By G. Neri. Candlewick Press
5 March 2024; ARC compliments of the author
G. Neri’s body of work spans from picture books and graphic novels to middle grade and young adult. His book, Ghetto Cowboy, became the Netflix movie, Concrete Cowboy. He currently serves co-chair of the Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective, an organization that explores Antarctica through the arts. Neri’s work on Antarctica illuminates why STEM became STEAM by provide examples of how art stimulates the creative flow of scientists, tech workers, and mathematicians while at the same time recognizing how art makes their work accessible. A few years ago, he applied for and received National Science Foundation grants that took him to Antarctica and that resulted in this nonfiction book.
Neri wrote My Antarctica from the memories of his journey. In explaining why he wanted to go there, and how he got the opportunity, he expresses to the early middle grade readers of this book that as special as going to Antarctica was to him, he’s not such a special guy doing something that only special people can do. He encourages his readers to live their dreams. Even me in neither my early middle grade nor middle age years, felt the urge to get creative, to do something I’ve always wanted to do.
The ARC I reviewed had black and white images. I can’t even image how stunning Corban Wilkin’s final color work is. He and Neri previously collaborated on the graphic novel, Grand Theft Horse. In this book, Corban places cutout figures onto Neri’s original photos of the Antarctic landscape, creating feelings of both isolation and deep cold. With illustrations extending to the edge of the page, we sense how immense Antarctica is.
What works: Between the graphics and writing style, Wilkin and Neri have created a book that relates well to this age group. What 9-year-old wouldn’t be curious about going to the bathroom in a place where the average temperature is -71°F? The book works to build excitement about being part of something special, of chasing your dreams, and finding meaning in your work without really talking specifically about those things.
On his flight home, Neri wrote,
The ice is white
The sky is white
The people are white.
But when the weather clears
You see the bluest sky
You see a rainbow in the ice
And the people are the most colorful on earth.
After seven weeks here,
I think I’ve finally discovered
The real heart and soul of this place
While Neri dropped factual information about the continent throughout the book, he didn’t teach with a heavy hand. A glossary is provided in the back of the book for readers who want more information about the landscape, people, or equipment.
What didn’t work: There will be readers who want more but, that will be a good thing!
Pass it or grab it? Add this to school or public libraries for students interested in art careers, travel, exploration, or science. It’s a great addition to a STEAM collection.
Black Cotton Reviewers 