Northwest Passage

Stan Rogers

Book - 2013

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jE/Rogers
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Subjects
Genres
Picture books
Published
Toronto ; Berkeley : Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press 2013.
©2013
Language
English
Main Author
Stan Rogers (author)
Other Authors
Matt James, 1973- (illustrator)
Physical Description
52 unnumbered pages : colour illustrations, music ; 32 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN
9781554981533
Contents unavailable.
Review by School Library Journal Review

Gr 5-8-For a unique and exquisite view of the story of explorers' search for a safe passage through the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific, look no further than this beautifully crafted title inspired by a well-known Canadian folk song. There are myriad ways to enjoy this sophisticated presentation: it can simply be read cover to cover. Immediately, though, readers will be drawn to the richly hued, primitively styled, engaging illustrations that abundantly and perfectly match the tone and varied emotions of the narrative. In a cyclical fashion, readers encounter three different strands of spreads: those that represent the original lyrics of Rogers's song, those that convey historical facts and background on the expeditions, and those that depict James's modern-day interpretation of himself exploring similar terrain from the safety of his VW van and terra firma while imagining the strife of prior expeditions. He addresses the realities of global warming and the ongoing struggles of Canada's First Peoples to sustain their way of life. The large trim size contributes to the riveting visual and informational appeal of the book. Readers will find the musical score at the back, but for real pleasure and a way to lure students in, try using the Internet to access Rogers's own haunting, harmonized rendition of the song.-Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review

Ah, for just one time / I would take the Northwest Passage / To find the hand of Franklin / reaching for the Beaufort Sea. Stan Rogerss hairy-chested 1981 anthem gets a suitably epic treatment from Boston GlobeHorn Book winner (for his picture book I Know Here, rev. 5/10) James. The song commemorates the oft-doomed quests to find a water route across the Canadian Arctic, especially those of John Franklin, who died in 1847 during his third failed attempt. Interspersed with the lyrics are thirteen pages of expository text (in smaller type) about the Canadian north, including a detailed timeline, background on various expeditions, and environmental implications for the future. The book loosely follows Franklins voyage in expressionistic and vigorous ink and acrylic paintings, paralleling it with a depiction of the singers own road trip across the Canadian landscape (as does the song). Smaller paintings, in tonal harmony with the rest, illustrate the ancillary information. While a map would have been helpful, the sweep of Jamess paintings is spectacular; the invitation to make a Northwest Passage to the sea, irresistible. roger suttonMarc Browns Playtime (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

This stunning portrayal of early efforts to explore Canada's Northwest Passage presents Rogers' 1981 song in combination with glorious illustrations, historical commentary and a gallery of explorers. Called Canada's "other national anthem" by a former prime minister, Rogers' well-known lyrics describe Sir John Franklin's disastrous expedition of the 1840s, comparing it with the singer's own travels across the country. Franklin's ships became icebound. His men disappeared and may have resorted to cannibalism before starving to death. Nevertheless, the English explorer has been honored as the discoverer of the Northwest Passage. Today, with the ice diminished and Canada and other Arctic countries looking forward to a year-round shipping route, this history has become even more relevant. James supplies a timeline of exploration and an account of this failed journey that explain Rogers' allusions, and, more strikingly, he illustrates the song's various threads. With bold acrylic strokes and India-ink outlines, he paints scenes from the historical journey as well as the singer's more modern one. Deep blues and whites predominate, and there is a sense of desolation. Oversized double-page spreads sometimes meld the explorers' experiences with Rogers' own. Panels depict the historical episodes. Both realistic and allusive, these images are as haunting as the song. For U.S. readers, an illumination of a little-known history; for all Americans, a treasure. (words and music, sources) (Informational picture book. 8 up)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.