What do you think?
Rate this book
Northwest Passage
For hundreds of years explorers attempted to find the Northwest Passage — a route through the islands of Canada’s north to the Pacific Ocean and Asia. Others attempted to find a land route. Many hundreds of men perished in the attempt until finally, in 1906, Roald Amundsen completed the voyage by ship. Today, global warming has brought the interest in the passage back to a fever pitch as nations contend with each other over its control and future uses.
The historic search inspired Canadian folk musician Stan Rogers to write "Northwest Passage,” a song that has become a widely known favorite since its 1981 release. It describes Stan’s own journey overland as he contemplates the arduous journeys of some of the explorers, including Kelsey, Mackenzie, Thompson and Franklin. The song is moving and haunting, a paean to the spirit of the explorers and adventure, and to the beauty of the vast land and icy seas.
The lyrics are accompanied by the striking paintings of multiple award-winning artist Matt James. Matt brings a unique vision to the song and the history behind it, annotating his illustrations with marginalia about the explorers, including the native peoples of the north. The book also contains the music for the song, a note on the Northwest Passage, maps, information about Stan Rogers (as well as a final verse of the song that was never recorded) and notes on the illustrations.
Following on the success of Canadian Railroad Trilogy, this is another beautiful book in which a memorable song illuminates a fascinating history that has taken on new resonance today.
The historic search inspired Canadian folk musician Stan Rogers to write "Northwest Passage,” a song that has become a widely known favorite since its 1981 release. It describes Stan’s own journey overland as he contemplates the arduous journeys of some of the explorers, including Kelsey, Mackenzie, Thompson and Franklin. The song is moving and haunting, a paean to the spirit of the explorers and adventure, and to the beauty of the vast land and icy seas.
The lyrics are accompanied by the striking paintings of multiple award-winning artist Matt James. Matt brings a unique vision to the song and the history behind it, annotating his illustrations with marginalia about the explorers, including the native peoples of the north. The book also contains the music for the song, a note on the Northwest Passage, maps, information about Stan Rogers (as well as a final verse of the song that was never recorded) and notes on the illustrations.
Following on the success of Canadian Railroad Trilogy, this is another beautiful book in which a memorable song illuminates a fascinating history that has taken on new resonance today.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1900
2 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 4, 2015
What a fun book! Northwest Passage is the story of John Franklin’s 1845 expedition across the frozen Arctic archipelago and the consequent loss of his two ships and the death of his crew. It’s a fascinating mix of gorgeous illustrations, lyrical poetry, song lyrics, and a detail-rich narrative about the expedition with charts and images. It’s a beautifully produced book and a great introduction to a really interesting topic. Northwest Passage includes sheet music for Northwest Passage,” a gallery of explorers, and some further resources.
I particularly liked Stan Rogers’ comment, “Now we believe that this reliance on technology instead of on the knowledge of those who inhabited the Arctic may have been an important cause of the disastrous end of the expedition.” An interesting reflection that I believe is relevant to many aspects of life.
I particularly liked Stan Rogers’ comment, “Now we believe that this reliance on technology instead of on the knowledge of those who inhabited the Arctic may have been an important cause of the disastrous end of the expedition.” An interesting reflection that I believe is relevant to many aspects of life.
March 28, 2014
Northwest Passage is a book about the explorers who venture into the Northwest Passage in Canada. The book structure itself uses the song, “Northwest Passage” by Stan Rogers and repeats the lines from the chorus throughout the book; intertwined, it includes information about the history and geography, mainly focusing on the tragic story of the voyage of John Franklin and then Stan Rogers’ trip centuries later, to take the same paths. It’s a picture book due to its vivid illustrations in acrylics; it has some historical details in intermittent pages.
The illustrations in this book, combined with the interesting storytelling, would ordinarily be an excellent resource for teaching social studies, specifically in teaching history and geography. It would likely be used in the older grades due to the content it covers, along with the metaphorical language and references to explorers that younger children wouldn’t understand; however, it also touches on the fact that there were accounts of cannibalism with Franklin’s crew before their tragic end. Due to this, I might be more hesitant to use it in a classroom setting, but it would be most appropriate for the older grades. For example, it could be used to cover a 4th grade social studies standard in geography, covering the geographical challenges faced by the early explorers of northern Canada and examining the life of the native Inuits in the region.
The illustrations in this book, combined with the interesting storytelling, would ordinarily be an excellent resource for teaching social studies, specifically in teaching history and geography. It would likely be used in the older grades due to the content it covers, along with the metaphorical language and references to explorers that younger children wouldn’t understand; however, it also touches on the fact that there were accounts of cannibalism with Franklin’s crew before their tragic end. Due to this, I might be more hesitant to use it in a classroom setting, but it would be most appropriate for the older grades. For example, it could be used to cover a 4th grade social studies standard in geography, covering the geographical challenges faced by the early explorers of northern Canada and examining the life of the native Inuits in the region.
July 10, 2013
The words of a folksong written about the search for the Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean fill this book's pages alongside stunning India ink and acrylic illustrations filled with vivid blues and stark images of the remnants of those who failed in their endeavors. The song and illustrations depict some of those efforts, leaving readers to ponder how the end came for John Franklin, his two ships crushed by the ice pack and his men starving to death. Additionally, the illustrations show Stan Rogers as he was inspired by his own journey to write this song. The book contains a timeline of exploration as well as speculation about the effects of global warming on the decreasing amounts of ice in the Arctic. Although I was familiar with a handful of explorers mentioned in the book, I knew nothing about most of them, a lack of information I intend to remedy by finding some of the books suggested in the back matter.
February 7, 2014
I cannot be objective about this book. I have a lot of feelings about this song as it relates to the ending of due South. I have even more feelings about this song because Stan Rogers and that feeling that all the world has already been explored. Someone has illustrated it and that is fantastic. Of course I like this picture book.
Beyond that, someone has annotated the song for children, which makes this a valuable teaching tool for arctic history! Sure it glosses over the part where Franklin resorted to cannibalism, it is a book for children, but it definitely makes the point that his expedition failed and everyone died because he ignored the First Nations people who lived in the arctic and could have helped.
This is a great picture book inspired by a beautiful song. I'll definitely be buying a copy for a kid I know at some point. Maybe Lola or the twins?
Beyond that, someone has annotated the song for children, which makes this a valuable teaching tool for arctic history! Sure it glosses over the part where Franklin resorted to cannibalism, it is a book for children, but it definitely makes the point that his expedition failed and everyone died because he ignored the First Nations people who lived in the arctic and could have helped.
This is a great picture book inspired by a beautiful song. I'll definitely be buying a copy for a kid I know at some point. Maybe Lola or the twins?
February 26, 2018
This book was pretty and informational, but I feel as if it struggled to find its audience. It seemed to want to be both a picture book for young kids and an educational text for older kids and adults.
June 28, 2017
Getting this book was a roundabout journey. I was watching a program on TV titled Polar Sea. One of the songs used as background music had a refrain about Franklin and the Northwest Passage. Looking up the lyrics on the internet gave me the information that the song was Northwest Passage by Stan Rogers. Trying to find a cd with that song in my local library system proved fruitless, but I came across this book. What is interesting about this picture book is that the wonderful illustrations and the song itself can be read to little ones while older readers are also given facts about those who originally made explorations to find the northwest passage. The most famous of these is Franklin due to the fact that 40 missions were launched to find out the fate of him and his crew, but other featured are Sir Alexander Mackenzie and David Thompson to name a few. I also learned that Stan Rogers, the gifted songwriter of Canadian history and the common worker, died a hero while saving people from a plane that caught fire.
May 26, 2018
This is a beautiful book about The Northwest Passage, a song by Stan Rogers - a famous Canadian singer and songwriter. The song is artfully illustrated by Matt James, with historical information included along with the words of the song.
July 7, 2018
Beautifully illustrated book set to the lyrics of Stan Roger's classic.
October 14, 2020
Canada's alternate national anthem, by Canada's best bard.
Also, my personal favorite adventure anthem.
Also, my personal favorite adventure anthem.
January 18, 2021
A book about one of my favorite songs and performers ever?! Yay!!!
I loved all the information about arctic exploration and Canadian history.
I loved all the information about arctic exploration and Canadian history.
September 6, 2016
Stan Rogers' Northwest Passage is a pretty difficult book to categorize. Is it children's, or young adult? Is it a picture book with a few facts thrown in, or a nonfiction title that has an abundance of pictures and nonsensical lyrics? Whatever it is, the Northwest Passage is a sensational book. To start, the illustrations by Matt James are stunning impressionistic paintings, using cool tones that evoke the chilly Arctic climate in which the story takes place. As for the story itself, it flips back and forth between the lyrics of the "Northwest Passage," a Canadian folk song by Rogers, and historical facts about the brave search for a route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In May 1845, John Franklin and his crew set sail from England with the hope of exploring Canada's Arctic and discovering a passage that would allow their ships to sail through. They never returned, and their ships remain missing to this day. In addition to this fascinating history, the author discusses the possible impact of global warming on the Northwest Passage, as well as the importance of learning from indigenous people (something that may have saved John Franklin and his crew).
Although I have no idea how to appropriately categorize this book, I highly recommend Northwest Passage to any children or teens who are interested in early exploration, and I believe the beautiful illustrations could make this an enjoyable book for any age group.
Although I have no idea how to appropriately categorize this book, I highly recommend Northwest Passage to any children or teens who are interested in early exploration, and I believe the beautiful illustrations could make this an enjoyable book for any age group.
November 22, 2013
I did an assignment on this picture book in my Canadian Children's literature class and found my initial opinion of how great this book is changed. It was very difficult to sit with children and read it. On the other hand, I found it very useful for introducing a portion of history to young children. My largest concern was the portrayal of the First Nations Peoples. This text still provides a very Eurocentric perspective and doesn't cover Canada's history. It covers the history of Canada from the landing of the first explorers from Europe but nothing more. Some examples that support my concern are the very obvious differences between the Europeans who are from France, in the blue, England in the red, and American, in a cowboy outfit. However pretty well all First Nations Peoples in the book, which ranges from British Columbia to Newfoundland, look the same. There are many different cultures across our country, with very obvious differences. It concerns me that in 2013, a book that continues to cast such a blanket image of our First Nations Peoples would win the Governor General's Award.
This being said it is still a useful tool for the classroom but there are some major stereotypes that should be broken down to create a better understanding of the vastness of all of Canadian culture.
This being said it is still a useful tool for the classroom but there are some major stereotypes that should be broken down to create a better understanding of the vastness of all of Canadian culture.
September 20, 2014
I've been a fan of Stan Rogers and his music for a long time, both before his untimely death and after, and my favorite of his many wonderful songs (among them "The Mary Ellen Carter") has always been "Northwest Passage," so I was eager to read this book once I learned of its existence.
The art is very appealing and I think children will love it. The colors are cool and arctic, the animals (rabbits, whales, birds) innocent and observing of what is going on around them. The small Inuit figures who watch the uninformed attempts of explorers such as Franklin make a silent statement. Amidst all that is going on in this story, both artistically and informationally, there's the figure of Stan Rogers traveling westward with his guitar and his dog. As the story progresses, the author/illustrator inserts Stan Rogers into historic scenes: I find this humorous (in a good way) and at the same time profound: in his imaginings, Stan Rogers was indeed traveling with the great Arctic explorers who are such an important part of Canadian history.
The small-print sections of this picture book, meant for teachers, parents, and much older children, I assume, are very informative. I particularly like how the author several times points out that as global warming increases and the Arctic ice pack melts, the Northwest Passage again becomes a major issue in international shipping.
The art is very appealing and I think children will love it. The colors are cool and arctic, the animals (rabbits, whales, birds) innocent and observing of what is going on around them. The small Inuit figures who watch the uninformed attempts of explorers such as Franklin make a silent statement. Amidst all that is going on in this story, both artistically and informationally, there's the figure of Stan Rogers traveling westward with his guitar and his dog. As the story progresses, the author/illustrator inserts Stan Rogers into historic scenes: I find this humorous (in a good way) and at the same time profound: in his imaginings, Stan Rogers was indeed traveling with the great Arctic explorers who are such an important part of Canadian history.
The small-print sections of this picture book, meant for teachers, parents, and much older children, I assume, are very informative. I particularly like how the author several times points out that as global warming increases and the Arctic ice pack melts, the Northwest Passage again becomes a major issue in international shipping.
May 30, 2016
Northwest Passage is a 12 x 9 hardcover children's book that is illustrated by Matt James. Mr. James drew his inspiration for his book from the song "Northwest Passage," written by Canadian singer Stan Rogers. The song tells the story of Mr. Rogers longing to take the Northwest Passage (a route that started in Canada's section of the Arctic Ocean, went through the Pacific Ocean and ended in Asia). This was apparently a perilous journey that many men search and died for until it was finally completed in 1906 by Roald Amundsen. In this book we see Rogers driving a bus around and reflecting on his life and comparing it to the men who sought this passage before him. The illustration style in the book is not necessarily my favorite as it comes off a bit juvenile at times. The main flow of the book is also interrupted several times to give pages of background/history in tiny font. At the end of the book is Rogers song set to verse and a gallery of the Passage explorers, which I found most interesting of all. It's a clever book, but unless you are familiar with the song or the importance of the Northwest Passage, this book probably isn't for you.
January 3, 2016
This nonfiction picture book, meant for older readers, tells the story of European exploration of the Northwest Passage, and especially the expedition led by John Franklin. The book also illustrates a song by Canadian folk singer Stan Rogers.
I had no prior knowledge of the exploration in the Arctic regions of Canada. My association with trying to find the Northwest Passage has to do with the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Hudson Bay. The nonfiction part of this book was interesting and informative, yet at times I felt confused. I think the author was mostly writing for a Canadian audience who would probably have more basic knowledge of these events than I do.
I liked the pictures. They are striking, if somewhat primitive.
I especially found the parts of the book that includes the song confusing. They break up the nonfiction text, and the nonfiction part does not follow the references in the song.
I am not this book's intended reader. I picked it up because it received good reviews from US children's book reviewers, and I am interested in history. I learned a few things.
I had no prior knowledge of the exploration in the Arctic regions of Canada. My association with trying to find the Northwest Passage has to do with the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Hudson Bay. The nonfiction part of this book was interesting and informative, yet at times I felt confused. I think the author was mostly writing for a Canadian audience who would probably have more basic knowledge of these events than I do.
I liked the pictures. They are striking, if somewhat primitive.
I especially found the parts of the book that includes the song confusing. They break up the nonfiction text, and the nonfiction part does not follow the references in the song.
I am not this book's intended reader. I picked it up because it received good reviews from US children's book reviewers, and I am interested in history. I learned a few things.
June 20, 2015
I liked it, and might check it out from the library for my hypothetical future children, but it's hard to place in my mind. James illustrates Rogers' lyrics, but otherwise the text is about Franklin's 1840s expedition to map a section of the Northwest Passage, with a few bits near the end about the other explorers of the Canadian frontier, as mentioned in the song. So it's a book about Franklin...but not really, it's a book about what's mentioned in the song...but not really. I'm not sure what someone would think if they picked it up not knowing the song, which is more about Rogers' feelings about these explorers and following in their footsteps than about the explorers themselves.
On a personal note, I rediscovered this song when it was mentioned in Hadfield's An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, and it was my mom who identified it as having been used in Due South, where I must have heard it for the first time.
On a personal note, I rediscovered this song when it was mentioned in Hadfield's An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, and it was my mom who identified it as having been used in Due South, where I must have heard it for the first time.
March 16, 2014
Words fail me as I try to express just how GREAT this book is. Using the words of the beloved song "Northwest Passage" written by Canadian folksinger Stan Rogers this book presents the many trials and tribulations many explorers encountered in trying to forge the Northwest Passage in Canada.
The inclusion of the folk lyrics give the history a raw, emotional perspective and the portions of the book that provide information about different expedition give readers background on the lines in the song.
The artwork is beautiful, near perfection for me. If it weren't near sacrilege I would tear out the pages of a copy of the book and frame them all, they so perfectly bring to life Rogers' moving verse.
The only thing missing is a CD with the song "Northwest Passage" included for readers to listen to as they read, but I won't let this exclusion take away from how wonderful this book is.This book is a must see and must read for all ages.
The inclusion of the folk lyrics give the history a raw, emotional perspective and the portions of the book that provide information about different expedition give readers background on the lines in the song.
The artwork is beautiful, near perfection for me. If it weren't near sacrilege I would tear out the pages of a copy of the book and frame them all, they so perfectly bring to life Rogers' moving verse.
The only thing missing is a CD with the song "Northwest Passage" included for readers to listen to as they read, but I won't let this exclusion take away from how wonderful this book is.This book is a must see and must read for all ages.
October 26, 2015
"It was homeward bound one night on the sea, swinging in my hammock I fell asleep. I dreamed a dream and I thought it true, concerning Franklin and his gallant crew." This song from the brilliant group, Pentangle, has been swirling in my head for decades. Recently, having discovered a most fantastic book, The Pirate's Bed, I decided to interlibrary loan whatever my system had by the illustrator, Matt James. Imagine my surprise and delight when this book showed up, with narwhales on the cover, NARWHALES, I tell you! But then I find it is the story of Lord Franklin and his gallant crew. And a road trip by the late Canadian folk musician Stan Rogers. I mean, words fail. It is like the perfect moment where light dawns and a chorus of stars sing, and I remember why I am in love with words and illustrators, and mournful tunes, restless hearts and obscure histories, road trips and clipper ships and, duh, Narwhales.
November 15, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVY8L...
While reading this book I pondered about the audience it was intended for. This would be a great book for a young and young at heart adventurer. Together they can listen to the wonderful folk song Stan Rogers wrote and sang (see link above) and then see the lyrics woven into the tales of men past who tried to find a route through Canada's waters to Asia. A great book to snuggle under warm blankets and enjoy the brilliant colors and large illustrations together.
When you and your little explorer, or just yourself, finish reading go and watch this great video made by the illustrator Matt James. http://www.mattjamesillustration.ca/a...
If that doesn't inspire you to follow your passions I don't know what will. Okay, seriously, if that video doesn't ignite the passion fires then check out the video I linked to the review of Leo a Ghost Story.
While reading this book I pondered about the audience it was intended for. This would be a great book for a young and young at heart adventurer. Together they can listen to the wonderful folk song Stan Rogers wrote and sang (see link above) and then see the lyrics woven into the tales of men past who tried to find a route through Canada's waters to Asia. A great book to snuggle under warm blankets and enjoy the brilliant colors and large illustrations together.
When you and your little explorer, or just yourself, finish reading go and watch this great video made by the illustrator Matt James. http://www.mattjamesillustration.ca/a...
If that doesn't inspire you to follow your passions I don't know what will. Okay, seriously, if that video doesn't ignite the passion fires then check out the video I linked to the review of Leo a Ghost Story.
June 26, 2014
The fabled Northwest Passage has been a mythic part of Canada's history, and this telling of the exploration of Canada's north through art, history and song is impressive.
I picked this book up because I was intrigued by the explorers. The mindset necessary to set off into the unknown with so few resources and very little knowledge has always been of interest to me.
I finished the book because each page was a delight of art and learning. The illustrations brought to light the realities of these explorers, and contributed to the the acquisition of new knowledge.
I would recommend this book to the Grade 7 History teachers. What an interesting way to see Canada's past.
I picked this book up because I was intrigued by the explorers. The mindset necessary to set off into the unknown with so few resources and very little knowledge has always been of interest to me.
I finished the book because each page was a delight of art and learning. The illustrations brought to light the realities of these explorers, and contributed to the the acquisition of new knowledge.
I would recommend this book to the Grade 7 History teachers. What an interesting way to see Canada's past.
September 17, 2015
Breathtakingly gorgeous. And as a new work of art that furthers the legacy of Stan Rogers, it is doubly important. I purchased the digital PDF for my son, but I very, very much want a hardcover version on which he can lay his mitts, to enjoy a physical product.
Please tell me there will be another print run.......?! I pledge my considerable social media skills to market the heck out of this. Having moved away from Canada nine years ago (and desperate to return), I had no idea this was on the market.
Please tell me there will be another print run.......?! I pledge my considerable social media skills to market the heck out of this. Having moved away from Canada nine years ago (and desperate to return), I had no idea this was on the market.
February 26, 2014
Matt James beautifully evokes the ice and cold of Canada's north as he guides us through Stan Roger's breath-taking song about the explorers of Canada's north - James' illustrations are superb and his discussions within the picture book of the story of Sir John Franklin, exploration of the north and the men who drove the Age of Exploration are fabulous though I do wish he hadn't broken up the song with information - it's unsettling
December 13, 2013
Brilliantly illustrated, Northwest Passage combines art, history and song. Some students could use this title to kick-start their research about Arctic exploration. The book could also be used as an example of a multi-media history project.
My only complaint is that the text giving history information is tiny. Hard on old eyes!
My only complaint is that the text giving history information is tiny. Hard on old eyes!
July 11, 2015
I liked the painted pictures - all the blues and whites & the colours! Really pretty.
It was about Stan Rogers' song called Northwest Passage, and the countless expeditions explorers undertook to discover the Northwest Passage, and particularly, Franklin's exploration of it & the tragic ending to his expedition.
It was about Stan Rogers' song called Northwest Passage, and the countless expeditions explorers undertook to discover the Northwest Passage, and particularly, Franklin's exploration of it & the tragic ending to his expedition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2014
Absolutely beautiful paintings to complement the fated & tainted discovery of the Northwest Passage trade route, overlaid with lyrics from Stan Rogers' folk song. Can't tell if kids would like this, but as an adult I thought it was rad.
January 30, 2014
Maybe it's because I'm not familiar with Stan Rogers or the song but I thought this book was confusing and weird. Why does the guy in the book have a free Stan Rogers T-Shirt on. Was he in jail? I Googled him and didn't see anything about it.
October 24, 2013
3.5 stars
Interesting format. Creatively designed. I plan to checkout a recording of the song, too. Would be good to connect to environmental issues--global warming.
Interesting format. Creatively designed. I plan to checkout a recording of the song, too. Would be good to connect to environmental issues--global warming.
January 15, 2014
A spectacular visual interpretation of the Stan Rogers song, Canada's "other national anthem," with lots of fascinating and insightful history, too.
January 30, 2014
Interesting story, one that I was not taught about in my Texas public schools. I didn't much care for the India ink and acrylic paintings.
February 10, 2014
gorgeous illustrations, and compelling story. however, I think I liked this book better than my kids did. it was a good jumping off point for talking about Canadian history...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews