Down the Colorado: John Wesley Powell, the One-Armed Explorer cover

Down the Colorado: John Wesley Powell, the One-Armed Explorer

Author: Ray, Deborah Kogan

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Lower Grades (LG K-3)
Book Level 7.2
Points 1.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Word Count 4482
Points per Word 0.000223
Page Count 48
Points per Page 0.020833

Description

Even after losing his right arm below the elbow in battle during the Civil War, Wes would not be deterred from his dream of leading the first scientific expedition down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon.

Quick Summary

Ray and Deborah Kogan bring to life the incredible journey of John Wesley Powell, a one-armed explorer who dared to lead the first scientific expedition down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon. Even after losing his right arm in the Civil War, Powell's determination never wavered, and his story is a powerful reminder that no obstacle is too big to overcome. This book is a great choice for young adventurers who love true stories about people who achieve the impossible, and it might especially appeal to kids who are fans of books like *The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind*. Parents will find it a fun and educational read, though there are a few scary parts, like dangerous rapids and a tense standoff with a Native American tribe, but nothing too intense. The narrative is fast-paced and full of interesting facts about mapping the American West, making history come alive for young readers.