Joanna Grochowicz is an exciting new author from New Zealand, writing about Polar Explorers in the early 20th Century. She brings the detail of the explorers to life through extensive research on their diaries and other materials.
The journeys and conditions in the polar ice caps are explored in detail and abound with interest on survival of both man, dogs and ponies alike.
Joanna Grochowicz Tour with Books Go Walkabout in November 2019
Antarctic exploration, polar regions, ice caps, explorers of the early 20th Century made for amazing stories to schools and young people.
Joanna retells daring and sometimes devious tales about Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen as she re-enacted the stories to packed audiences, from her second book, Amundsen’s Way, released in the UK in October 2019.
What more could you want to inspire students to write and to read? Joanna is a brilliant story teller as well as a writer. Joanna researches extensively before writing her books and she shows how the diaries and details of the exploration bring the story alive,.
As she recounts stories from the book, students are captivated in this tale of long ago. In the cunning detail of Amundsen’s exploration and his use of the team, to make sure that he and the Norwegians were the first at the South Pole,
Learning about Polar exploration is especially relevant to global warming concerns. Polar ice is warming so fast, and an understanding of life in the Antarctic is a great way to engage with young climate activists and all students.
Her enthusiasm for the explorers is evident and this shines through the books and in her amazing interactive workshops and school visits. How do people survive together when life is in danger? What happens to teams and comradeship when you lose faith in your leader?
Many more questions too on courage, bravery, determination, loss and disappointment.
For students from Years 5- 9 these are important questions and can be part of the PSE curriculum for all students.
There is no doubt that Joanna’s books will fit into many areas of the curriculum, from history, geography and science to PSE and English.
We have been working with Joanna for 2 years now and love her enthusiasm, ability to work with students and teachers, and for her amazing books. Just now waiting for her third book in the Polar Exploration series.
Books Go Walkabout has organised a tour with Joanna into the UK in the Autumn of 2019 and also a visit to Shrewsbury International School in Hong Kong, on her way home to New Zealand.
Travelling the globe is the way to go to share ideas, thoughts and stories.
Joanna’s skill shines through beyond the words as she writes with intrigue and knowledge about the stories and challenges on this epic but cruel journey. Her understanding of Amundsen details his faults as well as his abilities, and although she admires his courage, his methods were often very hard.
Let us know if you would like to find out more about how to book Joanna for an event at your school or organisation. Contact us here…
Amundsens’ Way – Race to the South Pole, is Joanna’s second stunning book about the Antarctic explorers of the early 20th Century. Roald Amundsen was determined, heroic and courageous, but not best liked, however he did win the race to the South Pole in 1911. (Buy here)
Joanna’s skill shines through beyond the words as she writes with intrigue and knowledge about the stories and challenges on this epic but cruel journey. Her understanding of Amundsen details his faults as well as his abilities, and although she admires his courage, his methods were often very hard.
Amundsen’s Way is Joanna’s second novel of narrative non-fiction, her first Into the White – Scott’s Antarctic Odyssey, is hugely successful and was a finalist for the New Zealand Book Awards 2018. The illustrator for both books is Sarah Lippett. (Buy here)
Amundsen’s Way is published by Allen and Unwin of Australia and will be released in the UK in Autumn 2019.
Books Go Walkabout is planning Joanna’s next visit to the UK and currently talking with schools and organisations on bookings in November.
Her charismatic storytelling abilities will captivate any audience of young people, it’s a great story!
