Race to the South Pole: A Two-­Sided Story

Gr 5-8–This two-sided book chronicles the race to the South Pole between Robert F. Scott and Roald Amundsen in the early 20th century. The book opens with Scott’s attempt to reach the pole first, then readers flip the book over to read of Amundsen’s journey. The text describes the many challenges faced by both parties. The text provides enough description of the journeys to give readers a sense of what it was like without shifting into the truly grim. There are, however, details about horses and dogs being killed for food; so sensitive readers should skip this one. The mixed-media illustrations help to bring life to the details of the story and will help keep readers engaged. The colors and movement in the art help to personify the struggles faced in the storms and treacherous journeys. Illustrations are more plentiful than text and contain details that add depth to the descriptions of the expeditions.