My Name Is York

By Elizabeth Van Steenwyk

Book Overview

The boats slip into the water at dawn and the journey begins. Some people think we may find monsters out West. But our leaders, Captain Lewis and Captain Clark, say that is an idea for dreamers. There is no room for dreaming on this journey into the unknown. Still, I dream and I carry my dream within me as we begin our quest to find a waterway to the western sea. I dream of finding freedom. My name is York and I am a slave. When the Lewis and Clark expedition launched its search for a water passage to the Pacific Ocean in 1803, a black slave accompanied them. His name was York and in this beautifully illustrated children's book, he tells the tale of this remarkable journey and his own search for freedom. It is an inspiring story of faith, courage, and resolve set against the backdrop of the most famous exploration in American history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0873586506
• ISBN13: 9780873586504
• Release Date: June 1997
• Publisher: Cooper Square Pub
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.9" x 11.4"
• Age Range: 6 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 3

Customer Reviews

Gorgeous Book!

The paitings are beautiful in this book and the story is very moving. I also wondered why the author chose to portray inaccuracies in the book. I'm sure she knew the story of Lewis and Clark and decided to tell the story which highlighted her theme. I don't think York's desire to be free was ever clearly stated but I don't know that for sure.

A PERIOD IN HISTORY REVISITED

Entertainment and education join hands in the story of a black slave who accompanied the Lewis and Clark expedition, My Name Is York by Elizabeth Van Steenwyk is superbly illustrated with pastels by Bill Faransworth

My Name Is York

This is a wonderful sorce of information with a powerful storyline in the content area of American History. It deals with issues of slavery and longing to be free. An African- American slave by the name of York feels loyal to his master yet desires a life of his own. As a classroom teacher this is a for sure book choice for my classroom in teaching history to students. I highly recommend it to others.