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Spirit of the Titanic
Fifteen-year-old Samuel Scott died while building the Titanic. As the ship sails to her doom, his ghost moves restlessly alongside the passengers and crew: Frederick Fleet: the young look-out who spotted the iceberg and who survived in a life-boat with (the unsinkable) Molly Brown; Howard Hartley Wallace: the heroic band-leader who played ragtime music as the freezing waters lapped at his feet; Harold Bride: the junior radio operator whose messages echoed on, long after the ship had disappeared to its icy grave …
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 10, 2011
There are many books about the Titanic but this book is unique in that it takes as it’s starting point not 14th April 1912 but 20th April 1910 because that was when Titanic claimed it’s first victim Samuel Joseph Scott a fifteen year old boy who worked on the ship at the Harland and Wolff shipyard. Samuel roams the ship as a ghost, witness to the glamour of first class and the hard work below decks. The book features a cast of both real and imagined characters including Frederick Fleet; the young lookout who spotted the iceberg, Harold Bride; the radio operator, the brave band leader and of course Captain Edward John Smith. I admit I approached this book with trepidation, I have had a lifelong fascination with Titanic and reading anything about those that perished makes me weep. I even cry reading the wiki entry. I wondered how on earth a writer would be able to create a novel which deals with such a tragic event and make it not only suitable but an enjoyable read for the 10+ age group. In this her first novel for children Nicola Pierce has done just that and her tale is compelling, even though we all know the ending the narrative is utterly engrossing. I admit I laughed I cried and I stayed up way past my usual bedtime in order to finish this poignant and beautifully written book. This is one not to be missed.
5 stars *****
5 stars *****
May 3, 2011
I thought it was very well done. I liked the mix of fact, fiction, emotion and hope. I think any child with an interest in history will thoroughly enjoy this story.
August 12, 2022
Since my own children are still at the picture book stage, I don't read much fiction aimed at this age group. However, I wanted to buy a present for my history-loving, eight-year-old nephew. This looked as if it could be just the thing for him, but I didn't want to hand it over without taking a look myself first. What a treat it was! The author has clearly done her research, and does a wonderful job of balancing the many fascinating historical details with a compelling narrative. I was thoroughly gripped by the story of Samuel Scott, who dies while helping to build the Titanic, and whose ghost secretly joins its crew and passengers for the ship's fateful maiden voyage. As for my nephew, he was delighted to receive this. I should stress that he is a very confident reader. The publisher's guidelines suggest that this is for children aged nine and above, but it was a perfect choice for him.
August 11, 2012
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was well written and very informative for young children to learn about the Titanic disaster. The cover is also haunting, it depicts the sinking of the Titanic but there is also the ghostly image of Sam (lead character), imposed over the top, and your eyes are immediately drawn to him. All this is surrounded by a detailed filigree and flowery border, which is quite striking for a young adult book. And the story is different to any fictional account of the sinking I have read so far, with the fact that the ghost of Sam is wandering about the ship.
There are a few (minor) quibbles I have about this book though. Some of the dialogue seems a bit forced. Particularly when the author decides to write in specific information (such as the length, tonnage etc) into the dialogue. The author includes in her notes at the back of the book, that she included "actual dialogue". I have my doubts that Captain Smith would have spoken about the length etc so proudly. Bruce Ismay I can see doing this (who strangely enough, does NOT get a mention in this book), but not Captain Smith. There are a couple of other instances, but that is the one that sticks in my mind. Perhaps he did, it just seems very forced, rather than including that information in the narrative.
I loved the character of Sam, but did find it very strange as to how he died. It seemed to be very rushed, and almost a non event. I can't think how else to describe it. How did he come to die? It all seemed to be linked in with the impending disaster, what with the dogs barking and seeing a lot of people who aren't there, but it didn't seem right. That was my other quibble. I loved how there is an actual Sam Joseph Scott who is buried in an unmarked grave in Belfast Cemetery, and would have been of the correct age to be working on the Titanic. His grave now plays a part in the official tour of the cemetery (someone get me to Belfast now!) and the tour guide, Tom Hartley, also has a book (Written in Stone: The History of Belfast City Cemetery) about his cemetery tour, which I also need.
The supporting cast were also superbly written, although I did find it a bit strange that Bruce Ismay wasn't included. He seems to play a big part (as he did in the disaster) in the fictional books I've read to date, so I automatically expected him to crop up. There is a lot of focus on Thomas Andrews, Charles Joughin (including a funny scene between him and a spider - I dare you to get the image of a spider drying off with a towel out of your head after reading this!) and Captain Smith, and also Frederick Fleet is featured in a really sad scene.
This definitely has to be one of my favourite young adult books about the Titanic. It is a very quick read and readers like myself will be left wanting more. I can imagine children will enjoy it as well, but being on the wrong side of 25, and no children to read it to, I will just enjoy it myself.
There are a few (minor) quibbles I have about this book though. Some of the dialogue seems a bit forced. Particularly when the author decides to write in specific information (such as the length, tonnage etc) into the dialogue. The author includes in her notes at the back of the book, that she included "actual dialogue". I have my doubts that Captain Smith would have spoken about the length etc so proudly. Bruce Ismay I can see doing this (who strangely enough, does NOT get a mention in this book), but not Captain Smith. There are a couple of other instances, but that is the one that sticks in my mind. Perhaps he did, it just seems very forced, rather than including that information in the narrative.
I loved the character of Sam, but did find it very strange as to how he died. It seemed to be very rushed, and almost a non event. I can't think how else to describe it. How did he come to die? It all seemed to be linked in with the impending disaster, what with the dogs barking and seeing a lot of people who aren't there, but it didn't seem right. That was my other quibble. I loved how there is an actual Sam Joseph Scott who is buried in an unmarked grave in Belfast Cemetery, and would have been of the correct age to be working on the Titanic. His grave now plays a part in the official tour of the cemetery (someone get me to Belfast now!) and the tour guide, Tom Hartley, also has a book (Written in Stone: The History of Belfast City Cemetery) about his cemetery tour, which I also need.
The supporting cast were also superbly written, although I did find it a bit strange that Bruce Ismay wasn't included. He seems to play a big part (as he did in the disaster) in the fictional books I've read to date, so I automatically expected him to crop up. There is a lot of focus on Thomas Andrews, Charles Joughin (including a funny scene between him and a spider - I dare you to get the image of a spider drying off with a towel out of your head after reading this!) and Captain Smith, and also Frederick Fleet is featured in a really sad scene.
This definitely has to be one of my favourite young adult books about the Titanic. It is a very quick read and readers like myself will be left wanting more. I can imagine children will enjoy it as well, but being on the wrong side of 25, and no children to read it to, I will just enjoy it myself.
September 11, 2011
When I saw this book sitting on the self in the shop I felt automatically drawn to it. The cover was really pretty and after reading the back I just knew that this was something I would have broken my neck to have when I was a kid…..and as an adult I wanted it pretty badly too so spoiled myself. I wasn’t disappointed – it’s a delight of a wee book. Based on mixture of real and fictional people who find themselves all together on the Titanic. The story is told by the ghost of 15 year old Samuel, a worker at Belfast Dock Yard who died during the construction of the ship. (Samuel’s story is a fictional one but he was a real person who is noted as the first person to pass away due to the Titanic.)
I think from an adult’s point of view and as someone who has read quite a lot over the years about the ship, as well as seeing movies based on the events surrounding it’s sinking, this book is obviously not going to have a massive amount of shock factor. I knew who lived, who died the sequence to events etc. For a young person, being exposed to the story of Titanic for the first time however, this would be a fantastic starting point. It’s beautifully written and it’s extremely faithful to events. It doesn’t dwell on all the horror of that night that more adult books do but it doesn’t shy away from it completely either! Families drown together, old men are dashed against walls, friends are separated for ever. Despite this though there is a feeling of optimism and hope throughout the book. So many people know they are probably going to die but are willing to hold on to that little fragment of hope right to the end. As Mr Stead says, “There is always hope, my boy. It’s what make’s us human”
I think from an adult’s point of view and as someone who has read quite a lot over the years about the ship, as well as seeing movies based on the events surrounding it’s sinking, this book is obviously not going to have a massive amount of shock factor. I knew who lived, who died the sequence to events etc. For a young person, being exposed to the story of Titanic for the first time however, this would be a fantastic starting point. It’s beautifully written and it’s extremely faithful to events. It doesn’t dwell on all the horror of that night that more adult books do but it doesn’t shy away from it completely either! Families drown together, old men are dashed against walls, friends are separated for ever. Despite this though there is a feeling of optimism and hope throughout the book. So many people know they are probably going to die but are willing to hold on to that little fragment of hope right to the end. As Mr Stead says, “There is always hope, my boy. It’s what make’s us human”
December 31, 2013
I don't usually read Young Adult fiction, but this caught my eye when browsing. I am hugely interested in the whole Titanic story, and this was a well-written and original retelling of the tragedy, with enough to it to entertain adult readers as well. As far as I could remember, most of the drama drawn from "real" characters and events were accurate to what is known about them, though I did notice that one character's name was changed - for what reason, I do not know. All in all, a good addition to the Titanic canon for those who want something more than the famous film.
February 11, 2012
This book was chosen for the "One Book, One Wexford" literacy program. Students from the area schools are reading the book and learning about the Titanic. The community at large is also being asked to read the book and participate in book chats.
This is a YA book and I think suited to ages 10+. I started reading it to Seth but I felt he was a bit too young for the emotional issues raised in the book. So instead I've been looking up old photos of the Titanic and showing that stuff to him.
This is a YA book and I think suited to ages 10+. I started reading it to Seth but I felt he was a bit too young for the emotional issues raised in the book. So instead I've been looking up old photos of the Titanic and showing that stuff to him.
October 15, 2012
I probably wouldnt have bought this book as it is for children, but it was given to me by a friend who said she enjoyed it and as there is so much talk at the moment about the opening of the museum in Belfast I decided to read it. I really enjoyed the idea of the young man who died in the shipyard, sailing on the titanic as a ghost and his observations and thoughts on the people aboard and the crew and also the relationship between himand his parents, all in all a lovely read.
January 18, 2012
A lovely gentle read. Beautifully understated writing re-telling the Titanic story but from a slightly different perspective, that of the ghost of Samuel a fifteen year old boy. An emotional, descriptive and engrossing read.
March 21, 2012
The best Titanic read & must be added to the Titanic reading list.
Brilliant read for older kids, teens & adults. Brilliant story and very very well crafted
Brilliant read for older kids, teens & adults. Brilliant story and very very well crafted
August 11, 2012
Excellent and well-researched YA novel about the Titanic disaster. I'd recommend it to any kid who is a fan of historical fiction.
December 13, 2020
The sinking of the Titanic is something which fascinates me. I’ve been to the Titanic museum in Belfast, read different accounts from some of its survivors, looked at different theories about its fall, and, of course, read some fictional books about it. This one is one of my favourite.
Samuel Scott is a young worker at Harland & Wolff’s shipyard in Belfast, in 1910. His job is to deliver rivets to his co-workers who will then hammer them into place to fix sheets of steel on the Unsinkable - as they thought - Ship’s body.
One day he daydreams about living on the ship forever, and he pretty much gets just that! No - he doesn’t win a ticket in a bet like Jack does in the ‘Titanic’ movie. That fateful day, he falls from a ladder as he’s bringing a rivet to his friend and dies… and finds himself stuck on the boat as a ghost. The story follows him on the Titanic as he shares the excitement of all its passengers. He’s confused about his being a ghost but opts for the positive and looks forward to an eternity on this magnificent vessel. Needless to say, we experience the dreadful night of the 14th of April 1912 alongside the character - when the ship of dreams plummets to the depths of the ocean. I let you to find out what happens to him.
The book is full of history and details on various aspects of the Titanic, such as discussions with people who we know boarded it or little amusing occurrences that witnesses could confirm. It is a new perspective on one of the most popular events in recent history. We are plunged into the past and truly feel onboard. It’s quite unusual to know and fear the ending a book so much and it enthralled me. We dread the fatal calamity, albeit knowing it will happen. And since this is history, it even already has.
There is a lot of emotion in this read: the tears one sheds when hearing of this disastrous incident; the awe of discovering how intricately the ship was built and decorated; the enchantment of living on the Titanic… I like this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a read that’s bestrewed with pieces of absorbing information.
Samuel Scott is a young worker at Harland & Wolff’s shipyard in Belfast, in 1910. His job is to deliver rivets to his co-workers who will then hammer them into place to fix sheets of steel on the Unsinkable - as they thought - Ship’s body.
One day he daydreams about living on the ship forever, and he pretty much gets just that! No - he doesn’t win a ticket in a bet like Jack does in the ‘Titanic’ movie. That fateful day, he falls from a ladder as he’s bringing a rivet to his friend and dies… and finds himself stuck on the boat as a ghost. The story follows him on the Titanic as he shares the excitement of all its passengers. He’s confused about his being a ghost but opts for the positive and looks forward to an eternity on this magnificent vessel. Needless to say, we experience the dreadful night of the 14th of April 1912 alongside the character - when the ship of dreams plummets to the depths of the ocean. I let you to find out what happens to him.
The book is full of history and details on various aspects of the Titanic, such as discussions with people who we know boarded it or little amusing occurrences that witnesses could confirm. It is a new perspective on one of the most popular events in recent history. We are plunged into the past and truly feel onboard. It’s quite unusual to know and fear the ending a book so much and it enthralled me. We dread the fatal calamity, albeit knowing it will happen. And since this is history, it even already has.
There is a lot of emotion in this read: the tears one sheds when hearing of this disastrous incident; the awe of discovering how intricately the ship was built and decorated; the enchantment of living on the Titanic… I like this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a read that’s bestrewed with pieces of absorbing information.
May 13, 2018
There were many things I enjoyed and liked about this book, having been to Northern Ireland myself and visited the Titanic Quarter and finding it absolutely fascinating, this book was right up my street. This was quite clearly a children's book and though I'm an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite it's allocated age range.
What is different about this book is that it starts in the year of 1910, which is really refreshing as most books are around 1912, the famous sinking year. So, I think this gives the reader and especially a young mind, a new take of perspective on the events running up to Titanic before she set sail on her maiden voyage.
Our main character is a fifteen year old boy called Samuel Joseph Scott, he worked Titanic at the famous 'Harland and Wolff' shipyard. Samuel, who comes back and roams the Titanic as a ghost, witnesses first class of the different types of people who have are 'fortunate' to go to America for a 'new life'.
The Author obviously knew her stuff by using a mix of fictional and non-fictional characters, which really gave me the shivers, I loved it! It makes so real and informative in it's own way, Fredrick Fleet was a British sailor and crewman of the RMS Titanic, he was the young look out who spotted the iceberg, he also survived the sinking of RMS Titanic and to identify and connect with that, I found really quite fascinated and in awe. Of course, there are more real life characters within the books but I will leave you to find them out for yourself.
Praise for Nicola Pierce! She really has written a great book, I mean, there is the spoiler as we all know that RMS Titanic does sink but the writing in this book and it's charm, really makes it such a compelling read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed and just have to recommend, regardless of age!
The only thing I really don't like about this book is the front cover, I love the olde ye Titanic approach to it, but I also feel it massively undersells this as a Children's book. I have mixed feelings about what could be better but it drew me in, so I guess you just have to have an open mind.
What is different about this book is that it starts in the year of 1910, which is really refreshing as most books are around 1912, the famous sinking year. So, I think this gives the reader and especially a young mind, a new take of perspective on the events running up to Titanic before she set sail on her maiden voyage.
Our main character is a fifteen year old boy called Samuel Joseph Scott, he worked Titanic at the famous 'Harland and Wolff' shipyard. Samuel, who comes back and roams the Titanic as a ghost, witnesses first class of the different types of people who have are 'fortunate' to go to America for a 'new life'.
The Author obviously knew her stuff by using a mix of fictional and non-fictional characters, which really gave me the shivers, I loved it! It makes so real and informative in it's own way, Fredrick Fleet was a British sailor and crewman of the RMS Titanic, he was the young look out who spotted the iceberg, he also survived the sinking of RMS Titanic and to identify and connect with that, I found really quite fascinated and in awe. Of course, there are more real life characters within the books but I will leave you to find them out for yourself.
Praise for Nicola Pierce! She really has written a great book, I mean, there is the spoiler as we all know that RMS Titanic does sink but the writing in this book and it's charm, really makes it such a compelling read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed and just have to recommend, regardless of age!
The only thing I really don't like about this book is the front cover, I love the olde ye Titanic approach to it, but I also feel it massively undersells this as a Children's book. I have mixed feelings about what could be better but it drew me in, so I guess you just have to have an open mind.
March 23, 2025
Sam is a 15 year old who dies while working on the construction of the Titanic. His ghost stays on board and he joins her on her maiden voyage…
Spirit of the Titanic is a children's book aimed at 9-11 year olds, but is also a fab read for adults.
Poor Sam has a short, tough life and is unfortunately killed while at work. His ghost feels an attachment to the Titanic and he joins the passengers and crew on the maiden voyage.
There are vivid descriptions of the characters and drama which bring them to life. I felt that the author had researched the era and disaster to effectively bring them to life. The inclusion of real people who died and survived the sinking adds extra poignancy.
Although this is a children’s book, it is packed with emotion beautifully depicting the love, fear, sadness and despair of the Titanic victims. I am not ashamed to admit that there were such powerful scenes that this book made me cry. The ending was very beautiful...
Spirit of the Titanic is a fabulous children's book giving a personal dimension to a tragic historical event.
Spirit of the Titanic is a children's book aimed at 9-11 year olds, but is also a fab read for adults.
Poor Sam has a short, tough life and is unfortunately killed while at work. His ghost feels an attachment to the Titanic and he joins the passengers and crew on the maiden voyage.
There are vivid descriptions of the characters and drama which bring them to life. I felt that the author had researched the era and disaster to effectively bring them to life. The inclusion of real people who died and survived the sinking adds extra poignancy.
Although this is a children’s book, it is packed with emotion beautifully depicting the love, fear, sadness and despair of the Titanic victims. I am not ashamed to admit that there were such powerful scenes that this book made me cry. The ending was very beautiful...
Spirit of the Titanic is a fabulous children's book giving a personal dimension to a tragic historical event.
November 24, 2021
Firstly, before I get into the review, I just want to say that I found the cover of this book intrinsically amazing. It is so detailed and an online image doesn't do it justice. You need to hold this one in your hand to really enjoy the art work. It is one of the nicest covers of a book I've ever seen.
With that out of the way, can we judge this book by its cover? Yes. Yes we can.
The narrative point of view of a ghost is simple but clever. Sam has the power to float around, unrestricted, witnessing the goings on of various staff and passengers of the Titanic and therefore, he brings the reader with him.
I think Nicola Pierce handled the Titanic's doomed end extremely well given that this book is targeted at children. But as an adult who has visited various Titanic museums around the world, I found the book very insightful.
Whilst this book is a work of fiction, you can really tell that Nicola has put in a lot of research to make the story feel truly authentic.
5 stars.
With that out of the way, can we judge this book by its cover? Yes. Yes we can.
The narrative point of view of a ghost is simple but clever. Sam has the power to float around, unrestricted, witnessing the goings on of various staff and passengers of the Titanic and therefore, he brings the reader with him.
I think Nicola Pierce handled the Titanic's doomed end extremely well given that this book is targeted at children. But as an adult who has visited various Titanic museums around the world, I found the book very insightful.
Whilst this book is a work of fiction, you can really tell that Nicola has put in a lot of research to make the story feel truly authentic.
5 stars.
March 14, 2021
3.5/5 an interesting take on the events of the Titanic's madien voyage. Told from the perspective of a young ghost who had helped build the ship, you get some good insight into the emotions of different people who were on board the Titanic when it sank.This well paced story is based in just enough fact as to make it seem feasible and the characters are intriguing enough to hold your interest right to the end. This would be a great resource in primary school for a child/class who are studying the history of the Titanic as it would help remind them of the human impact of this famous tragedy.
October 14, 2025
I read this book on recommendation from a tour guide on a recent trip to the Titanic Belfast Museum in Belfast Ireland. This short book is every bit as good as the first book I read as a youth in grade school .. A Night to Remember. I’m glad I read this book, glad I heard from this tour guide, and I highly recommend this book to you.
May 29, 2020
Mixed Bag.
Not a book for young readers. Last few chapters are quite graphic in there description of death. Author changes or ingors known facts. Not a bad book for older readers. Author has good detail and descriptions.
Not a book for young readers. Last few chapters are quite graphic in there description of death. Author changes or ingors known facts. Not a bad book for older readers. Author has good detail and descriptions.
May 29, 2022
First book to make me cry at the end. No book I've read has done that except this book. As i was reading it was like I was there on the Titanic when the passengers and was there along side Sam when he finds his mother on the lifeboats in the fog after the ship sank.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2022
I picked up this one at a book fair in Hyderabad, and I have to say this has been one of my best finds from such a situation.
I loved reading this one, even though it is a children’s book. Who cares!
This was a great read!
I loved reading this one, even though it is a children’s book. Who cares!
This was a great read!
July 1, 2017
Lovely book for 5th and 6th class and upwards, gives great historical setting and perspective!
June 13, 2022
Read this in one day
A brilliantly written book, a must read for kids and adults alike. So good I read it in one day.
A brilliantly written book, a must read for kids and adults alike. So good I read it in one day.
February 22, 2023
Great book that reminds you of the tragedy of Titanic, and how horrific it must have been. I liked how the story of Samuel carried through the book and the ending was a great way to finish the story
July 1, 2023
Very enjoyable, detailed read. Full of facts, great story telling wanting you to read more, wanting to know what's coming next
July 5, 2023
Read this in school with primary 6 as that was their topic for the term. Well written story that brings the events of the Titanic disaster to life in a way that children can grasp
August 30, 2023
i loved this book so much it just needed to mention a few more historical accurate things but other than it i loved it so much
September 22, 2023
Fantastically moving and poignant, well worth reading. I enjoyed it as even though it was fiction based in truth, you can imagine that some of this really occurred, and who knows?
October 31, 2024
Wonderful Historical read for children. I'm so excited for all the junior Titanic obsessives who are going to love this book.
November 1, 2024
No complaints, just simply a nice, interesting read...
July 22, 2021
This is the story of what happens to the spirit of a young boy who worked on the building of the Titanic, based in fact, using real characters this was an interesting viewpoint on a well known event. The main character, being a spirit was able to move around the whole ship as it sailed towards it's demise so we get to witness through him life with those working on Titanic as well as all passengers from the first class to the third. Aimed at those 9+ it was a fairly quick read and tells the story well.
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