This dynamic account of author G. Neri’s seven-week venture to Antarctica blends a lively first-person narrative with abundant photographs and other visuals, including cartoonlike illustrations. Neri made the trip as part of the National Science Foundation’s Artists & Writers program. His sense of curiosity and wonder is palpable as he describes his trip, including the environment of Antarctica, living accommodations for surviving and thriving, the people he meets and the work they are doing, and other topics. Scientists, engineers, and others he gets to know are conducting experiments about the earth in the past, the earth today, and even outer space. The author’s penchant for list-making (e.g., Things You Will Find in Antarctica, Things You Won’t Find in Antarctica, Critters of Antarctica, Toilets of Antarctica—really!—and others), is one of many entertaining elements, while his reflections on being Black in a place of so much white—and so much unexpected color—offer moments of thoughtful reflection. The back matter includes an author’s note, “Facts and Stuff,” and “Big Questions about Antarctica.”

Follow Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author G. Neri to the end of the world in a captivating travel memoir that explores Antarctica through the curiosity and wonder of his inner child--the kid who dreamed of one day becoming an explorer.

Antarctica is a land of extremes--the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest place on the planet. It's a world where the sun stays hidden half of the year and where visitors must undergo a week of special training before it's safe to go outside (watch out for lava bombs!). It's also a place of stark beauty, history, and endless scientific research. Join beloved author G. Neri on his long-dreamed-of voyage to the ice, where he taps into his inner child and encounters sea angels, mummified seals, space robots, inquisitive penguins, and so much more. Abundant full-color photographs (many by the author) and annotated comics and illustrations from Corban Wilkin depict an unforgettable stay in a land of baffling mysteries to uncover, epic questions to ponder, and bigger-than-life stories to tell. Robust back matter includes more facts and history, recommended source material, and answers to questions about everything from logistics (how do you sleep?) to cool science (why is Blood Falls red?). This eye-opening, information-packed memoir--shaped by the author's visits with school groups upon his return--sparkles with his heartfelt journey of discovery.