The first African American to be accepted into the prestigious Explorer's Club, Matthew Henson accompanied Robert Peary on his 1909 expedition to the North Pole and actually reached the target before Peary. Here, Schwartz fictionalizes Henson's childhood and career, when Henson first worked as a cabin boy and then became proficient at multiple skills and learned the Inuit language. Graceful, bold artwork suits the arctic setting and incorporates Inuit mythological elements. (SLJ 10/15)

Schwartz (The Other Side of the Wall) blends history, legend, and his own fictional interpretations as he traces Robert Peary's attempt to reach the North Pole, focusing on the condescension, cruelty, and prejudice endured by his African-American associate, Matthew Henson. Two-color panels in icy grays and pale blues shift subtly and gorgeously between time periods as Schwartz follows the race to the pole, the role Henson played in Inuit myth, Peary's clashes with explorer Frederick Cook, and more, including a horrific sequence in which Peary brings several Inuit to the American Museum of Natural History in chains, most dying soon after. Schwartz openly admits to fictionalizing Henson's life, but the liberties he takes remain frustrating. Is a poignant moment in which an elderly Henson visits his wife's grave worth altering the fact that he actually died more than 10 years before her? Is it fair to highlight Peary's affairs with Inuit women while ignoring Henson's? (A detailed time line sets the record straight somewhat.) Still, as a work of fiction rooted in injustices suffered by African-Americans and indigenous peoples alike, it's powerful and almost unbearably sad. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)

Gr 7 Up—A fascinating look at Matthew Henson's life that combines fact, fiction, dual time lines, and Inuit mythology, this graphic novel is a tribute to a remarkable man who was judged by his skin color rather than his accomplishments. Henson was an African American explorer who accompanied Robert E. Peary on most of his expeditions. Although Peary received many honors for being the first to lead an expedition to the North Pole, Henson's contributions were largely ignored. Effective artwork allows the story to alternate seamlessly between Henson's younger days and his twilight years. The panels are striking and easy to follow, created in black and white with shades of grays and cool arctic blues. Henson spent extensive time with the Inuit people, learning their ways and gaining their respect and a permanent place in their history and legends. The main characters are occasionally portrayed in traditional Inuit Spirit Masks, which adds another layer of depth to an already poignant story. Blake A. Hoena's Matthew Henson: Arctic Adventurer (Capstone, 2006) is a work of true graphic nonfiction but is dry and rushed compared to this fictionalized work. Though Schwartz plays fast and loose with the facts in places, this is an unforgettable title that will resonate with readers. VERDICT A compelling graphic novel that biography lovers will greatly enjoy, and a wonderful addition to Black History Month book lists.—Kelley Gile, Cheshire Public Library, CT