Perhaps the man in Katherine Rundell's tale of courage and intrigue was someone like Percy Fawcett, a British explorer whose work for the Royal Geographical Society (1906-1924) led to his mapping previously unknown regions in South America, and the Amazon rain forest.
The first half of the book introduces Percy, his family, his obsession with exploration and gives readers a clear look at what he was willing to endure as he did the work he set out to do. The descriptions of his explorations are fraught with danger, When the Society would no longer fund his trips, he chose to set out on his own. Following reports from indigenous people in the area, Fawcett began a search for a lost city they believed to have existed.
" ... he called the mythical city "Z". Maybe he chose
this name because the lost city seemed to be the most
remote place in the world, the final stop, like the last
letter of the alphabet. He made finding Z his life's work."
He could not get government funding for his search; so, he made deals with the press to get the money he needed. He would send reports from the field that would then be forwarded immediately for publication. The first venture began in April 1925. Reports were forwarded for one month, and then nothing. The expedition was never heard from again.
Using his signature matte and mixed media artwork, Greg Pizzoli provides details that are sure to fascinate readers. They add context to the writing and the information boxes included. They make for a thrilling story of perseverance, courage, and perhaps foolhardiness.
In back matter, the author begins with an archival photo of Mr. Fawcett and an author's note. I found the information provided concerning those explorers who have tried to find clear evidence of what happened in that final search fascinating. Finally, he adds a glossary and a useful list of selected resources.
This book will find fans in middle grade classrooms, especially those who love history and exploration.
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