Extreme Places: The Most Remote Homes on Earth

Gr 3-6–This book introduces readers to the difficulties of living in extreme places—settings that are located far from other communities or even other continents, have severe weather conditions like harsh winters or scorching temperatures, and are prone to natural disasters such volcanic eruptions. Thirteen different places from around the world are introduced, often with thought-provoking questions, e.g., “What would it be like to live in the middle of an ocean on a tiny volcanic island that is the most remote spot on Earth?” To answer questions like this, the book provides a short informative, interest-grabbing introduction for every spot, then provides more detailed information about location, population, a fascinating fact, and information about adapting to extremes. Especially interesting are the many detailed, colorful illustrations using hand-painted paper to make cut-paper relief art. Many of these illustrations highlight features described in the text, so spotting them is both fun and informative. For example, one illustration shows what it looks like to live inside a mountain. Another illustration shows homes on a floating island located in the world’s highest lake. Back matter includes a map showing the location of every featured place, a note on the artwork showing and explaining the stages involved in creating it, and a selected bibliography.