National Non-Fiction November
13/11/2022
We’re joining The Federation of Children’s Book Groups this month in celebrating books that bring facts and information to life for young readers. Marking the 100th anniversary of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s death and celebrating the discovery of his famous ship Endurance earlier this year, we’ve chosen three books to inform, inspire and amuse your aspiring adventurers.
1. You Wouldn’t Want To Be On Shackleton’s Polar Expedition, The Salariya Book Company
In this title, in the popular You Wouldn't Want To Be series, author Jen Green successfully balances fun with facts while David Antram’s full-colour illustrations combine humour and accurate technical detail. A timeline, fun facts, a list of ‘top’ characters and a map mean that even the most reluctant 7-12 year old reader will not be able to resist this entertaining version of the explorer’s exploits.
2. Ice Trap! Shackleton’s Incredible Expedition, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Who needs fiction when you can read about Shackleton’s true story of escape from the ice following the sinking of his ship? Antarctic specialist Meredith Hooper’s words, M P Robertson’s vivid illustrations and a helpful map bring to life the epic story for 8-12 year olds. This book is particularly popular with primary school teachers as a teaching aid for polar topic work.
3. Shackleton’s Endurance: An Antarctic Survival Story, Allen & Unwin
With just over 300 pages of highly-readable, fast-paced drama, polar historian Joanna Grochowicz successfully captures the attention of tweens aged 10 to 14 and introduces this new generation to the feats and grit of explorers past. Her spirited retelling of Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Antarctic expedition of 1914-17 will immerse the reader in the gruelling journey where courage, leadership and teamwork were crucial to survival.
These three books are available from the UKAHT online shop.
For more on National Non-Fiction November follow @FCBGNews, #NNFN2022
Many historic expeditions and explorers, including the men of Operation Tabarin (a top secret mission to Antarctica during World War II) have followed this same route to Antarctica. Whilst I set sail on a modern ship, the 14 men of Operation Tabarin left Stanley on 2 small ships, one of which was not ice strengthened. Not only did they have the dangers of a polar expedition in front of them, but also the potential threat of enemy forces during WWII.
This film captures the 134ft HMS William Scorseby at sea in Feb 1944 (Reproduced courtesy of BAS Archives, Ref AD6/16/1944/1.1).We, like our polar ancestors, are now heading South through the furious 50°'s and eventually to the screaming 60°’s, where the winds batter the Southern Ocean, with terrifying intensity. I cannot begin to imagine what it would have been on The Scorseby, with the men of Operation Tabarin in such weather. I am hoping to experience some of the beauty and wonder of Antarctica's wildlife on my journey there. With perhaps a small bit of Antarctic adventure thrown in. Although perhaps I should be careful what I wish for!
Follow the team's progress on social media using #BacktoAntarctica
