Quotes
“The
harrowing survival story of English explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and the
ill-fated Endurance has intrigued people since the 1914 expedition…[Armstrong]
brings the unbelievable journey to life with delicious details: how a handsome
young stowaway was discovered too late to cast him off; how the ship itself
would become frost-white, looking like ‘another species of sparkling white
iceberg as it nosed its way through the pack;’ and how the ice-pack-dwelling
Emperor penguins seemed to enjoy the banjo music of crew member Leonard Hussey.
The true-to-life story is as thrilling as they come, and Armstrong’s lively,
crystal-clear writing style is just as compelling….[An] inspiring nonfiction
adventure story that young readers will devour from cover to cover.” Amazon.com, editorial review
“Armstrong…brings
her considerable story-crafting talents to this real-life tale. The inside of
the ship becomes so alive that we can smell its fetid air, we can hear the
coins clank as the men play cards at night, and we can taste the spirits they
drink after they shout their usual toast, ‘To our sweethearts and wives—may
they never meet!’ How do they get off the ice? The story will leave you
breathless…In this age of fantastical music videos, extraterrestrial fantasies,
superheroes with bionic powers, and intricate computer games, it’s refreshing
to hear the story of a real-life adventure and to meet twenty-eight extremely
brave people. This team of men, without computers or radios or any sophisticated
equipment, survived ‘the most hostile environment this side of the moon.’ Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World
will both humble and inspire teens who thirst for excitement. Jennifer
Armstrong makes history come alive more vibrantly than any virtual-reality
game.” Barnes&Noble.com, editorial review
“Armstrong keeps
her narrative moving at a brisk pace. A generous supply of colorful anecdotes and
excerpts from journals shed light on the men’s personalities and reveal
Shackleton’s remarkable skill for keeping his crew agreeable and hopeful,
despite life-threatening conditions. Other passages…possess heart-pounding
immediacy. Armstrong’s absorbing storytelling… make this an enthralling
adventure.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Ernest
Shackleton’s 1914–1916 Antarctic expedition was, in Armstrong’s words, ‘one of
the most incredible feats of survival ever recorded.’ Her captivating, complete
account, which identifies and tracks practically every crew member and
liberally employs quotes from crew diaries, will find an audience with the detail-oriented,
want-to-know-it-all kind of reader.” Horn Book Guide (starred review)
“Filled
with intriguing details and written with dramatic style, this riveting account
of the ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition reads like an adventure
novel…Armstrong brings all of these experiences vividly to life, frequently
using quotes from members of the expedition…Armstrong crafts [the facts] into
an unforgettable story of true heroism and the triumph of the human spirit. A
book that will capture the attention and imagination of any reader.” School Library Journal
“Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World is
a book to finish in one breathless sitting, then dream about all night long.” Riverbank Review
“Armstrong
takes this material and makes an equally spectacular read. The ‘Boss’ and his
crew come alive in one amazing event after another…This is an adventure to keep
any kid or grownup awake late into the night, shivering from the cold and
turning pages.” Children’s Literature
“This
adventure story of survival against all odds in one of the harshest environments
on the planet is told in swift, stirring prose by Armstrong, a children’s book
author; it’s an ALA Best Book for YAs, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book, and
the recipient of many other honors. An exceptional work of nonfiction for all
libraries serving YAs.” Kliatt
“This
unbelievable story is enhanced by the vigorous prose; from the captivating
introduction through the epilogue, it is the writing as much as the story that
will rivet readers.” Kirkus Reviews
“Armstrong
paints a vivid picture of the ordeal.” Booklist
