Literature Connection
Troubling a Star by Madeleine L'Engle
ISBN
Bantam Doubleday Dell Books for Young Readers 1994
In this fictional story, teenager Vicky Austin is given a birthday gift of a trip to Antarctica. She meets her fellow travelers, learning a different view of what Antarctica could and should be from each of them. Eventually she becomes the unwitting target of international and illegal intrigue and finds herself left on an iceberg to die. Although the main character of Vicky isn't particularly strong, the story does an excellent job of introducing a new reader to the environment, creatures and political and ethical questions surrounding Antarctica. It is a good starting place for discussion on the future of the continent.
Horrible Geography Perishing Poles by Anita Ganeri
ISBN
Scholastic, Inc. 2002
This is a paperback textbook written in a tongue-in-cheek style and packed full of information. It covers vocabulary; Scott's, Amundsen's and Shackleton's journeys; a comparison of the two poles' geography, climate, weather patterns, animal and plant life; protection facts about hypothermia and human habitation; and ecological questions and problems. Although almost half of the small book is dedicated to the North Pole, it is still a good sourcebook and starting place for intermediate and teen readers who have no background knowledge of the continent of Antarctica.
Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and The Endurance by Jennifer Armstrong
ISBN
Scholastic, Inc. 1998
This is an excellent telling of the true story of Shackleton, his crew, and their journey to and survival in Antarctica. With highly readable text and many black and white photos, it covers preparation for the voyage, survival in a frozen landscape, the destruction of the ship Endurance, how the crew traveled and camped on the ice, the decision to separate and have some crew members try for Elephant Island, and the eventual rescue of the entire crew. Although it doesn't tell as much about the wildlife as some other books, it gives a painfully clear depiction of the hardships of life in Antarctica and the courage and character of the people who tackle it.
Trial By Ice A Photobiography of Sir Ernest Shackleton by K. M. Kostyal
ISBN
Scholastic, Inc. 1999
This is also a very readable text of Shackleton and his journey. The pictures are larger and more numerous than the book mentioned above, but there is less text and information.
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