Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica

Equal parts adventure and STEM, Rebecca E. F. Barone's Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica is a thrilling nonfiction book for young readers chronicling two treacherous, groundbreaking expeditions to the South Pole--and includes eye-catching photos of the Antarctic landscape.

"Riveting! I raced to the end of this book!" --Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee

In 1910, Captain Robert Scott prepared his crew for a trip that no one had ever completed: a journey to the South Pole. He vowed to get there any way he could, even if it meant looking death in the eye. Then, not long before he set out, another intrepid explorer, Roald Amundsen, set his sights on the same goal. Suddenly two teams were vying to be the first to make history--what was to be an expedition had become a perilous race.

In 2018, Captain Louis Rudd readied himself for a similarly grueling task: the first unaided, unsupported solo crossing of treacherous Antarctica. But little did he know that athlete Colin O'Brady was training for the same trek--and he was determined to beat Louis to the finish line. For fans of Michael Tougias' The Finest Hours, this gripping account of two history-making moments of exploration and competition is perfect for budding scientists, survivalists, and thrill seekers.

"A nail-biting tale of adventure, tragedy, and superhuman determination--and also a luminous example of how our present lives are shaped by our immeasurably deep connection to our past." --Elizabeth Wein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Code Name Verity

"A huge treat for adventure story fans--not one, but two incredible races across the fearsome and fascinating Antarctic!" --Steve Sheinkin, New York Times bestselling author of Bomb and Undefeated

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Published: 01/05/2021
Pages: 272
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9781250257802
Age: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 6.9
Point Value: 8
Interest Level: Middle Grade Plus
Quiz #/Name: 513781 / Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 10/15/2020
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 12/01/2020 - Book Of Special Distinction
Booklist 12/01/2020 pg. 46
Publishers Weekly 01/25/2021
School Library Journal 05/01/2021 pg. 100
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2021 pg. 148

About the Author
Rebecca E. F. Barone holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bucknell University along with multiple graduate degrees in mechanical engineering. Her technical projects include injury analysis for the National Football League, and her short-form STEM writing has been published in the award-winning Muse magazine. She is passionate about serving and mentoring underrepresented populations in STEM and has continued to mentor in the kidlit arena with her participation in the #kidsneedmentors program. She enjoys rock climbing, marathon running, and creating amazing (sometimes tasty!) messes with her husband, son, and daughter.