Race to the Bottom of the Earth - by Rebecca E F Barone (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

FOUR starred reviews, The Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books 2021 Blue Ribbons List selection, Booklist Top 10 Sci-Tech Books for Youth, National Science Teachers Association with Children's Book Council 2022 Best STEM Books

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

"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

"Race to the Bottom of the Earth is absorbing, compelling, and truly touching. Because of Barone's attention to detail, I felt the explorers' cold, hunger, fear, despair, motivation, and elation. Kids will love this book!" --Deborah Heiligman, author of the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award-winning Vincent and Theo

* "A riveting tribute to epic tests of men against the elements." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "Readers will be caught up in the real-time action sequences and should end up rooting for everybody as these determined individuals face unimaginable physical and mental hardships." --Booklist, starred review

* "Exemplary organization . . . keeps the narratives gliding effortlessly." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB), starred review

* "A compelling narrative focused on science and technology, embedded in a cluster of thrilling adventure stories . . . Highly -recommended." --School Library Journal, starred review

"A captivating juxtaposition of two momentous Antarctic races." --Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Rebecca E. F. Barone, author of Race to the Bottom of the Earth, 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.