Destination, Antarctica

by Robert Swan, Rebecca Ward (Photographer), Roger Mear (Photographer)

Follows the British adventurer Robert Swan and two other explorers on an exciting and dangerous 900-mile trek to the South Pole, following in the footsteps of Swan's chidhood hero, Robert Falcon Scott, who made the journey exactly seventy-four years earlier.

Genres: Nonfiction

37 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1988

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author led a team to Antarctica to relive the adventures of Robert Scott. I remember reading a story about Antarctic exploration somewhere around fourth or fifth grade. This story did not deliver the same sense of adventure. The illustrations in this one, however, make it a great book to pair up with a story of some of the original Antarctic adventures.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although intended for children, this fascinating account of an on-foot journey to the South Pole is great for any age. I was impressed by the number of full-color photographs, and Swan's descriptive language vividly captures the cold, barren expanse of the world's southernmost continent. He not only describes the planning and stages of his own journey, but also gives a brief history of previous polar expeditions. My biggest complaint about this book is that none of the photographs is credited or captioned. While some, perhaps, don't need any explanation, others aren't quite so clear. Who took that shot of the snowy ridges? Who is that man smiling at the camera? This shot of the men hiking toward the pole: was it early in their journey or late? Also, perhaps since this book was aimed at a child audience, some details are really sparse. Swan states that navigation was difficult, but he does not describe the methods of navigation or even list the tools used. Despite these shortcomings, this book is well worth the read. I have never studied, nor indeed, ever cared to study, polar expeditions, and this book still managed to hold my interest until the very end.

[Jc · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the most fascinating places in the world just became a little more accessible through this book. What an amazing adventure these people had.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend this nonfiction text to be on your shelf if you're an ELA teacher; it's a fascinating biographical narrative of Rober Swan's experience trying to reach the South Pole, where only one other person had ever been before (and that crew never made it home). This story never got boring, and it is quite a tale of determination and ambition, with many disappointments and trials along the way. I look at these triumphs as unnecessary and insane risks, but I do respect his courage & perseverance as well. One of my students found it interesting; the type of student who also wanted to read Banner in the Sky by Ulman. I sssume that my student was inspired by both Rudi & Swan. So, it's past the student test. Short, perfect reading level for middle school, and full of just enough pictures to really help the reader visualize the quest.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is called Destination: Antarctica. It was written by Robert Swan. It goes into the nonfiction category. This book is about 3 men and their jouney to Antarctica. I rated this book five stars because it tells their expedition and is very informative.

[Evan Underwood]

Nice book