I find authors who write about difficult subjects like this to be quite intriguing. Shakleton's story is not for the faint of heart and I thought this author did a nice job of being honest about details like starvation, horrible uncleanliness, and true struggle to survive in unimaginable conditions. McCurdy puts us readers through several rise and falls, mirroring the trauma and uncertainty of the men's situation. There is not a distinct climax though other than these moments of excitement, though 'Shaks' final journey to the whaling island may have been intended to be the climax? I gave this book the rating of 3.5 stars, despite the fact I quite liked how it was written, because first, I wish McCurdy had given us more context on the environment. I do not think understanding the harsh conditions of Antarctica is something an average human really grasps, let alone a child. Second, this book really needed stronger illustrations because of the unimaginable qualities the story has. The fact that these men fought to survive for 2 years to return home while stranded in Antarctica with the technology of 1915 is incredible and I would have liked to see a better visual representation. ( )

I liked this book for two reasons. First, I liked that since it was nonfiction the author went to great lengths to ensure accuracy and included a bibliography. Of the four books cited, two of them were written by men who were on the voyage. Second, I liked how the book pushed readers to think about what it would be like to be in a dangerous situation where they were trapped and they did not have any resources to get help. They also had to deal with the ice that sometimes would melt and sea lions that threatened to attack them. The main message of the book was to retell some of the interesting events that happened on that adventure in a format that younger children could enjoy. ( )

This one didn't leave a great impression on me. The story is written as a kind of captain's log with journal entries on each page. It feels like this would make it difficult to read to younger audiences. The illustrations felt more juvenile than the writing. The 2 elements don't work together. ( )

Ernest Shackleton, or Shack as he is dubbed in Michael McCurdy's Trapped by the Ice!, was a dynamic figure in antarctic exploration. Elevated to heroic levels by his great leadership during the hour of his team's greatest need, he provides the perfect subject for a picture book written for younger audiences. Sheckleton's adventure is sure to intrigue even the most disinterested reader.

Featuring one caption for every two page long picture, the work requirement for Trapped by the Ice! is somewhat small. Still, the story does not suffer. McCurdy makes the necessary choices to ensure readers get the full complement. The illustrations, done by McCurdy himself, accompany his words well. The pastel color palette he selected properly conveys the polar lands that Shackleton and company traverse. When the team finally reaches safety, the colors used then greet them warmly. ( )

This book tells of Sir Ernest Shackleton's adventure in the Antartic from the boat getting stuck to crossing the sea to South Georgia Island to find help. This is quite a good book as it tells the dramatic story and It made me want to research more about Shackleton and what other trips he took. ( )