Around the World

A Scott O'Dell Award-winning graphic novelist follows three dauntless adventurers on a Jules Verne-inspired challenge: circling the world, solo

As the nineteenth century wound down, a public inspired by the novel Around the World in Eighty Days clamored for intrepid adventure. The challenge of circumnavigating the globe as no one ever had before--a feat assuring fame if not fortune--attracted the fearless in droves. Three hardy spirits stayed the course: In 1884, former miner Thomas Stevens made the journey on a bicycle, the kind with a big front wheel. In 1889, pioneer reporter Nellie Bly embarked on a global race against time that assumed the heights of spectacle, ushering in the age of the American celebrity. And in 1895, retired sea captain Joshua Slocum quietly set sail on a thirty-six-foot sloop, braving pirates and treacherous seas to become the first person to sail around the world alone. With cinematic pacing and deft, expressive art, acclaimed graphic novelist Matt Phelan weaves a trio of epic journeys into a single bold tale of three visionaries who set their sights on nothing short of the world.

Author: Matt Phelan
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 10/11/2011
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 8.10h x 6.90w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9780763636197
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.6
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 146321 / Around the World


Award: Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Carolyn W. Field Award - Winner


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 08/01/2011
Kirkus Reviews 08/15/2011
School Library Journal 09/01/2011 pg. 190
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 10/01/2011 - Book Of Special Distinction
Booklist 09/15/2011 pg. 55
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2011 pg. 109
Kirkus Best Children's Books 11/15/2011 pg. 2118
New York Times Book Review 12/18/2011 pg. 23
Booklist Ed Choice Youth 01/01/2012 pg. 13
SLJ's Best Books 12/01/2011 pg. 36
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2012 pg. 81 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Matt Phelan is the author-illustrator of the highly acclaimed and award-winning graphic novel The Storm in the Barn. He is also the illustrator of many books for young readers, including Always and I'll Be There by Ann Stott and The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron, winner of the 2007 Newbery Medal. He lives in Philadelphia.