The History Maker Bios series offers introductions to the lives of historical figures found in the core of every history curriculum. Filled with true stories, historical photographs, artwork, and caricatures, each title in this lively series will entertain and inform readers. Did you know that when Matthew Henson and Robert Peary traveled to the North Pole they ran behind, not on, sleds that were 12 feet long with runners made of walrus tusks? In 1909, after eighteen years of expeditions, they became the first men to reach the North Pole. Although instrumental to this achievement, Henson was denied the accolades that should have followed because he was African American. It was not until more than thirty years later that people outside of the African-American community gave him the recognition he deserved.