Ice Story: Shackleton's Lost Expedition

By Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

This dramatic, suspenseful narrative reads like an adventure story-but it is true. In 1914, Sir Ernest Shackleton and a twenty-seven-man crew set off on an expedition to reach and cross Antarctica. Just a month and a half into the voyage, their ship, the Endurance, was caught fast in heavy pack ice. The men had no radio contact, and no one knew where they were or even that they were in trouble. None of them should have survived the ordeal that followed-unstable ice floes, treacherous waters, freezing temperatures, and starvation. Only the extraordinary leadership, courage, and strength of Shackleton brought the whole team safely through. Elizabeth Cody Kimmel's clear, compelling text is illustrated with photographs, taken and carefully preserved by the ship's photographer, that record the stark condition and the day-to-day activities of the men. Hand-drawn maps that show the extraordinary route of the Endurance and her crew. Bibliography, index.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395915244
• ISBN13: 9780395915240
• Release Date: February 1999
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 1.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.5" x 9.5"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Incredible Study of Polar Hardships

My homeschooled kids LOVED this book. It doesn't have the bright pictures or tongue-in-check narration sported by other juvenile books but the story captured the attention of my 9-, 7-, and 5- year olds. We used this as a springboard into our study of Arctic habitats and polar explorers. I read it aloud over the course of two weeks, chapter by chapter to my younger ones. My oldest couldn't wait and snuck off to devour it during quiet time. He was so inspired by the details of their adventure and the amazing black and white photographs, he decided to go on his own "virtual" expedition which has spun off into a huge research project. It starts a tad dry but it doesn't take long before the intrigue of a real life stowaway, midnight dog races, and an incredible story of survival captures everyone's interest. A great tool to emphasize power of leadership, ingenuity, perseverance, and hope. I would HIGHLY recommend this as the main stay of a polar unit, which can then be supplemented with the more accessible juvenile books.

Ice Story Reveiw

This was a very interesting book and i would recamend it to anyone who like adventure.

Ice Story: Shakleton's Lost Expedition

The true story with lots of original photographs of Sir Ernest Shakleton's unsuccessful Antarctic Expedition. The hardships they faced were incredible, yet Shackleton was a true commander. He kept his men together in mind and body. Excellent adventure book and recommend it for grades 3 through 11th. Also recommended reading for teachers and parents.