Shackleton's Journey
on Goodreads (1,174)
What’s inside...
Illustrator William Grill weaves a detailed visual narrative of Shackleton’s journey to Antarctica. Grill’s beautiful use of colored pencils and vibrant hues effortlessly evokes the adventure and excitement that surrounded the expedition. His impeccably researched drawings, rich with detail, fastidiously reproduce the minutiae of the expedition. Children will love examining the diagrams of the peculiar provisions and the individual drawings of each sled dog and packhorse. This book takes the academic and historical information behind the expedition and reinterprets it for a young audience.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Shackleton a good leader during his journey?
How do you think the crew felt when they encountered challenges? What would you have done in their situation?
What was the most surprising element of the journey for you?
Why is teamwork important in achieving big goals like Shackleton’s expedition?
How do you think the journey changed the crew members by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide a brief background on Ernest Shackleton and his expedition to help set the context.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as a member of the expedition, asking them how they would feel and react to the various scenarios.
Highlight the themes of leadership, perseverance, and teamwork as you read, and relate them to your child’s experiences with school or sports teams.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss why they made that choice.
Compare Shackleton’s journey with a family journey or challenge you have experienced together, discussing similarities and differences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: The book details how Shackleton's expedition overcomes incredible odds to survive after their ship is crushed by ice. Through teamwork and unwavering determination, they endure a harsh environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties and not giving up when facing challenges at school or in personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: Shackleton's role as a leader is central in guiding his crew to safety. His decisions and steadfastness are crucial to the survival and morale of his team.
Real-World Application: This narrative can inspire children to take initiative and display leadership in group projects or family responsibilities, understanding the impact of their actions on others.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The crew faces numerous problems, such as limited resources and adverse weather conditions. The story showcases their innovative approaches to navigating these challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills learned from the story to academic tasks or in overcoming obstacles in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: The descriptions of the Antarctic environment and the trials faced by the crew highlight the power and beauty of nature, as well as the respect it commands.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage with and respect the natural world, promoting activities like recycling, conservation, and enjoying outdoor activities responsibly.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: Survival in the story hinges on the crew's ability to work together and support each other, demonstrating the strength of collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of cooperating with siblings, friends, and classmates, emphasizing teamwork over individual success in achieving common goals.