Joanna Grochowicz is a polar historian and author. Fast-paced and exquisitely written, her books of early Antarctic exploration reveal infascinating detail the human aspirations and tragedies that have shaped our understanding of the polar regions. Drawing on diaries, letters and expedition narratives from archives and personal collections around the world, Grochowicz brings to light new and often overlooked elements of heroic age exploration. Realistic portrayals of historical figures and the interplay of personalities lend her work a grittiness and authenticity that is not often present inhistorical writing for children and young adults.