Antarctica: Journeys to the South Pole
by Walter Dean Myers
When thinking of Antarctic explorers, the names most often mentioned are Byrd, Amundsen, and Shackleton. But there have been many others - James Cook, James Clark Ross, Charles Wilkes, Robert Falcon Scott, William Smith, and Adrien de Gerlache de Gomery. Their stories are told in this compelling volume, accompanied by photos, maps, and journal excerpts.
An excellent history of Antarctic exploration.
After the Last Dog Died: The True-Life, Hair-Raising Adventure of Douglas Mawson's 1912 Antarctic Expedition
by Carmen Bredeson
Douglas Mawson, a geology professor, was on Ernest Shackleton's 1908 Antarctic expedition. He and two others reached the south magnetic pole. Three years later, Mawson returned to the continent, this time to study the climate, geology, plants, and animals. Five exploration parties, each made up of three men, set out in October, 1912, headed east and west along the coast. Mawson's party, consisting of himself, Belgrave Ninnis, and Xavier Mertz, were also going east, but inland. One month into their trek, Ninnis fell into a crevasse and was lost. Since nearly all the food and the tent was lost as well, Mawson and Mertz were forced to turn back. They only had enough food for one and a half weeks. It would take five weeks to return to base camp, 320 miles away. Unable to feed the dogs, they had to shoot them one by one. After the last dog died, Mertz became ill and died one week later. Left alone, Mawson had to use all his courage and ingenuity to survive.
An incredible story comes alive with historical photos, gripping text, and quotes from Mawson himself.
Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance
by Jennifer Armstrong
In August 1914, Ernest Shackleton and 27 men set sail from England to Antarctica. Their mission: to be the first explorers to cross the icy continent from one side to another. But five months later, their ship, the Endurance, became trapped in the ice. Thus began their perilous journey to Elephant Island. If that wasn't hard enough, Shackleton and five others set sail on a 800-mile journey in an open boat to South Georgia Island in search of rescue.
Jennifer Armstrong tells this almost unbelievable story with great drama and detail, making for an exciting, tension-filled read that is hard to put down. Her descriptive prose brings the harsh, incredible Antarctic continent to life, while her vivid depictions of Shackleton and his men make clear the importance of teamwork and leadership. Her book reads like an amazing adventure novel, pulling readers in wholeheartedly.
Not for the faint-of-heart, especially those who dislike cold, wind, and frigid waters, this is an excellent book. Highly recommended.
Social Savvy: A Teenager's Guide to Feeling Confident in Any Situation
by Judith Ré with Meg F. Schneider
Social savvy is more than just good manners. It's being able to conduct yourself in a responsible and respectful way while being sensitive to those around you. In this book, Judith Ré provides guidance for teens as they struggle with miserable moments that are fraught with potential embarrassment. From making small talk to keeping friends, dining out to hosting guests, dealing with money or delicate situations, her reassurances and gentle advice should help young people handle social situations with grace and confidence, even if some of it may sound a little dated.
The Values Book: Teaching 16 Basic Values to Young Children
by Pam Schiller and Tamera Bryant
This book helps parents model ethical behaviours through action and discussion. Each value is introduced by a relevant poem or song, a definition of the value, questions to think about, ways to discuss the value with children, activities for the classroom or the home that reinforce understanding, and a list of books that showcase each value.
Values include commitment, compassion, honesty, loyalty, and responsibility. I question whether humor should be deemed a value and whether it can even be taught, and the inclusion of pride as a value. The authors mean children to take pride in successful accomplishments, but they don't discuss how to be proud of oneself without being boastful. It will be up to parents to decide which values are worth teaching.
The Golden Rule
by Ilene Cooper
illustrated by Gabi Swiatowska
A boy and his grandfather see a billboard with these words written on it: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When the boy asks about the meaning of the words, his grandfather tells him about the Golden Rule, and how it is interpreted by various religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, & Shawnee Native American).
A beautifully designed book with a universal message that all readers will embrace.
E Is for Ethics: How to Talk to Kids About Morals, Values, and What Matters Most
by Ian James Corlett
illustrations by R. A. Holt
Corlett, a father of two, has written 26 short stories starring two young children, Elliott and Lucy. Each story demonstrates a different ethic or value such as honesty, forgiveness, tact, patience, integrity, and empathy. Corlett ends his stories with questions designed to spark discussions between parents and children about ethical and moral issues. The stories provide gentle guidance for parents striving to raise kind, empathetic and compassionate children.
Is It Still Cheating If I Don't Get Caught?
by Bruce Weinstein, Ph.D.
Sometimes, when faced with very difficult problems, it's hard to know what to do, especially when deciding on the right thing to do. Applying ethical principles to decision-making can enable you to make good choices consistently. Bruce Weinstein uses five life principles - do no harm, make things better, respect others, be fair, be loving - to help guide children and teens into making good choices that will benefit themselves and others.
Using a question-and-answer format, Weinstein suggests several responses, then breaks down each response according to the five life principles. In doing so, he gets readers to think about the consequences of particular actions.
An excellent introduction to ethical behaviour that can help us live life with integrity.
