Matthew Henson

by Kathleen Olmstead

Published 1 August 2008
He risked the great unknown...and became the first man to reach the North Pole. But it took decades for the cloud of racism to lift and give African-American explorer Matthew Henson the rightful recognition for his extraordinary achievements. Here is the story of Henson's dramatic, groundbreaking life. Matthew began his travels as a ship's cabin boy, but it was his partnership with Robert E. Peary that made history. Although he acted as the team's indispensable carpenter, hunter, navigator and interpreter, his crucial role in the expedition went largely unacknowledged. Kathleen Olmstead, the adaptor of several Classic Starts[registered] novels, captures all the adventure, danger and thrills involved in reaching the top of the world.

Jacques Cousteau

by Kathleen Olmstead

Published 1 August 2008
Kids will savour this fascinating trip into the life and undersea world of pioneering oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. In his quest to show off the beauty found below the waves, Cousteau dedicated himself to developing new diving technology, inventing innovative ways to photograph underwater life and travelling the globe to explore different bodies of water. His films, including The Academy Award[registered]winning "The Silent World", opened people's eyes to a formerly unknown and spectacular marine universe. Cousteau did more than anyone to enlighten us to the stunning complexity of the oceans' ecology and the importance of preserving it and his message resonates more than ever today. With this biography, young readers will see how Cousteau's mission began and follow his thrilling, sometimes dangerous adventures into the deep.