PRAISE FOR CAPTAIN MAC |
| Featured Book Review: Science Books & Films.
(American Association for the Advancement of Science). This thrilling biography
of an endearing and enduring iconic arctic explorer should appeal to young
people and adults alike. The copious archival photos of trips … illustrate
the text so well that the reader might feel that he or she were reliving
the expeditions…. Captain Mac is both an American hero and an American
humanitarian. We need more stories like this one. Thanks, Mary Morton Cowan,
for researching and telling it so well. -- Michael T. Stieber, The Morton
Arboretum, Lisle, IL, July 2010. |
| Recommended Book, National Science Teachers
Association. The stages of his life are vividly portrayed, beginning
in early childhood…. After nearly 50 years as an explorer, a teacher, a
researcher, and a humanitarian, his contributions are unmatched. … treacherous
and dangerous journeys in below-freezing temperatures, months of darkness,
isolation, wind and snow are cleverly described with realistic photographs.
Picturesque scenarios of day-to-day activities are presented throughout.
… This fascinating story should be enjoyed by young students seeking a
written adventure. … facilitators will be able to develop interdisciplinary
lessons in geography, anthropology, and ecology. -- Jean Worsley,
Retired Biology Teacher, June 2010. |
| Booklist Online: Based largely on interviews
and primary sources, this profile authoritatively retraces the career of
a dedicated Arctic explorer. … the severe hardships and wild beauties of
the Arctic come through as strongly as [Cowan’s] case for the significance
of his achievements. -- John Peters. May 2010. |
| School Library Journal: [Grades 5-9] …covers
the life and achievements of the Arctic explorer. … Archival photos with
explanatory captions appear on nearly every page. The author skillfully
weaves primary-source quotes with short, action-oriented sentences (e.g.,
'Mac was lucky to escape alive!'). …This engaging biography is also a solid
overview of an era of exploration that still captivates adventurous youths.
-- Amy Pickett, Ridley High School, Folsom, PA, July 2010. |
| Barnes & Noble: Donald MacMillan (1874—1970)
is not as well known as Robert Peary or Richard Byrd, but he was an intrepid
Arctic explorer. … His Arctic adventures included exploration, scientific
research, lecturing, teaching, and sailing. …. Cowan's biography conveys
the lure of the North and the excitement and perils of exploration, illustrated
by a wealth of photos. … His unique story vividly recreates for all readers
an awesome world that has now largely disappeared. -- Barbara L. Talcroft,
July 2010. |
Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine:
CAPTAIN MAC is Mary Morton Cowan’s wonderful biography of Adm. Donald
B. MacMillan … it is a smartly written history of Arctic exploration, written
with a grown-up flavor featuring plenty of exciting Arctic adventures,
plus history, science, geology, meteorology, wildlife, and the debilitating
effect of cold weather, poor diet and prolonged isolation on humans. …
Cowan … has done a masterful job researching this subject, successfully
combining crisp narrative with anecdotal stories, all supplemented nicely
with period photographs, maps and illustrations. … This is terrific history
well told, and adult readers will enjoy it as much as young readers. --
Bill Bushnell, July 11, 2010. |
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