This picture book biography of Matthew Henson describes how his chance meetings with a ship's captain at the age of 13 was to change his life and give him the skills and experience that were to equip him to be the crucial team member in Admiral Peary's later historic expedition to the North Pole. Attractive full-page illustrations help capture the dramatic events and spirit of adventure that were to transform his life and bring him belated recognition as an African American explorer now remembered as co-founder of the North Pole.