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218 pp.
| Feiwel
| April, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-250-31768-1$17.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-250-31769-8
(3)
4-6
In 2016, fourteen-year-old Hameister embarked on a multi-year quest to become the youngest person to accomplish the "Polar Hat Trick"--skiing to the North Pole, across Greenland, and finally to the South Pole. Her inspiring memoir is filled with adventure, perseverance, and gratitude, showcasing her indomitable spirit. Two color photo sections from before and during the expeditions are included plus a few black-and-white photographs.
40 pp.
| Peachtree
| March, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-1-68263-005-1$17.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Kristy Caldwell.
Isabella Bird (1831–1904) overcame childhood maladies and, perhaps equally hard to surmount, rigid social expectations of female behavior to become a world traveler, explorer, and best-selling author; snippets of Bird's writing appear in this ebullient treatment of a life well spent. Illustrator Caldwell incorporates occasional dialogue balloons and comics-style panels into the digital illustrations, staving off any accusation of Victorian creakiness. Timeline. Bib.
194 pp.
| Chicago
| March, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-61373-098-0$19.95
(3)
YA
Women of Action series.
In 1921, four men and a young Inuit woman named Ada Blackjack set off of an expedition to uninhabited Wrangel Island north of Siberia. While all four men died or disappeared during the trip, Blackjack managed to stay alive until she was rescued--no small feat in the Arctic. A well-written, well-sourced survival story, punctuated by a handful of (questionably relevant) sidebars. Bib., ind.
(3)
4-6
Women in STEM series.
Each volume includes descriptions of careers women have pursued within broad scientific fields; bios of historic pioneers, contemporary industry superstars, and regular people; and profiles of programs for girls in STEM. Copious photographs of women and girls involved in scientific pursuits are included, along with direct quotes from the profiled scientists; nonfiction literacy activities and prompts connect to the Common Core. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Women in STEM titles: Women in Computer Science, Women in Earth and Space Exploration, Women in Engineering, cf2]Women in Medicine, Women in Conservation, and Women in Physical Science.
(4)
4-6
Encounter series.
Illustrated by
Iva Sasheva.
In 1988, fifty-year-old Helen Thayer hiked to the North Pole, becoming the first woman to reach "any of the world's Poles" alone. This inspiring biography's straightforward text heightens tension during action-packed scenes, but a rushed ending detracts from Thayer's accomplishment. The photorealistic illustrations convey Thayer's isolation in the stark Arctic environment. Notes from Thayer and the author are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.
(4)
4-6
Great Minds of Science series.
Featuring innovative scientists, several from underrepresented groups, these biographies discuss childhood interests, study, diligence, and professional achievements, from tobacco farmer Banneker's almanac to Earle's underwater research and publications. Some effective primary material linked to online resources is included; frequent integrative questions and prompts may distract general researchers. Many photos and diagrams illustrate the text, though the pale-yellow-type captions aren't optimal. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Minds of Science titles: Charles Drew, George Washington Carver, Sylvia Earle, Jane Goodall, Charles Darwin, and Benjamin Banneker.
48 pp.
| Dial
| February, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3713-6$17.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Cheryl Harness.
This welcome companion to Women Daredevils: Thrills, Chills, and Frills profiles Freya Stark, Daisy Bates, and eight other explorers, all born before 1900 and all, Cummins convincingly argues, overlooked because they were "saddled with gender barriers... Females belonged at home!" Neither author nor illustrator can contain her enthusiasm for her subjects ("She was some awesome Aussie, pistol-packin' mama!"). Websites. Bib.
32 pp.
| Farrar/Foster
| March, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-38068-7$17.99
(2)
K-3
Earle's intimate knowledge of the creatures she's spent over half a century observing, whether while snorkeling near the surface or walking on the ocean floor, permeates this enthusiastic biography illustrated with exquisitely detailed watercolor art. An author's note explains why we all need to get involved in efforts to curtail the threats of overfishing, climate change, oil spills, and other pollutants. Bib.
(4)
4-6
The history of Vikings reaching North America comes to life in this well-researched tale. Young Hekja rescues the eponymous dog. Rover and Hekja are then enslaved by Vikings and end up on a ship with Freydis Eriksdöttir--sister of Leif Eriksson. This is really Freydis's story, so the pup--and Hekja--seem almost incidental at times. Occasional footnotes are informative but distracting.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| April, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1485-X$$16.95
(4)
K-3
Picture Book Biography series.
Illustrated by
Dan Brown.
Probably because there is little known about the Shoshone woman who, as interpreter, food gatherer, and guide, was essential to Lewis and Clark's legendary expedition, Adler's informative narrative seems somewhat detached from its subject. The text is accompanied by earth-toned watercolor illustrations, some of which look stiff. A time line and author's note are included. Bib.
32 pp.
| Houghton
| September, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-618-00273-1$$16.00
(1)
K-3
Mary Kingsley, the lonely daughter of an invalid mother and an absent adventuring father, finds her fantasies fulfilled in books, until, at thirty, she ventures beyond the confines of her house and travels to Africa. Quoting liberally from Kingsley's journals, Brown imprints his own resonant voice on this tale of an unflappable female explorer. The book's reverential tone is lightened with comedic moments in both the art and text. Bib.
Reviewer: Susan P. Bloom
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2000
48 pp.
| Dutton
| September, 1998
|
TradeISBN 0-525-45858-1$$16.99
(2)
4-6
Illustrated by
Roxie Munro.
Intrepid travelers all, the dauntless subjects of these eight short biographical essays are compelling companions for armchair explorers. Subjects include Richard Burton and Ernest Shackleton; the inclusion of several less-famous personalities adds interest and a fresh perspective. The fast-paced, descriptive narrative is accompanied by illustrations that, while interpretive, are lacking the artist's usual flair. Bib.
Reviewer: Mary M. Burns
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 1999
12 reviews
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