Growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania in the early 1900s, Paul Siple was an intelligent, self-motivated boy who thrived on learning about the world around him. He was fascinated by the adventures of his hero, world-famous explorer Commander Richard Byrd.

After Byrd's successful North Pole expedition in 1926, he set out to become the first person to fly over the South Pole, via the Antarctic. When he announced that one lucky teen explorer would be chosen to accompany him, he caught the attention of Eagle Scout Paul Siple, who met all of the criteria with flying colors. Exhilarated by the challenge and inspired by the opportunity to meet and work with his hero, Paul could not believe his good fortune when he was selected!

This fascinating book, by authors Patricia Potter Wilson and Roger Leslie, expertly tells the story of nineteen-year-old Paul Siple's awesome adventures with Commander Byrd. It is a delightful and straightforward narrative for young readers grades five through nine, filled with fun pictures and illustrations, that will long remain in every young reader's imagination and heart.