School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Stunning archival photographs from the early 20th century help tell the inspiring story of the African-American polar explorer. They document the excursions of Robert E. Peary and include some of the first images captured of the Inuit people and of the North Pole. Henson was hired as Peary's manservant, though proved himself a loyal friend and worthy trailblazer in the fierce, frozen conditions at the top of the world. Henson's story is told in informative, descriptive prose based on research from ample resources. Surviving family members help personalize this ennobling biography of a deserving innovator and the only person to be awarded National Geographic Society's Hubbard Medal posthumously. 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."-Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Voice of Youth Advocates

In the latter half of the twentieth century, the eyes lifted heavenward to watch humankind reach the moon. At the beginning of that century, eyes looked to the desolation of the poles. In 1909, Matthew Henson and Commander Robert Peary reached the North Pole. Although there is every indication that Henson arrived first, Peary claimed Henson's calculations were erroneous. Henson was born into a sharecropper's family in Charles County, Maryland, in 1866. The family soon moved to Washington, DC. At thirteen, he walked forty miles to Baltimore to become a cabin boy. In 1887, Peary hired him to help survey a proposed canal route through Nicaragua and in 1891 took him on as part of the Arctic expeditions. From the beginning, Henson was referred to as Peary's "Negro manservant," but he was a full member of the expeditions. Henson was beloved of the Inuit and quickly learned the skills to survive in the inhospitable Arctic. He had a good working relationship with Peary but the two were not close outside the Arctic. The volume contains wonderful pictures that go beyond the normal flag-holding poses. Photos of Henson's Inuit descendants are shown. Back in the United States, Henson still had to take low-level jobs. His accomplishments were virtually ignored by all but a few until quite late in his life. Johnson provides an excellent volume that gives insight into the men as well as the expeditions, with particular appeal to middle school readers.-Mike Brown.

Starred Review ALA Booklist

Starred Review The quest to be the first to reach the North Pole is an exciting adventure story, and Henson got there first, as part of the ninth expedition led by Robert Peary in 1909. But Henson was African American, labeled as Peary's Negro manservant, and he did not get full recognition until 2001. This entry in the National Geographic Photobiography series focuses on the physical details of the dangerous Arctic journeys (Harsh winds stung their faces. Giant fissures of ice threatened every step), the repeated failures and the teamwork, as well as Henson's skills, stamina, and essential role in forging relationships with the Inuit. Johnson avoids diatribe, clearly pointing out the respectful relationship between Peary and Henson. At the same time, the racism comes clear: the frozen, bleak Arctic was more hospitable than his own country. What's more, upon returning home from his extraordinary travels, Henson found himself still forced to take menial jobs such as stockboy. The book design is beautiful: thick paper, spacious type, and stirring photos that capture the icy storms as well as the people involved in the history. Back matter includes a glossary, a chronology, a bibliography, a few Web sites, and notes for direct quotes. Readers older than the target audience will be equally moved by the achievement of the sharecropper's son who explored the world. For another great Polar adventure, recommend Jennifer Armstrong's Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World (1999).

Kirkus Reviews

"Our breath was frozen to our hoods of fur and our cheeks and noses frozen . . . it was a night of Plutonian Purgatory." Drawing from Henson's autobiography and other published sources, Johnson vividly chronicles the explorer's life and exploits with, understandably, particular reference to the multiple attempts he and Robert Peary made to reach the North Pole, as well as the dismal reluctance subsequently shown by American authorities and public to acknowledge his role in the achievement. Illustrated with dim, grey-and-silver expedition photos that capture a sense of the bitter Arctic climate (capped by a newer shot of one of Henson's Inuit descendants), this frank account pays tribute to the characters and abilities of both Henson and Peary. This is a more readable and visually appealing version than Laura Litwin's Matthew Henson: Co-Discoverer of the North Pole (2001). (chronology, resource list) (Biography. 10-13)

Horn Book

There is much to indicate that it was actually Matthew Henson, not Robert Peary, who was the first to reach the North Pole. Johnson explores the historical record and shares with readers Henson's accomplishments and the racism that limited his options. The unforgiving Arctic climate is vividly detailed in both text and archival photos. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.