Mawson in Antarctica – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Real life adventures in Antarctica.
Children’s book title: Mawson in Antarctica: To the Ends of the Earth.
Children’s author: Joanna Grochowicz.
Genre: Children’s nonfiction.
Published by: Allen and Unwin Children’s.
ISBN: 9781761181085.
Recommended for children aged: 10-14 year-olds.
First published: Paperback June 2024.
This children’s book is ideal for: any intrepid young adventurers!
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Our review:
Told in an almost diary-like account, this non-fiction title explores the adventures of Douglas Mawson. It depicts the stark reality of survival at the very extremes of our planet, the practical elements of planning and committing to such a journey, and the personal hurdles that must be reckoned with to even attempt such expeditions. Inevitably, it also explores the survival of extreme expeditions and, indeed, the alternative – which, for many, was the case.
Given the detail in this account, it would be perfect for supporting KS2 topics on explorers or journeys, but it would also be relevant in supporting Geography topics looking at conditions at the poles, or Science discussions around research and investigations. The title has further merit as an ideal way of providing KS2 and KS3 children, who have not yet found any sustained enjoyment in reading fiction, with an alternative route to reading for pleasure—real-life stories.
For those who perhaps are not the most committed readers, the format of Mawson in Antarctica will have further appeal. It is written in simple, short chapters, and the language remains purposeful and concise throughout. In addition, there are photos from the expeditions to remind you of the real-world relevance, and a series of sketches that add interest.
Our verdict:
Mawson in Antarctica: To the Ends of the Earth is a great option for supporting curriculum topics and for children who find greater appeal in real-life stories than in fantasy worlds.
Many thanks to Allen and Unwin Children’s for the review copy.
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If you like Mawson in Antarctica: To the Ends of the Earth by Joanna Grochowicz you might also like: Amundsen’s Way by Joanna Grochowicz, Shackleton’s Endurance by Joanna Grochowicz, Women Who Led the Way by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom, Against the Odds by Alastair Humphreys, illustrated by Pola Mai, Shackleton’s Journey by William Grill and Journey to the Last River by Teddy Keen.
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