The 1909 expedition to the South Pole by explorers Captain Robert Scott and Roald Amundsen is presented in detail, highlighting the science involved. The sense of competition among countries to be the first to reach the South Pole in conveyed, as well as the many dangers faced, eventually leading to the death of some members of the party. The readability is 5.7, with interest level 4th-6th. The publisher includes 3rd, but I believe it is a little too intense for that age level. Part of the "Great Journeys Across the Earth" series, this title would be right on target for upper elementary units on exploration. Other titles in the series are Burton and Speke’s Source of the Nile Quest, Marco Polo’s Travels on Asia’s Silk Road, and Captain Cook’s Pacific Explorations. Together they are a powerful resource for a comparative study involving upper level thinking skills. Recommended—Vicki Shepherd, Library Media Specialist, Blanton School Arlington Independent School District3/10/2009
[Close]

The 1865 expedition from England through Egypt to find the source of the Nile by Richard Burton and John Speke is presented in detail, highlighting the science involved. The hiring of soldiers and porters, the eventual mutiny by the soldiers who fled with many supplies, malaria and smallpox, exploration, and the dispute between Speke and Burton are included, along with beautiful photography and sidebars. Most impressive are the photographs of Kilimanjaro and various animals and tribes such as the Massai. Part of the "Great Journeys Across the Earth" series, this title would be right on target for upper elementary units on exploration. Other titles in the series are Captain Cook’s Pacific Explorations, Amundsen and Scott’s Race to the South Pole, and Marco Polo’s Travels on Asia’s Silk Road. Together they are a powerful resource for a comparative study involving upper level thinking skills. Recommended—Vicki Shepherd, Library Media Specialist, Blanton School Arlington Independent School District3/11/2009
[Close]

The 1768 expedition from England to the Pacific and Australia by Captain Cook is presented in detail, highlighting the science involved. The Endeavor’s hull damage on a coral reef, scurvy, and encounters with the hostile Maoris are included, along with beautiful photography and sidebars. Most impressive is the illustration of a Nootka longhouse. Part of the "Great Journeys Across the Earth" series, this title would be right on target for upper elementary units on exploration. Other titles in the series are Burton and Speke’s Source of the Nile Quest, Amundsen and Scott’s Race to the South Pole, and Marco Polo’s Travels on Asia’s Silk Road. Together they are a powerful resource for a comparative study involving upper level thinking skills. Recommended—Vicki Shepherd, Media Library Specialist, Blanton School Arlington Independent School District3/10/2009
[Close]

Part of the Great Journeys Across the Earth series by Heinemann Library, this title describes the adventures and hardships Magellan faced in his around the world voyage. The first to circumnavigate the earth, Magellan truly earned the title early explorer. Colorful pictures, maps, charts, and sidebars do a nice job of keeping the intermediate reader moving through the text. It includes a timeline, glossary, index, and bibliographical information. Recommended—Polly Walton, Library Media Specialist, Swift School Arlington Independent School District4/19/2009
[Close]