One in a series from “Crabtree Connections,” this informational book is designed with newly independent readers in mind. Short, simple chapters (roughly two pages each) chunk the main points of each stage of the explorers’ journey into highly-accessible portions. Each section features a short timeline running across the bottom of the double-page spread, as well as photographs, quotes and interesting facts. The narrative is written in clear, straightforward language (e.g., “As Lewis and Clark traveled along the river, they met many tribes, or nations, of Native Americans. These meetings were mostly friendly, but not always”). Unusual or more difficult words are highlighted and easily located in the glossary at the end of the book. The most important aspects of the trek are mentioned, including getting ready to go, leaving St. Louis, meeting the Native Americans, and surviving the winter. Sacagawea is mentioned very briefly, as are the hardships of illness, bad weather, and difficult terrain. There is a table of contents, an index, and a resource section which includes a list of Internet sites. A good choice for research in the early grades, as a read aloud, or for independent reading. Reviewer: Dawna Lisa Buchanan