Author(s): Joanna Grochowicz

Biographies / Memoirs | Middle Readers | Standing: Stage 3 (#4 5/6/24)

Douglas Mawson is a national hero and Antarctic explorer, famous for one of the most extraordinary feats of endurance in the history of polar exploration. His amazing story is brought vividly to life in compelling narrative non-fiction by the acclaimed author of Into the White: Scott's Antarctic Odyssey, Amundsen's Way and Shackleton's Endurance. Antarctica. Winter 1912. Hunkering down in the windiest place on earth, eighteen young Australians eagerly await a chance to prove themselves as polar explorers and scientists. The spring sledging season will bring adventure, danger, and the discovery of new lands under the command of Douglas Mawson. But tragedy also lies in wait. Douglas Mawson's tale is legendary, an epic struggle between one man's self-belief and the worst conditions the hostile polar environment can throw at him. His journey represents not only a feat of physical endurance but also a triumph of the human spirit's ability to conjure hope when luck has all but run out. Praise for previous books in this polar adventure series: 'Into the White: Scott's Antarctic Odyssey. 'For thrill-seeking middle school students who love nonfiction adventure stories...the adventures of Scott and his crew don't disappoint.' - School Library Journal 'Joanna Grochowicz's narrative non-fiction brings to life characters and events without skimping on historical fact. From the outset, it is apparent that Grochowicz has hit her stride as a writer. The characters feel fully developed and the pacing is slick, while the delivery is consistently on the mark for an intermediate-level reader.' - New Zealand Review of Books 'Amundsen's Way is a thoroughly enjoyable and readable story about some very brave people coping with horrific challenges. It is ideal for making young readers aware of the pleasures of long-form non-fiction books.' - Magpies 'Shackleton's Endurance: 'The engaging and dynamic writing will hook even readers who typically do not gravitate toward nonfiction.' - Kirkus reviews