the traditions of these varied groups. Overall an excellent book, but perhaps best read with adult guidance.
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