How to Survive in Antarctica

Bledsoe, Lucy Jane. How to Survive in Antarctica. New York : Holiday House, 2006.

Plot: Journalist Lucy Jane Bledsoe managed to reach Antarctica through a grant for writers and artists. She fell in love with the wilderness, and visited several other times. The book offers a record of her trips, as well as stories and advice for survival. For example, she outlines how to create a polar-worthy emergency shelter, adjust cold-weather clothing, and avoid crevasses. She also offers more personal stories, such as a trip to an abandoned airplane and a visit to an active volcano. The text offers a realistic and exciting view of Antarctic culture, wildlife, history, and travel.

Genre: Adventure, Geography, Survival

Reading Level: Grades 4-9

Similar Titles: Life Under Ice, Polar Explorers for Kids

Personal Thoughts: The title offers a brief overview to modern polar travel. Photographs complement the text-heavy title, adding context and illustrations. Impressively, Bledsoe manages to address the adventurous aspects of travel without glossing over the need for respect, rules, and order at the Pole. The book is a useful read for tweens with a desire to understand current activity in the far south.

Side Note: Bledsoe did not mention the need for a soft, fluffy blanket, but Jerome likes it anyway.