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    Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson
    Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson
    Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson
    Audiobook1 hour

    Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson

    Written by Dolores Johnson

    Narrated by Caroline Clay

    3.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Matthew Henson's destiny was set when he met naval officer Robert Edwin Peary in 1887. An African-American son of poor farmers, Henson shared Peary's desire to be the first person to reach the North Pole. In 1909, the men set out one one of their many voyages together. They battled sub-zero temperatures, deadly ice formations, and bone-chilling winds. Many times it was Henson who saved the expedition with his knowledge of Inuit language and culture. But when the men finally achieved their goal, few people believed them. Worse still, because Henson was black, he was seen as nothing more than Peary's manservant. This exceptional biography from noted author and educator Dolores Johnson tells the full story of Henson's extraordinary life, from his humble and self-taught beginnings, to his proper recognition as Peary's equal. "The story demonstrates that fortitude, strength, and loyalty are not determined by the color of one's skin, but 'by the determination of one's spirit.'"-School Library Journal, starred review "Johnson provides an excellent volume that gives insight into the men as well as the expeditions, with particular appeal to middle school readers."-VOYA ". an excellent introduction to a man of courage and adventure who is all too often forgotten."-Children's Literature
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRecorded Books, Inc.
    Release dateMar 8, 2013
    ISBN9781470355456
    Onward: A Photobiography of African-American Polar Explorer Matthew Henson

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    • 3/5
      After several failed attempts with his partner Robert Peary, African-American explorer Matthew Henson was one of the first men to set foot on the North Pole. Although Henson's warm relationship with the Inuit people (he learned their language and taught other men on the expeditions about their culture) and his skill with dog sledging were integral to their success, Henson was not recognized for his achievements until some time later. Henson was posthumously awarded the National Geographic Society's Hubbard Medal (their highest honor) nearly 100 years after Peary was given the same award for the same expedition. This biography is detailed enough to be useful for school work and its awesome photographs and exciting story will appeal as recreational reading for young explorers.