Polar Explorer

April 1, 2019

Gr 3-6-At the age of 14, Hameister became the youngest person ever to ski to the North Pole unaided and unassisted. With her dad and her team at her side, she battled some of the toughest weather conditions and terrain on Earth, while pulling her supplies in a sled behind her. Jade's goal is to be the youngest person to complete a "Polar Hat Trick" and this autobiographical book chronicles her journey. Divided into three parts, each section covers one leg of her trip. Jade is candid about her thoughts and feelings, including how she redirected her doubts. She explores her interpersonal relationships, especially some of the struggles she faced while sharing a tent with her dad. Jade also includes observations of the impact global warming has made on the environment she is exploring. Each section begins with an overview of the expedition and includes facts about the area. Practical tips to help the environment are mentioned. Full-color photos provide visual testimony of the environmental conditions, as well as the extensive clothing needed for protection. This is a well-written, attention-grabbing book; the author is engaging and easily relatable. Jade sets a great example of how young girls can overcome obstacles to achieve even the most difficult goals. Despite the demands of her journey, she never loses sight of the things most important things to her: family and friends. VERDICT This book is a solid addition for every collection that services tween and teen students.-Michelle Kornberger, Havenview Middle School, Memphis

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2019
Grades 8-11 At 17, Australian teenager Jade Hameister became the youngest person to complete three grueling skiing expeditions called the Polar Hat-Trick. She skied to the North Pole, across Greenland, and from Antarctica's coast to the South Pole. In this exciting and inspiring story, Hameister recounts how she accomplished these amazing feats at such a young age. She survived a mysterious illness when she was just months old and was inspired by her father, who'd successfully climbed the Seven Summits. Unbelievably, she said she hadn't really skied before her first expedition, but she trained hard to make up for it. This photo-illustrated account examines Hameister's teammates in addition to her father, her supplies, and the challenges she faced (frigid temperatures, dangerous ice rubble and crevasses, polar bears, rain blizzards, heat, sunburn, dehydration, even peeing in frigid temperatures). Hameister saw the effects of climate change firsthand and advocates for ways to help save the planet. She thrillingly creates a "you are there" experience and inspires other young women to follow their own dreams.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)