The Giant of the North: Pokings Round the Pole

by R.M. Ballantyne

This is the tale of a giant Eskimo named Screekinbroot, also called Chingatok. Journey with Ballantyne's young heroes into the frozen tundra and icy waters of the North Pole regions for encounters with Eskimo peoples, and learn about their life and the inherent daily adventures of the Arctic.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens

411 pages, Hardcover

Published May 27, 2007

About the author

R. M. Ballantyne was a Scottish writer of juvenile fiction.

Born Robert Michael Ballantyne in Edinburgh, he was part of a famous family of printers and publishers. At the age of 16 he went to Canada and where he served for six years with the Hudson's Bay Company. He returned to Scotland in 1847, and published his first book the following year, Hudson's Bay: or Life in the Wilds of North America. For some time he was employed by Messrs Constable, the publishers, but in 1856 he gave up business for literature, and began the series of adventure stories for the young with which his name is popularly associated.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the adventure, wit and Christian emphasis in this book are just as satisfactory as many of Ballantyne's other books, this has been my least favorite so far. For one thing it's not quite factual, exploring the discovery of the North Pole before it actually happened. It's very interesting, but that's interesting conjecture. Also there is plenty of the kindly condescension toward Eskimos and the black "wooly" cook. The Eskimo hero is considered, however, to be unusually noble and intelligent. He warmly embraces the Gospel, which is clearly expounded to him. I realize, also, that this condescension is a Christian attitude of Ballantyne's time. Other than these objections I enjoyed this Arctic adventure.

[Levi W. A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give it a 7 out of 10 🌟.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Great wit and humor. I realize that many parts of this book are probably fiction, so you shouldn't trust that many things it says actually happened.

I particularly loved the surprises the Captain would reveal...it adds a nice element to the story.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fun book with typical Ballantyne humor and honor of the God who makes peace.

Unfortunately, it's exploration of the North Pole is completely fictional, so the truth value is minimal. Ballantyne had a great imagination, though!