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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
Reading a story about the Titanic is somewhat a foregone conclusion but Nielsen blended in a mystery, a stowaway and the bonds of friendship to create a fresh and unexpected look into the disaster. Looking forward to Nielsen's author visit at my school next week!
Grades 5 and up.
Grades 5 and up.
A bit of a too happy ending for this book, but it's for children so I guess that's alright.
Jennifer Nielsen always writes historical fiction in a way that interests me so I was happy to get to read her take on the Titanic since all things Titanic fascinate me.
Jennifer Nielsen always writes historical fiction in a way that interests me so I was happy to get to read her take on the Titanic since all things Titanic fascinate me.
A wonderful middle grades adventure. I was into this one from start to finish. I will read anything Jennifer Nielsen writes. I hope my students enjoy this one as much as I did.
I liked this one but didn’t love it. So much that felt like a stretch to tell the story she wanted.
Only barely three stars: not Nielsen’s finest work. Of course it’s hard to be drawn into a drama when you know how it ends, but even the fictional on-ship drama wasn’t that great. The ending was well written, though, and a young tween less familiar with the history would probably enjoy the book.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
Gr 3-6, Hazel is traveling alone aboard the Titanic headed to live with her Aunt in America. On board she makes friends with a young porter Charlie, a first class passenger and her governess, and an elderly woman. Hazel is a reporter in training, asking questions and learning about the ship. She learns about some nefarious plans of some passengers and tries to stop them.
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I don't quite know what to rate this book. It has tropes I don't like in middle grade books, such as lying, keeping secrets, and kids being smarter than most of the adults. The author also has a different worldview, which shows in some of the story. I did find some of the information interesting. I loved Mrs. Abelman as a character.
Soooo good! I love Nielsen's books. She is on my instant buy list. This will be a great addition to our school year covering the time period of 1900-present. A beautiful book but now I'm an emotional wreck after reading it. The Titanic always hits me hard because of how, with a few changes, so many lives could have been saved, or even the tragedy completely avoided.