Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales Major Impossible gives explorers their due

Major Impossible is the ninth book in the bestselling series by Nathan Hale. Each book in this series takes a look at a real historical figure. Some of them you’ve heard of, whereas others aren’t as well known. Major Impossible falls in the lesser known category for us. It’s about John Wesley Powell, an explorer who fought in the Civil War and went on to lead the Colorado River Exploring Expedition in 1869. If you’re familiar with Hale’s storytelling you will love this book. If this is your first Nathan Hale book it’s one that will entertain you, educate you, make you squirm on a couple instances and make you curious about the rest of his subjects.  

These are black and white, historical graphic novels that are set up from the onset by a hangman, Nathan Hale (the spy from the Revolutionary War) and a military leader (The Provost). It’s obvious for any age reader that these books take a little narrative licensing when it comes to telling the story. Middle grade  readers everywhere should be thankful for this because said artistic license helps Hale (the author, yes that’s his real name too) craft the story in a way that’s funny, real and one that will make kids want to explore history.  

Major Impossible, like Hale’s other books, use flashbacks, sections when the narrators speak directly to the readers and commentary from them about what the book’s main characters are encountering.  When Powell is a young man, the hangman chimes in from below the panel that he’s look more recognizable with a mustache, since he’s seen with one throughout the book. Suddenly boom, the young Powell has the classic handlebar moustache that the elder Powell is seen sporting when he’s exploring the river.  

Readers get to see Powell as he built the team of 10 men who were the first to explore the Colorado River that stretched from Wyoming, through Utah and ending in Arizona. Maps were available and they knew the boundaries of the states, but they didn’t know what to expect on the river.  

As the team sets down the river we see what a tough character Powell was. Shot in the arm in the Civil War it had to be amputated, but it didn’t slow him down or intimate him. He was a hard driving man who did the hard work with those around him, but things were always done his way. Even as some in his group wanted to go their own way he provided meager rations for them and set them on his way, but he kept going.  

Major Impossible describes the task and his personality also. It was a river loaded with rapids that nobody had every completed. He was a one-armed ex-military man who loved a challenge. It seems impossible and readers will most likely let their mind’s eye take the leisurely route down the Colorado River.  

Middle school readers who like graphic novels and storytelling with a wink and grin will enjoy Major Impossible. If they’re looking for a story that’s straight and narrow, this isn’t their jam. For us, we love this book and this series. It baits the hook for those who want to read more about its subjects while providing the non-fiction requirement that parents and schools ask for.  

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