Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story: 1

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I did feel that the narrative was a little rushed in parts with certain aspects brushed over, but this makes sense when considering the target audience and the need to keep them engaged whilst recounting such a long period of time. He still never got the top medal but in 1944 the President of America decided that he should get an exclusive Peary Polar Expedition Medal and he gave it to Matthew himself. It’s up to you whether you type them into the chat, share your screen, or hold a list up to your camera. I think that the plot was quite good and gave you a good review of Matthew Henson’s life which was full of ups and downs, especially downs, but this book shows you to not give up and always try your hardest to achieve your goals. Race to the Frozen North is a story which remembers the famous Matthew Henson – the first man to reach the North Pole successfully – and his lifelong struggles due to the colour of his skin.

Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story

I’m not sure if I’d recommend it although other students that have read the book have different opinions. Explorers like Matthew usually go down in history – they get awards, books and films are made about them, and their names appear on university buildings, libraries and street signs. A thoroughly engaging and entirely convincing yarn with a dash of Dickens and more than a hint of historic realism to help drive the thrust of the narrative.

Matthew could drive a team of dogs across the ice or hunt wolves and seals and could make anything out of wood or metal. The person leading the activity should remind everyone that Matthew Henson was the first person to reach the North Pole.

Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story | Book Race to the Frozen North: The Matthew Henson Story | Book

Catherine Johnson did such a good job depicting this mans story in my opinion, it was an easy read yet so impactful and important.

I think this book has great potential as a resource for teaching older children about white privilege and about the origins of racism. Matt faced horrible situations but did everything to come over them and would not stop until he reached what he had worked hard for all these years. Everyone will need a copy of Race to the Frozen North: the Matthew Henson story by Catherine Johnson. Matthew Henson may have been the first person to ever reach the North Pole, as he was walking ahead of the rest of the team.

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When orphan Matthew Henson ran away from his violent stepmother to find a new life in the big city, no one could have predicted that he would become the first man to reach the North Pole. Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives. Monday is focused on your class novel and has a starter activity based on the front covers of the books we will be looking at this week which involves 4 questions using the Retrieve, Infer and Predict skills. I would definitely recommend this book to other students aged 8 – 12 as well as to pupils who enjoy reading about travel. Eventually, Matt reaches the North Pole and is proud even though still neglected because of his skin colour.But soon Sara’s predictions become all too accurate, and she’s dragged in to a dark world of magic and power that she can’t understand. From his lucky break as a ship’s cabin boy to his Arctic excursions, learning Inuit languages and skills, Henson’s tale – filled with adventure and injustice – is gripping.