Sacajawea: Shoshone Trailblazer (Famous Native Americans)
Famous Native Americans Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
A biography of the Shoshoni Indian girl who served as interpreter, peacemaker, and guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Northwest in 1805-1806. Featuring six famous Native Americans, this series goes way beyond stereotypical depictions of these great leaders to celebrate their achievements with facts and a large historical context. These inspiring narratives will serve as excellent supplemental material for American history classes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sacajawea
Toussaint Charbonneau
William Clark
Meriwether Lewis
Sacagawea
Discussion points
How do you think Sacajawea felt when she was helping Lewis and Clark on their expedition?
Why is it important to remember and learn about the contributions of Native Americans like Sacajawea?
What qualities do you admire in Sacajawea, and why?
Can you imagine what challenges Sacajawea faced during her journey, and how she might have overcome them?
How do you think Sacajawea's skills and knowledge of the land were important to the expedition's success?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Sacajawea’s shoes while discussing the questions to foster empathy and deeper understanding.
Use a map to trace the journey Sacajawea took with Lewis and Clark to provide a visual understanding of the challenges she faced.
Discuss the significance of teamwork and leadership displayed by Sacajawea, relating it to everyday situations like school projects or family tasks.
Highlight the importance of respecting and learning from different cultures, using examples from the book and relating them to contemporary events.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Sacajawea's journey with Lewis and Clark showcases her ability to overcome challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and can apply this attitude when facing difficulties in school or in personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural understanding
Explanation: The book educates young readers about Shoshone culture and Sacajawea's crucial role within it.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures, fostering a sense of empathy and social awareness.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Sacajawea's integral role in the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition highlights how teamwork leads to achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to collaborate with peers during group activities or sports, highlighting the value of working together.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore new possibilities
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Sacajawea shows bravery in exploring unknown territories.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to new experiences, whether trying out a new hobby or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Leadership qualities
Explanation: Sacajawea demonstrates leadership by guiding the expedition and providing vital knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of leadership and can take on small leadership roles in family or classroom settings.