Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed

Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed

By: Sally M. Walker

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Walker, Sally. 2010. Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books. ISBN 1580136079

PLOT/SUMMARY

This fascinating book about the world’s least known continent delivers a history of the exploration of Antarctica, along with the difficulties associated with such exploration. Readers will be treated to an in-depth study of the conditions that make Antarctica such a challenging climate to research and the special accommodations that are required to exist in such an environment. Numerous ongoing projects are described which have led to discoveries in the fields of geology, natural history, fossils, climatology, and biology to name a few. A rich book, full of accessible and understandable information will also provide gateways to more learning with the extensive source notes, bibliographies, and suggested further reading and websites.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author has written a quality book that is thorough and full of information and, yet, accessible and easy to read. Beginning with a history of the continent itself and continuing with early exploratory expeditions, the author sticks to what the continent is all about…ice. In the context of this icy continent, we are treated to various projects and discoveries both above and below the ice, along with a working knowledge of the difficulties associated with studying this climate. Additionally, there is information regarding and a discussion of the effects of global warming for Antarctica. The author is able to write about this without being judgmental. The pictures on every page are eye catching and allow the reader to pause and connect the picture with what they are reading about. While the main text is contained in boxes on nearly every page, there are additional sidebars full of extra information. This form of graphic presentation will appeal greatly to all ages of readers, and the pictures will grab even the earliest readers. Including some of the earliest black and white photos all the way up to stunning pictures taken from orbit is a treat for the reader. The author put thought into designing the layout of the book, and it shows in how the text does not fill up every page, but the illustrations, maps, and pictures are allowed to do some of the “talking”. This book will appeal to readers and researchers of every level, and the extensive source notes, glossary, bibliography, suggested further reading and websites listed will enable enthusiasts to continue learning more about this intriguing continent.

REVIEW EXCERPTS/AWARDS

Best Children's Books of the Year, 2011 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States

Children’s Bookwatch Starred Review…”Illustrated with full-color photography on almost every page Frozen Secrets: Antarctica Revealed is a beautiful book written for teenagers and young adults yet accessible to readers of all ages, about the scientific mysteries hidden within Antarctica. From the geologic history of the continent, to the tenacious natural life that survives upon it, to the work scientists do at research stations, Frozen Secrets goes into a wealth of meticulously researched detail without being dry.”

Children’s Literature Starred Review…”Beginning with the first black-and-white images from 1910 to modern images taken from space, the awesome photographs capture a bit of the wonder of the landscape and what it is like for the explorers and scientists who live and work there. The main text is offset in an icy blue bubble for easy reading while photos, graphs, diagrams, maps and charts accent the text and give additional information. There is an index, glossary, listing of source notes and bibliography and a list of books and websites for further reading. This is a beautiful book, perfect for classrooms or cold-climate enthusiasts.”

Kirkus Starred Review…”The text succinctly discusses complex discoveries made in such fields as biology, climatology, geology, oceanography and paleontology and the implications these discoveries have on understanding the planet as a whole. Attention is also given to the difficult, often dangerous conditions under which scientists must live and work. Photographs, maps and other illustrations, many in color, appear on every one of the attractively designed pages. Informative, insightful and engaging, this is an exceptional introduction to our southernmost continent.”

CONNECTIONS

*Read an interview with the author, Sally Walker. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/newsletters/newsletterbucketcurriculumconnections/887056-442/sally_m._walker_a_modern-day.csp Discuss her thoughts on Antarctica and how she is led to write about certain subjects.

*Research more closely the topic of climate change and how it affects Antarctica, in particular. Discuss the different methods scientists use, whether land based or with the help of animals, to keep track of patterns pertaining to Antarctica.

*Discuss the significance of the Antarctic Treaty. What does is spell out, specifically, and what does this mean for us?

*Visit some of the websites listed in the back of the book, including ANDRILL (www.andrill.org/eduction), U.S. Antartic Program: The Antarctic Sun (www.antarcticsun.usap.gov), or U.S. Ice Drilling Program (www.icedrill.org). Let the students work in small groups or pairs to study one of the many suggested websites to find more interesting information about this continent, which they will then share with the class.