Helen Thayer’s Arctic Adventure
Written by Sally Isaacs
Illustrated by Iva Sasheva
When you go for a walk, do you usually have to worry about polar bears? Not as long as you’re not walking alone to the north pole. But that’s exactly what Helen Thayer did in 1988. Helen was a mountain climber and adventurer who was always looking for a new challenge. When she reached the drop off point – a small village in northern Canada – a hunter insisted she take one of his dogs, Charlie, with her. It was a good decision, as the dog provided some protection against a bear and added warmth during a blizzard. Winds blew away many of her supplies, but Helen and Charlie reached their destination and were able to radio for pick up.
Detailed and accurate illustrations help to make the story come to life and become accessible to students. Reading the story aloud with a class would stimulate discussion on the perils faced in an arctic environment. Reading activities could include imagining what supplies need to be taken on such an expedition and how much they would weigh.
Title: Helen Thayer’s Arctic Adventure- Author: Sally Isaacs
- Illustrator: Iva Sasheva
- Published: Capstone Press, March, 2016
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
- Grade Level: 4 to 6
- Genre: Nonfiction, History
- ISBN: 978-1-62370-607-4
- Extras: Map, Note from Helen Thayer, More About Helen Thayer, More About Charlie, Glossary, Read More, Internet Sites, Discussion Questions, Index
