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Mystery in the Frozen Lands
by Martyn Godfrey
On July 2, 1857, 14-year-old Peter Griffin and twenty-five other men set sail for the frozen lands of the Arctic sea to find out, once and for all, what had really happened to Sir John Franklin and his crew of 128 men.
In 1845 Sir John Franklin and his crew, in the stout ships Erebus and Terror, fortified against ice and provisioned for a three years' journey, set off into the Arctic in an attempt to be the first to sail the North West Passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific. They were never seen again.
Twelve years later 14-year-old Peter Griffin joins the crew of the tiny steam yacht Fox on an expedition to discover their fate. Peter resolutely endures the close quarters on board ship, the cold and the dark, and the dangers of the forbidding Arctic landscape. As they travel further and further from home they find strange fragments, traces of men who have travelled before them. Soon they make discoveries that suggest the terrible fate suffered by Franklin and his men.
Based on historical accounts, Mystery in the Frozen Lands offers one boy's perspective of one the greatest of all Canadian disasters.
Twelve years later 14-year-old Peter Griffin joins the crew of the tiny steam yacht Fox on an expedition to discover their fate. Peter resolutely endures the close quarters on board ship, the cold and the dark, and the dangers of the forbidding Arctic landscape. As they travel further and further from home they find strange fragments, traces of men who have travelled before them. Soon they make discoveries that suggest the terrible fate suffered by Franklin and his men.
Based on historical accounts, Mystery in the Frozen Lands offers one boy's perspective of one the greatest of all Canadian disasters.
[Fry reading level - 2.7
About the Author
Reviews
"The novel is a fascinating account of the bravery and endurance born by explorers of all generations."
Nat Reed, OPSTF News
"This page turner quickly builds to a suspenseful conclusion and will prove a satisfying read to tweens while also beign a fascinating introduction into the first and greatest Canadian mystery... An exciting update by award-winning author Ken McGoogan provides details on the recent discovery of one of the lost ships."
Chris Laurie,, CM Magazine
"The story of a young boy who sets off on an adventure as a cabin boy on a ship into the frozen north will interest many kids, and add to their understanding of the world."
Leslie Johnson,, Librarian at Jefferson County Public Library
"It's 80 degrees outside and Im huddled up on the couch with my blanket as Peter and the crew fights off the fierce sea and the ice on the Arctic. . . . It was a wonderful adventure . . . and I really enjoyed myself."
Sandy Steckler,, NetGalley Reviewer
"Mystery in the Frozen Lands is just too good a novel to leave in the classroom library. Within the theme of Arctic exploration lie rich undercurrents dealing with social justice, hierarchical social systems, aboriginal values, women's issues, gender equality, history of medicine and nutrition. Used in a small group novel study or whole class discussion, these themes can be isolated, dissected, then explored in greater detail. [A] must-have for any teacher looking for a book that could
Canadian Teacher Magazine
"This is a not to be missed, fascinating page turner for all ages so sit back and relish in your warm room."
Bill Baker,, Educator at York Schools, NetGalley Reviewer
"This book is thoroughly enjoyable. It gives the reader an insider's view of the exploration voyages to find a northwest passage. It would be a great tie in to a history class in middle school. The reading level should make it accessible to most readers."
Judy Gottschalk,, Educator at White Salmon Schools
"Great story for a middle-grader interested in ship voyages and history."
Julie LaBo,, NetGalley Reviewer
"Based on true events and real people, Peters fictional first-person account brings this Arctic adventure to new life. . . . Give this one to your historical fiction fans and watch them tear through it."
Rosemary Kiladitis,, NetGalley Reviewer
"Lorimers Hi-Lo Readers are excellent for readers who are ready for deeper material. The books are over 100 pages, but the storytelling is accomplished with direct sentences that maintain a vivid level of description and information. Give this one to your historical fiction fans and watch them tear through it."
Mom Read It
"This book is based on true, actual events which makes it even more interesting . . . [A solid book for kids and not-so-kids."
Tiziana Tabone,, NetGalley Reviewer
"This is a great book for children to learn more about the Arctic, the history of the Northwest Passage trips and the mystery of the [Franklin disappearance. The story is easy to read, but very interesting."
Carla Johnson-Hicks,, Educator, NetGalley Reviewer
"While the author keeps to the known facts, he has fleshed out the story in a way that makes it a page-turner . . . I highly recommend this story for anyone who loves to read a good historical novel or is interested in real-life mysteries. This would also be a great resource to accompany a study of exploration or the Arctic, or even of the Inuit people, as it gives a lot of information about their culture."
Emma Filbrun,, NetGalley Reviewer
"A quick, exciting read that should appeal to fans of historical fiction."
Kara Dean,, Booklist
Awards
Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Selection
1988
Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young Readers
2000
