Race to the Frozen North

A thrilling fictionalised account of the life of Matthew Henson, the first African-American man to travel to the North Pole, from the Carnegie nominated author Catherine Johnson.
Matthew Henson was simply an ordinary man. That was, until Commander Robert E. Peary entered his life, and offered him a chance at true adventure. Henson would become navigator, craftsman, translator, and right-hand man on a treacherous journey to the North Pole. Defying the odds and the many prejudices that faced him to become a true pioneer. This is his incredible and often untold story. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+

“"Catherine Johnson is the grand master of historical fiction for children; her prose is warm and wise and utterly gripping" -- Katherine Rundell, Guardian”

"Catherine Johnson is the master of historical fiction for children; her prose is warm and wise and utterly gripping" – Katherine Rundell

"If it doesn't make you angry you haven't read it properly" – Fleur Hitchcock

"Matthew Henson's life plays out like a story … This book really highlights our ignorance in not recognising sooner his incredible plight in defying the odds, breaking boundaries, fighting prejudice and becoming a true black pioneer" – Scott Evans, The Reader Teacher

"Wonderful … Uncovering the forgotten and hidden histories of those who have been marginalised is a serious and necessary undertaking and this book is a great addition to that genre" – The Letterpress Project

Katie Hickey is an illustrator whose work deals with both the narrative and informational realms, and often combining the two. A graduate of Falmouth University in Cornwall, England, Katie's work frequently takes inspiration from her travels and surroundings to create characterful and atmospheric images.

A fascinating and thrilling fictionalised account of the life of Matthew Henson, the first African-American man to travel to the North Pole, from the Carnegie nominated author Catherine Johnson. Matthew Henson was simply an ordinary man. That was, until Commander Robert E. Peary entered his life, and offered him a chance at true adventure. Henson would become navigator, craftsman, translator, and right-hand man on a treacherous journey to the North Pole. Defying the odds and the many prejudices that faced him to become a true pioneer. This is his incredible and often untold story.

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