The Look-It-Up Book of Explorers
Ages 9-12; Random House; July 2004

The Story: From the Americas to the new frontiers of space and the deep sea, this family reference book is packed with facts and features concise, exciting accounts of the men and women who first explored our world – and beyond. Forty great explorers, from ancient mariners to modern astronauts, are detailed along with photographs, maps and archival material.

Inspiration: One of my favorite subjects has always been explorers. My bookshelves are packed with volumes, ancient and brand new, following the harrowing adventures of our world’s greatest (or sometimes little known) explorers. Since writing about Sir Ernest Shackleton in Ice Story, I have wanted to further explore this subject, and The Look-It-Up Book of Explorers was my chance!

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