Lewis & Clark (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: Lewis & Clark Elizabeth Bush Bertozzi, Nick . Lewis & Clark; written and illus. by Nick Bertozzi . First Second/Roaring Brook, 2011. [140p]. Paper ed. ISBN 978-1-59643-450-9 $16.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 6-10. Comic books and superhuman feats go hand in glove, and although the opening of the West by the Corps of Discovery might not be everyone’s idea of righteous heroism, the cloak-and-tights-worthy daring and physical effort of the explorers is beyond contention. Bertozzi’s fictionalized account of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s expedition is researched with thoroughness and presented so convincingly that, were it not for some episodes and conversations that are clearly unverifiable, this could past as straight-up history. Presumably most readers have been introduced to the expedition by the time they reach middle school, and those with sufficient background will especially appreciate Bertozzi’s take on the enmities [End Page 270] and alliances among Indian tribes that directly impacted their decision on how to treat the white explorers. Those who know Lewis’ sad demise will also laud Bertozzi’s imaginative sensitivity to the mental imbalance that presaged his probable suicide. There’s a dash of humor to the black-and-white artwork, which generally marches along in orderly frames, only to break into more creative flow when a landmark point or event in the journey is reached. Bertozzi handles silence as cannily as dialogue, and the stretches of mute storytelling will appeal to graphic-novel fans who may not ordinarily pay much mind to historical themes. A few brief exchanges of salty banter push this a bit beyond curricular use in lower grades, but these dashes of spice will make it all the more attractive and authentic to adolescents. A bibliography is appended, and the bound book will include an author’s note. [End Page 271] Copyright © 2011 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois