Two intrepid librarians

Two intrepid librarians review the best nonfiction books for children

Friday, September 22, 2017

Bound By Ice Blog Tour

Bound By Ice: a True North Pole Survival Story 
By Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace
Calkins Creek. An imprint of Highlights. 2017
ISBN: 9781629794280

Note: While Cathy is on Sabbatical until February, 2018, Louise is writing all the reviews.


Today I'm taking part in the Bound By Ice blog tour. 

On July 8, 1879, Lieutenant Commander George De Long gazed at his wife, Emma. He had agreed to pilot the steamer Jeanette to the Arctic in search of the North Pole. It was believed there was a tropical ocean at the top of the world. Many expeditions had tried and failed, turned back or died from drowning, starvation or succumbed to diseases like scurvy, pneumonia, and lead poisoning. De Long’s expedition was supposed to be different. The U.S.S. Jeanette was better equipped, so success seemed possible. The voyage was expected to last two years. Holding back his emotions, De Long knew that if his ship got stuck in the ice, it was possible that he would never see his wife again.

Sandra and Rich Wallace have penned a thoroughly absorbing account of this ultimately unsuccessful quest. Using primary sources, the whole book leaves readers feeling like they are there on this doomed voyage, battling weather, hunger, and the fear of never seeing home again.  

Well-captioned historical photographs and actual etchings cement that you-are-there feeling. 

Well documented, back matter includes a note from the authors, bibliography, source notes, picture credits, and index. You can go here to download an educator's guide to the book.

I used a copy of the book sent by the publisher to write this review.

Be sure to visit other stops on the blog tour
9/17     Nerdy Book Club
 9/18   Mrs. Yingling Reads
 9/19   The Booklist Reader
9/20     KidLit Frenzy
 9/22       The Nonfiction Detectives



2 comments:

  1. Can't wait to get my hands on this book! Rich and Sandra have a gift for making historical characters and settings live!

    ReplyDelete