A Junior Library Guild Selection
&★ "As a character, Clara feels modern but not anachronistic; she's wrestling with social issues that continue to resonate today, and her strong voice propels readers through an adventure as compelling as Shackleton's own to a heartfelt, realistic conclusion. Polar exploration transforms a young woman in unexpected and interesting ways in this original, evocative tale."--Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
&★ "A young woman joins an Antarctic voyage at the dawning of World War I in this gripping--and sometimes gut-wrenching--adventure tale. . . Lai showcases her incredible skills as a storyteller. . .. Witty and poignant commentary on unimaginable peril and infuriating injustice (plus some vengeance) ensures that this historical fiction will be long remembered." --Shelf Awareness, STARRED REVIEW "Clara is a defiant and resilient heroine who immediately endears herself to both the reader and her motley crew. As tension mounts and survival becomes uncertain, Lai neatly underscores the courage it took--and still takes--to be a woman in a male-dominated world." --Publishers Weekly
"Lai successfully blends the events of Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition with the social climate of the suffragist movement in 1914 and pairs it with a sharp-witted, charismatic narrator who readers can easily root for." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A great historical adventure for young adults, told in journal entries. This book would appeal to readers looking for a strong female role model and would be a welcome [addition for] libraries serving teens."--School Library Journal