I Am Sacagawea



Last updated Sunday, February 6, 2022

Author: Brad Meltzer
Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 0525428534
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2022

Synopsis: Sacagawea was the only girl, and the only Native American, to join Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, which explored the United States from the Mississippi River all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the early 1800s. As a translator, she helped the team communicate with members of the Shoshone tribe across the continent, carrying her child on her back the whole way. By the time the expedition arrived at the west coast, Sacagawea had proved that she truly was a trailblazer.

Note to readers:
•  This is a Native American story about a very young woman
•  The theme is about strong females who don’t get credit for their work

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  First let’s practice saying our hero’s name: SACA GA WEA—GOOD!
•  SACA means BIRD and WEA means woman
•  Do you know what YOUR name means?

Vocabulary:

•  Expedition- a journey to find something
•  Navigate-to find your way to someplace
•  Vessel-boat on water
•  Interpreter-someone who explains a different language to others
•  Bongu—HORSE Soho’bi—TREE Ha’niibe- CORN Baa- WATER

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you think it is fair to not trust someone because they are young?
•  Was Sacagawea BRAVE or SCARED or both on the expedition?
•  Why do you think Sacagawea was so CALM when vessel was tipping over
•  Do you stay CALM when you know how solve the problem?

Craft ideas:
•  Use a grocery bag to make a vest, and decorate it with what Sacagawea saw: She saw NATURE - sun, trees, rivers, mountains, birds and lastly the OCEAN
•  Make a map showing trees and mountains on her expedition
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/february-2022-people-places-around-the-world/
•  Check this website for more suggestions: http://readingtokids.org/ReadingClubs/CraftTips.php

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!