New Found Land by Allan Wolf is a beautiful and expressive novel.
It follows the journey of Captains Lewis and Clark as they search for the elusive and famous Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis and Clark are joined by a crew that includes Sacagawea, a French-Indian fiddler, Clark's slave and other diverse characters that make up the “Corps of Discovery." We hear from every crew member and from Lewis and Clark directly. Their stories are written in beautiful poetry that grips you from the beginning and leaves you wanting more.
I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering for this ragtag group that persevered in the most difficult of situations. I have truly been inspired by this novel and have a strong desire to follow their path. I would love to view those rivers and mountains and commune closely with nature in such a manner that it becomes part of you.
Students, even those reluctant readers, will find themselves mesmerized by the excitement of the journey, especially the encounters with bears, buffalo, and Native Americans.
(CA Content Standard SS/History 5th Grade 5.8.3)



