ISBN: 9781909263109
$24.00
Grades 3 and Up
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Schuler Books | Your Library

Some works of nonfiction come off a bit like assignments. The author dutifully studies a topic and relates the subject matter for young readers. Other nonfiction books, like Shackleton’s Journey, feel like mad, passionate, ecstatic labors of love. William Grill takes one of the great true survival stories and sets it to artwork that brings the reality of exploration gone awry to life.

In 1914 Ernest Shackleton and crew set out to do what no one at that point had accomplished – cross the Antarctic continent. They never even got close. Their ship, the Endurance, quickly became trapped (and eventually crushed) by ice, forcing the crew onto the unpredictable floes. Narrow escapes, perilous voyages, and remarkable feats of strength and navigation followed with unbelievable results – not a man was lost.

The colored pencil illustrations are nothing short of masterful. Filling up every inch of the large trim size, Grill combines gorgeous maps, detailed visual inventories, and stunning two page spreads to expand on the text at very turn. This juxtaposition of exploration minutia with the expanses of snow and sea make for a visual experience of the highest order. The reader is in the (snow)shoes of the crew, battling against the forces of nature in utter isolation.

You can’t read this book without thinking about audience. While it would work for younger readers, the sweet spot in my estimation is grades three and up. And I do mean up. Adults interested in survival stories will appreciate this book as much as anyone.

One of the knocks on Shackleton’s Journey is the lack of more detailed bibliography. I agree. In a time where back matter is scrutinized and no quote goes unchecked, this lack of source material is a noticeable omission.

All in all, few books relay the experience of exploration better. Hand this to your fans of adventure and survival stories. It’s a beaut.

Review copy from the publisher.

Also reviewed by Educating Alice.

See more images of Shackleton’s Journey on William Grill’s tumblr.