This is matthew henson s firsthand account of the epic adventurea dramatic tale of danger, courage, and determination. Matthew henson library section 3 short biographies and grade school to young adult reading level. Polar explorer by weatherford, carole boston walker childrens, 2007 hardcover hardcover hardcover. In 1988 henson s body was moved to arlington national cemetery where he was interred near the place where robert peary was buried. Many know the story of robert pearys great 1909 expedition to reach the north pole. Matthew henson was one of the greatest arctic explorers in history and the greatest african american arctic explorer. Woodson outstanding merit book, a national science teachers association book, childrens book council notable childrens trade book in the field of social studies.
Jan 22, 2016 all about matthew henson fun geography facts for kids. They grow the food, then they share their crop with the landowner. Childrens literature comprehensive database innovative and entertaining, this nonfiction title captures the story of africanamerican explorer matthew henson in a graphic novel format. The story of matthew henson codiscoverer of the north pole. Matthew henson facts for kids matthew henson, education. I finished this young adult book, yesterday, on the africanamerican explorer, matthew henson famous for discovering the north pole. Every year matthew and his family would grow a crop. Actually, the book inspired me to read about other arctic explorers.
I have his autobiography on my shelves right now and im looking forward to reading his voice. This book should be required reading for schools, especially during black history month. Matthew henson was the first man to set foot on the north pole, but his race kept him from getting the recognition he deserved. During his teenage years, henson sailed on vessels that journeyed across the globe, and it is those experiences that caught the attention of famed arctic explorer matthew peary. Through poetry, it tells the life story of matthew henson, an african american man with big dreams of exploring the world. Matthew henson was an explorer who was part of the first team to reach the north. This stunning picture book offers a riveting account of africanamerican explorer matthew henson s 1909 journey to the north pole with admiral peary. The conquest of the north pole was an elusive, almost impossible goal at the beginning of the last century. The childrens bookshow is a charity that is dedicated to inspiring children with books by putting on performances and workshops with the best childrens authors and illustrators from the uk and abroad. Polar explorer is a biography in verse and my third collaboration with illustrator eric velasquez. Matthew henson i cant get along without him, peary said of henson, who was an expert dogsledder, hunter, craftsman, and navigator who even became fluent in inuit. The childrens bookshow bookshow at home with catherine johnson. There are a few reasons that i wanted to tell matthew henson s story in i, matthew henson.
We saw photos from the book of matthew henson and had time too to take wonderful questions from schools around the uk. Aug 23, 2005 matthew henson national geographic learning, national geographic learning on. Arctic, matthew henson, exploration, north pole, lesson plans, unit studies, teacher resource. Matthew henson goodreads meet your next favorite book. Keep on the story of matthew henson, codiscoverer of the. Matthew henson may have been the first person to stand at the north pole. Yet few people know that peary was joined on this grueling, historymaking journey by fellow explorer matthew henson. I, matthew henson is written by carole boston weatherford and illustrated by eric velasquez. See more ideas about matthew henson, matthews, arctic explorers. Anauakaq once visited his fathers family and the site where henson was buried. Matthew alexander henson was born in maryland on august 8, 1866. The son of two freeborn black sharecroppers, henson lost his mother at an early age.
A sharecropper is a farmer, but they dont own the land they farm. Shes also penned biographies of biddy mason, arctic explorer matthew henson, harriet tubman, sojourner truth, and abigail adams. The story of matthew henson, codiscoverer of the north pole. The book had many interesting facts that would blow my mind. Keep on the story of matthew henson, codiscoverer of. Operating as pearys first man on six expeditions that spanned over a quarter of century, henson was an essential member of all of pearys most famous expeditions. The childrens bookshow catherine johnson in conversation.
Born in 1866, henson lived in a time when african americans had very limited opportunities in the world. Matthew henson bulletin board idea an inspiring story about a man who did not let his humble beginnings prevent him from exploring the world and going where no man had gone before. This unique way to present biographical information to elementary through middle school age students is sure to be a big hit. I could have used hensons help dealing with the recent cold spell, when my car wouldnt start. Toughminded and poetic, this biographical sketch draws much of its power from what it leaves unsaid. Matthew alexander henson was born in maryland in 1866. Matthew henson library, books on matthew henson, about. The childrens book council cbc is the nonprofit trade association of childrens book publishers in north america, dedicated to supporting the industry and promoting childrens books and reading. Council for social studies book, childrens book council notable childrens trade book in. This book tells the story of a man who risked his life to achieve his dreams. They run the gamut of educational requirements from 32 page kids books to the fine, library quality arctic explorer by jeri ferris. Matthew henson a negro explorer at the north pole book. Keep on the story of matthew henson, codiscoverer of the north.
In between is a story about a young boy running way from home to a new life and eventually reaching the north pole. Matthew henson was born just after the civil war, a time when slavery had been abolished, but few opportunities were available for black people. Matthew hensons historic expedition to the north pole the kid. A biography discussing the life story of explorer matthew henson and his expedition to the north pole with robert peary. Polar explorer carole boston weatherford, author, eric velasquez, illustrator, illus. Learn about the controversy surrounding his discovery, what.
Respect riffs on aretha franklins hit songusing hyphenated terms like talent and proud as signpoststo introduce a rhyming couplets that chart her journey. When henson was only about he went to work on a sailing ship. I was 14 years of age when i first read dark companion, and it. Deborah hopkinson gives us a matthew henson who is instrumental to the success of the expedition, completely likable, and brilliant at getting the work done. Buy the book buy the book black history boy black history book for kids a new and informative childrens book, black history boy, based. The childrens bookshow bookshow at home with catherine. Keep on the story of matthew henson, codiscoverer of the north pole the only kids ebook subscription service that offers thousands of highquality books. Jan 01, 2009 the story of matthew henson, codiscoverer of the north pole by deborah hopkinson an exerpt. These features, combined with the exciting story of matthew henson, make this a must read for ages 8 and up. Learn more fun facts about matthew henson s expeditions with our free easy science website for kids. Aug 20, 2020 matthew alexander henson was born on august 8, 1866, in charles county, maryland.
He accompanied commander perry to the north pole in the 1909 expedition that was at that time viewed as the most successful expedition to the north pole. It was hard being a young black man who had dreams in the late 1800s. Frisby, flies over the north pole and drops a steel box containing a u. Matthew henson, pioneering black polar explorer, in historic. The writing of the book makes this clear every new spread repeats how matthew henson didnt persevere against some hardship be it the environment, prejudice, hunger they have to eat their sled dogs at one point, so if your kids are especially sensitive, be ready for it. See more ideas about matthew henson, black history month crafts, black history activities. I, matthew henson guide childrens books by the weatherfords. He reached the pole as a member of an expedition to the arctic led by the explorer robert e.
Polar explorer is one of those picture books that ought to be read by both children and adults alike. The first african american arctic explorer matthew henson. Mathew henson survived poverty and racism as an african american, and he survived the dangers and challenges of the arctic one of the first people to reach the north pole. Peary, and a son of sharecroppers, matthew henson, shared a dream of conquering the unconquered north pole and were brave enough to risk their lives numerous times before they finally succeeded. This was a decent overview of the man and his biography. These short reading lessons were especially designed for upper elementary and middle school students. Help our website financially by purchasing directly from us. Matthew henson was born in a maryland cabin, at a time when boys dreamed of finding glory, of planting flags at the ends of the earth, making the unknown known, and recording their names into history books.
A remarkable story about a remarkable man who, like many great african american s, have been all but lost to history. Six men on dog sledges are in the record books for being the first to reach the. Matthew henson, pioneering black polar explorer, in. Matthew henson was survived by an only son, anauakaq, whose mother was an inuit woman named akatingwah. Matthew henson a negro explorer at the north pole by.
Book trailer from a creative team with multiple caldecott honors comes this vibrant portrait of aretha franklin that pays her the respect that a queen deserves. Journey to the arctic with matthew henson, the first african american to explore the north pole. The book gives a good biography of young matthew henson, and then showcases his contributions to pearys arctic exploration. Hailed by the new york times as a really valuable addition to the literature of polar exploration, and by commonweal as fascinating and exciting, henson s story begins with his early years as a sailor. Matthew alexander henson was born on august 8, 1866, in charles county, maryland. Mar 22, 2021 from polar bears to murder mysteries, katherine rundells picks will make long days feel shorter and a small world seem larger last modified on tue 23 mar 2021 06. In recognition of matthew henson s achievement, another black marylander and explorer, herbert m.
Transcript from an interview with carole boston weatherford. This stunning picture book offers a riveting account of africanamerican explorer matthew hensons 1909 journey to the north pole with admiral peary. Race to the frozen north is a barrington stoke superreadable book featuring a dyslexiafriendly layout, typeface and paper stock making it accessible and enjoyable to all readers, including those with dyslexia or visual stress. Born in 1866, henson lived in a time when african americans had very limited opportunities in. He is a true lesson in perseverance, courage, and integrity. Race to the frozen north when orphan matthew henson ran away to find a new life in the big city, no one could have predicted that he would become the first man to reach the north pole. The story of matthew henson, codiscoverer of the north pole deborah hopkinson, author, stephen alcorn, illustrator, illus. This is a nonfiction picture book that tells matthew hensons story. A royal literary fund fellow, and a nominee for the 2012 eleanor farjeon award for outstanding service to the world of childrens books, she is an experienced book prize judge and professional chair of literary events. I was 14 years of age when i first read dark companion, and it set the course of my life. Still, the book is written in matthew hensons voice, and is worth reading if. These activities can help you teach your students how t.
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