The Impossible Voyage of Kon-Tiki

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

This is an account of the adventurous and dangerous journey that the Norweigan explorer, Thor Heyerdahl, undertook with five others on the balsa raft, the Kon-Tiki, in 1947. The voyage covered 4,300 miles and lasted 101 days. Heyerdahl's intent was to prove his theory that ancient Incas from Peru had sailed to and inhabited the South Sea Islands. Quotes from primary sources head each page followed by the author's vivid descriptions. The colorful full page illustrations further enhance the well written text. Young readers will thoroughly enjoy this fascinating story. The end papers offer a colorful map indicating the Kon-Tiki's voyage and ocean currents. Further information is provided about the voyage, Heyerdahl's theory, biographical information, websites, films, print bibliography, and source notes. Recommended for readers interested in exploration and adventure.

Overall Book Score: very good