Module 11: Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World

Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World: 

The Extraordinary True Story of Shackleton and the Endurance

by Jennifer Armstrong

published in 1998. by Crown Publishers, Inc. (New York, NY).

Summary

The amazingly true story of Shackleton and his expedition to Antarctica in 1914-1916.  100 miles away from Antarctica the Endurance becomes trapped in the ice and Shackleton and his men are stuck there with no contact to the outside world, for an Antarctic winter.  At the same time the ice pack pushes them further and further away from Antarctica.  After being stuck in the ice for ten months the Endurance is crushed by the ice and sinks almost a month later.  The crew then has to find solid land, then send someone for help. Every member survived.

Impressions

Shipwreck was absolutely amazing.  I wasn't too excited about reading this book but once I started I could hardly put it down.  Even though I knew the crew would be rescued it was a page turner!  Armstrong's writing keeps the reader interested and the photos were the some of the ones taken by the crews photographer.  I really enjoyed this book and found the story to be astounding.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to for a report or just an adventure.

Reviews

"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.  The black-and-white photos, taken mostly on glass plates by the expedition's photographer, Frank Hurley, survived along with the men and are of exceptional quality." --(1998). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

"Armstrong's absorbing storytelling, illustrated with dramatic black-and-white photographs, make this an enthralling adventure." --(1999). Publishers Weekly.  Retrieved from Bowker's Books in Print Professional database.

Uses

Shipwreck could be a great book to use for an adult book club or a teen book club.  The discussion could be about surviving in extreme situations and what the participants would have done in their shoes.  For an activity, the group could put on a little variety show like the men did on the ship, or participate on an obstacle course to help them learn how the crew had to work together and trust their leader to survive.