Catherine Johnson is known for her historical fiction for teens, but here she has written an account aimed at younger readers of the life of Matthew Henson, an African American who, through hard work and determination, played a vital role in the race to reach the North Pole. His story has been little known and seldom told due to racial prejudice – but Johnson is part of a wave of historians seeking to put such injustices to rights. She tells a pacy and exciting story, and children (and adults!) will find it a gripping and enlightening read. The chapters are a perfect length for reluctant readers or a read aloud story, and it’s a great introduction for children to a conversation around racism as well as the ‘Race to the Frozen North’.