I had been studying and teaching about the Lewis and Clark Expedition for many years when I set my hand to my first novel writing. My first novel was about Leonardo da Vinci, and I was well on my way to a second novel on Da Vinci when I changed my plans. I wanted to tell the untold story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition - the story from York's perspective.
York was Captain Clark's slave, and the only black man who accompanied the Corps of Discovery on their trip to the Pacific Ocean and back. Sadly, there have been more books written on Captain Lewis' dog, Seaman, than there have been on York. In fact, many people I talk to didn't even realize that there had been a slave on this trip. So I set about to tell this story from York's perspective. It is a family-friendly novel, that has already been enjoyed by people of many ages!
"York Proceeded On explores the hardships and triumphs of the gruelling journey undertaken by Lewis and Clark as seen by Clark’s personal slave, York. It is set many years after the expedition as York tells his grandchildren about the most glorious years of his life when he was treated as an equal by the soldiers.
York Proceeded On is just as engaging and engrossing as the previous Catherine Jaime book that I read i.e. Leonardo the Florentine. It's perfect for children who detest anything to do with history. The reader does not become overloaded with information and facts at any point of the book. The author takes the reader along with York to the arduous journey undertaken by the Corps of Discovery...
...The subtitle of the book seems appropriate i.e. ‘The Lewis and Clark expedition through the eyes of their forgotten member’. Many of us forget to mention York while discussing about the Expedition. Even at that time when the Expedition came to an end it was no different. While the rest of the soldiers came back home crowned as heroes and with rewards awaiting them, York returned to the life of slavery and drudgery again. This is sad, especially since he was instrumental in developing good relations with the Native Americans.
York Proceeded On with its simple, yet absorbing narrative combined with the informative dateline at the back is sure to pique curiosity, especially those of middle graders."
"Catherine Jaime, a terrific storyteller, brings a completely unique perspective to the Corps of Discovery with her new book, York Proceeded On. York, the manservant and slave of William Clark of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition to explore the new Louisiana Purchase. This engaging book, based on years of study of the expedition is historically accurate wtih regards to the expedition, but takes poetic license in imagining what life was like for York in later years after he gained his freedom."
