The Impossible Rescue

"An extraordinary true adventure tale. . . . Outstanding nonfiction writing that makes history come alive." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In 1897, whaling in the Arctic waters off Alaska’s coast was as dangerous as it was lucrative. And in that particular year, winter blasted in early, bringing storms and ice packs that caught eight American whale ships and three hundred sailors off guard. Their ships locked in ice, with no means of escape, the whalers had limited provisions on board, and little hope of surviving until warmer temperatures arrived many months later. Here is the incredible story of three men sent by President McKinley to rescue them.

“Top-notch history. Smart, well written, meticulously researched and a lot of fun. --The New York Times Outstanding nonfiction writing that makes history come alive. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) A terrific true tale, well told. --Booklist (starred review) Using extensive primary sources in the form of journals, reports, letters, and photographs, Sandler has pieced together a stirring and evocative retelling of this historical adventure. The writing draws readers into both the suspense of reaching the struggling whalers in time as well as the dire, life-threatening conditions that the rescuers themselves faced. --School Library Journal (starred review) Crisply designed with plentiful white space, this book shares a thrilling and inspirational story of determination, perseverance, and bravery. --Publishers Weekly (starred review) A spirited adventure tale...thorough and deliberate. --The Horn Book Veteran writer Sandler takes readers through the entire adventure, well captured in first-person accounts and incredible photographs. Maps trace the progress of the rescue mission, illustrating the unimaginable distance along the treacherous coast of present-day Alaska. In Sandler's words, history becomes adventure, with real-life heroes, dangers, and mishaps. --VOYA Sandler perfectly presented the astonishing story of a journey against all odds into an amenable read. --Library Media Connection No true adventure fan should miss this one. --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books”

Top-notch history. Smart, well written, meticulously researched and a lot of fun.
—The New York Times

Outstanding nonfiction writing that makes history come alive.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

A terrific true tale, well told.
—Booklist (starred review)

Using extensive primary sources in the form of journals, reports, letters, and photographs, Sandler has pieced together a stirring and evocative retelling of this historical adventure. The writing draws readers into both the suspense of reaching the struggling whalers in time as well as the dire, life-threatening conditions that the rescuers themselves faced.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Crisply designed with plentiful white space, this book shares a thrilling and inspirational story of determination, perseverance, and bravery.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A spirited adventure tale...thorough and deliberate.
—The Horn Book

Veteran writer Sandler takes readers through the entire adventure, well captured in first-person accounts and incredible photographs. Maps trace the progress of the rescue mission, illustrating the unimaginable distance along the treacherous coast of present-day Alaska. In Sandler’s words, history becomes adventure, with real-life heroes, dangers, and mishaps.
—VOYA

Sandler perfectly presented the astonishing story of a journey against all odds into an amenable read.
—Library Media Connection

No true adventure fan should miss this one.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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