The Value of Adventure: The Story of Sacagawea

In this installment of the ValueTales series, Ann Donegan Johnson finds adventure in the life of Sacagawea (1786-1812). The book introduces a young Shoshone girl named Grass Woman who enjoyed discovering new things in the mountains and streams around her. Grass Woman and some of her friends were captured in a raid by the enemy Minataree tribe and taken to live far away. After a time, she went to live with the Mandan tribe, where she changed her name to Sacagawea. When she was sixteen, Sacagawea joined the famous Louis and Clark expedition. She helped them explore the Pacific northwest and become friends with the tribes there. And she was reunited with her brother, who had become chief of one of the tribes. Like other books in the ValueTales series, this book uses a real-life person to exemplify an important value. It is suitable for reading by children in the later elementary school grades. A "Historical Facts" section at the book's end summarizes Sacagawea's life in a single-page bio form suitable for adults. Closing quote: "When you think of Sacagawea you may wonder about yourself and your life. Do you go ahead and try things, even when you aren't quite sure what the results will be? Are adventures important? Of course, no one wants to be reckless, and it's silly to take foolish chances, but can a sense of adventure help you to do worthwhile things? And can't it make life more interesting--and lots more fun?" (p. 62)