Michael McCurdy (1942–2016)

I find authors who write about difficult subjects like this to be quite intriguing. Shakleton's story is not for the faint of heart and I thought this author did a nice job of being honest about details like starvation, horrible uncleanliness, and true struggle to survive in unimaginable conditions. McCurdy puts us readers through several rise and falls, mirroring the trauma and uncertainty of the men's situation. There is not a distinct climax though other than these moments of excitement, though 'Shaks' final journey to the whaling island may have been intended to be the climax? I gave this book the rating of 3.5 stars, despite the fact I quite liked how it was written, because first, I wish McCurdy had given us more context on the environment. I do not think understanding the harsh conditions of Antarctica is something an average human really grasps, let alone a child. Second, this book really needed stronger illustrations because of the unimaginable qualities the story has. The fact that these men fought to survive for 2 years to return home while stranded in Antarctica with the technology of 1915 is incredible and I would have liked to see a better visual representation.… (más)

I liked this book for two reasons. First, I liked that since it was nonfiction the author went to great lengths to ensure accuracy and included a bibliography. Of the four books cited, two of them were written by men who were on the voyage. Second, I liked how the book pushed readers to think about what it would be like to be in a dangerous situation where they were trapped and they did not have any resources to get help. They also had to deal with the ice that sometimes would melt and sea lions that threatened to attack them. The main message of the book was to retell some of the interesting events that happened on that adventure in a format that younger children could enjoy.… (más)