From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-An excellent account of the life and accomplishments of the dedicated explorer. Born to a middle-class Irish family, Shackleton knew early on that he could not settle for an everyday job and an ordinary life. He became involved in expeditions to Antarctica and in the rivalry of the day to reach the Pole. Fortunately, he understood the value of documentation and some of the amazing archival photographs from his expeditions are included here along with clear and useful maps. There are several good books about Shackleton's famous voyage, including Elizabeth Cody Kimmel's Ice Story (Clarion, 1999), Jennifer Armstrong's Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World (Crown, 1998), and Michael McCurdy's Trapped by the Ice! (Walker, 1997). Johnson presents a full biography that gives insight into the man and his time. The voyage on the Endurance is introduced about halfway through the book. The writing is lively and clear and the story is compelling. A useful title for reports and recreational reading.Marlene Gawron, formerly at Orange County Library, Orlando, FLCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 6-10. This solid addition to the Trailblazer Biography series will partner nicely with Jennifer Armstrong's excellent Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World (1998), which keeps its focus solidly on the famous Endurance expedition. In contrast, Johnson offers plenty of biographical information about Shackleton himself, and readers will enjoy photos and anecdotes that reveal the gawky, energetic teenager before he became the famous explorer. Johnson also details Shackleton's several expeditions, shown in clearly drawn maps, and closes the book with an overview of Antarctica. The author, who has been to Antarctica several times, describes the frozen landscape and the thrilling rescue in vivid language. Shackleton's thoughts and feelings, however, are often presented without documentation: only direct quotes are sourced. Nonetheless, this offers a broad, exciting view of the legend and his crew; young adults may also want to browse through the rich text and illustrations in George Plimpton's recent adult title Ernest Shackleton [BKL My 15 03]. Gillian Engberg
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Card catalog description
A biography of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the daring, charismatic Antarctic explorer who fell short of his goal of crossing Antarctica, but accomplished a far greater feat by bringing every member of his crew back alive.

ANNOTATION

A biography of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the daring, charismatic Antarctic explorer who fell short of his goal of crossing Antarctica, but accomplished a far greater feat by bringing every member of his crew back alive.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Growing up on a farm in Ireland, Ernest Shackleton longed for a life of travel and excitement. His father wanted him to become a doctor, but Shackleton's sense of adventure led him to a career as a sailor. After years of sailing with the British Merchant Navy, he was asked to join an expedition to Antarctica. Shackleton found his life's passion. One of the most inhospitable and dangerous places on Earth, Antarctica drew Shackleton south four times.

This inspiring biography explores Shackleton's single-minded determination and bravery, from his childhood dreams of far-off places through his death at the young age of forty-seven. His bravery earned him the respect of his fellow explorers and a place of honor in history.

FROM THE CRITICS

VOYA - Lucy Schall

Johnson traces Ernest Shackleton's fascination with adventure and fame from his childhood in a rural home, through his commitment to a naval career as a teenager, his adult Antarctic expeditions, and finally to his death. The title and cover suggest a concentration on the Endurance. Four chapters describe this famous, character-defining expedition. The accounts of Shackleton's conflicts with his father, wife, and a fellow explorer establish his dedication to adventure. Trying to pack more topics into fewer pages, this biography presents the facts without the punch or drama of Jennifer Armstrong's Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World (Crown, 1998)-the story of the Endurance expedition that subordinates and omits details of Shackleton's personal life but emphasizes his ability to find financial backers for expeditions and to embrace fearlessly the spirit of improvisation characterizing early exploration. An excellent leadership model for teens, Shackleton is remembered for the optimism, bravery, and generosity that placed saving lives above personal ambition. None of his expeditions achieved its goal, but every member stayed alive. Johnson does not use anecdotes or background descriptions that communicate the phenomenal leadership required to save an entire crew trapped in a desperate situation. The text, smooth and clear, is suitable for classroom reports, but even with the mood-setting introduction, this book probably will not hook the independent reader. Index. Illus. Photos. Maps. Biblio. Source Notes. VOYA CODES: 3Q 2P M J (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to9). 2003, Lerner, 112p,

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