First Man: Reimagining Matthew Henson

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.