Antarctic Scoop - Hardcover

Lucy Jane Bledsoe has written several popular novels for children, including "Hoop Girlz", "Cougar Canyon", and "Tracks in the Snow", which appeared on six state award lists and received a Parent's Choice Gold Award. She lives in California.

Grade 4-6-Victoria, 12, is a loner whose interests and skills are in science and computers. She dreams of being an astrophysicist who discovers the secrets of time travel. When she wins an online magazine contest to visit Antarctica, she is determined to see the launch at the South Pole of a new telescope. As Victoria sets off on her adventure, she is accompanied by one of the sponsors, Madeleine Sinclair, and a photographer. With the help of an online friend, the contest's runner-up, Victoria discovers that Ms. Sinclair is unscrupulous, and her unethical behavior is soon evident to the scientific community at the South Pole, putting an end to the exploration. Just as the visit to the telescope looks impossible, Victoria finds a way not only to see it, but to assist with its launch. This adventure story moves quickly for the most part. Although the plot is a bit choppy, readers will have no difficulty following along. Most characters are created only to propel the action and lack depth. Readers know a little more about Victoria, making her thoughts and motivations more easily understood. Setting is somewhat weak. Descriptions are few and lack details. Some aspects of the book are a bit far-fetched, but children will enjoy the empowerment and resourcefulness of the protagonist and her friend.-Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.