Keep On!
The Story of Matthew Henson, Co-discoverer of the North Pole
Candlewick Press · Print & ebook · October 6, 2015
This stunning picture book offers a riveting account of African American explorer Matthew Henson's 1909 journey to the North Pole with Admiral Peary.
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- Who it’s for
- Follow Matthew Henson’s North Pole journey through hardship, exploration, and a history too often overlooked.
- Themes
- Black history and limited opportunity, Arctic exploration, Perseverance through hardship
- Pacing
- Fast
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Start with this bookAbout this book
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.
Continue reading
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 is paired with beautiful artwork from Stephen Alcorn. Perfect for Black history and exploration units.
Adventure Against Odds
Follow Matthew Henson’s North Pole journey through hardship, exploration, and a history too often overlooked.
Come here for
- A true exploration story centered on a Black adventurer
- A vivid account of storms, injuries, and Arctic cold
Expect
- A picture-book telling of Henson’s 1909 expedition
- Artwork by Stephen Alcorn alongside Deborah Hopkinson’s narrative
Where it sits
| African American Life (U.S.) | 44% |
|---|---|
| Exploration & Discovery | 38% |
| Historical Biographies for Kids | 37% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- African American Life (U.S.)
- Exploration & Discovery
- Polar Regions
- Authors
- Deborah Hopkinson
- Publisher
- Candlewick Press
- Published
- October 6, 2015
- Format
- Print & ebook
- Theme
- Black history and limited opportunity · Arctic exploration · Perseverance through hardship
- Reading lane
- African American Life (U.S.)