A Titanic Hero: Thomas Byles

by Cady Crosby

One man...one ship...one night that was to be remembered forever. Thomas Byles, a Roman Catholic priest on board the R.M.S. Titanic, had the saying, “Give what you have,” instilled into him from a very young age. His training, commitment, and love for others culminated into one shining example of fortitude in the face of danger. This book, historical fiction, narrates the life of Thomas Byles. It’s a story that you won’t want to miss.

72 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2012

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you consider that this book was written by a 15-year-old, it's pretty impressive. I think my eight-year-old is going to enjoy this story about a priest who's on the Titanic when it sinks. There's background about the priest and also some source material for further reading. There is a sense of the enormity of how the Titanic sinking affected individual people, and I liked that aspect quite a bit.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a 15 year old! About a Catholic priest who dies while serving others in the Titanic disaster. Historical fiction technically because it includes scenarios to flesh out a story where information lacks but built around facts of the priest’s life and his choice to aid others on the sinking Titanic while risking and ultimately sacrificing his own life. Simply written and easy to read. Good for an adult but appropriate for a young reader or to read aloud as a family. Photos included.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been drawn to Father Byles' last moments. This book was a sweet testimony of his life. As hundreds of helpless people were facing their final moments, Father Byles was a shining example of courage in the midst of fear. He prayed with them, refused to take a spot in the lifeboat, and upheld his priestly duties. I hope he eventually gets canonized as a saint!

[Rebekah Murillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! It's definitely a must read!My grandmother loves this book so much, I'm sure she has two thirds of it memorized. :)