How to Dive to the Deepest Place on Earth

Gr 4-7–The first American woman to walk in space, invites readers on her journey to become the eighth person and first woman to dive to the Challenger Deep, the deepest point on Earth. Cocreator Rosen adds illustrations and strong graphics to the photos here. This work covers the preparation for and execution of the nearly seven-mile descent in the specialized submersible Limiting Factor. ­Sullivan adeptly contrasts the pressures and technologies of deep-sea exploration with those of the space shuttle, explaining how the submersible’s sphere shape helps withstand pressure 1,100 times greater than on land. The book navigates the ocean’s vertical zones (Sunlight, Twilight, Midnight, Abyssal, Hadal), profiling the bizarre, specially adapted creatures that live in the crushing darkness, such as the Vampire Squid and Anglerfish. The writing seamlessly blends memoir with detailed science, discussing buoyancy, tectonic plates, and historical depth measurements using sounding lines and sonar. Illustrated with detailed drawings plus those photos, the information is presented clearly and blends Sullivan’s experiences in science and learning with the objectives exploring the ­Challenger Deep. The book serves as a powerful inspiration for readers to follow their own curiosity and explore the vast, unknown parts of our planet. Sullivan and Rosen have created an outstanding piece of narrative nonfiction, offering a unique perspective from an unparalleled explorer.