Book Reflection III (Week: May 28- June 1)

Myers, L. (2002). Lewis and Clark and me: A dog's tale.  New York: Henry Holt and Company.



Age Level:  Grade 3-6

Genre:  Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog's Tale  is a historical fantasy book because it contains extraordinary events that could not happen in real life (a dog writing a story in this case), but it contains historical references.

Summary:
Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog's Tale  is a story about the Westward Expansion expedition of Lewis and Clark as they are traveling down the river as told through the point of view of  Lewis' dog, Seaman.  Seaman accounts many of the dangers and joys the men experience during their journey.

Reflection:    
     I chose this book to read because the title, A Dog's Tale, appealed to me.  I have always had a fondness for books about dogs, Old Yeller, Sounder, and Where the Red Fern Grows, come to mind with this one being no exception.  Before reading the chapters, one should read the short Introduction.  It provides historical and thoughtful information about the story and the dog.  Actual journals from crew members during the original Lewis and Clark expedition documented events about Lewis and his dog and are quoted at the end of each chapter which provided the author the basis upon which to write the book. 
     The story begins with the use of flashback as the main character, the dog Seaman,  is remembering the past with Lewis, a time in his life in which he is most happiest- being in the wilderness alongside Lewis (pg. 2).  Then the story starts with the chronological account of where and when Seaman and Lewis meet.  From there the author uses many examples of  imagery and sensory details to show what the dog sees, hears, feels, smells, and touches.  On page 8, Seaman says, "I could hear it in their voices."  Again on page 9 he says, "There were animals I had not seen before.  Smells I had not smelled.  My skin tingled with excitement" (Referring to the squirrels he was about to catch and later eat).  Toward the end of the story, Seaman gets kidnapped by a group of Indians and he states, "I felt the tension in their bodies...."  "The Indians whispered nervously."  "The smell of beaver was strong...." The use of imagery works well in this book because dogs have heightened senses in real life.  It seems natural for a dog to account what he sees, hears, feels and smells during his encounters though the wilderness.
     This book would be a good companion for a fifth grade social studies unit about Westward Expansion and the Louisiana Purchase.  It correlates with the following National Council for the Social Studies Content Standards:

• Era 4 -Expansion and Reform (1801-1861)
• Standard 1A -Demonstrate understanding of the international background and consequences of the Louisiana Purchase, the War of 1812, and the Monroe Doctrine.
• Standard 1C -Demonstrate understanding of the ideology of Manifest Destiny, the nation's expansion to the Northwest, and the Mexican-American War.

Big Question:  Lewis and Seaman have a special bond and "fit together," as the story says.   How do you and your pet (or special friend) "fit together"?