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Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors & Submarines in the Pacific: The Incredible Story of U.S. Submarines in WWII
Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors & Submarines in the Pacific tells the incredible story of America's little known "war within a war" -- US submarine warfare during World War II.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US entered World War II in December 1941 with only 44 Naval submarines -- many of them dating from the 1920s. With the Pacific battleship fleet decimated after Pearl Harbor, it was up to the feisty and heroic sailors aboard the US submarines to stop the Japanese invasion across the Pacific.
Including breakouts highlighting submarine life and unsung African-American and female war heroes, award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson uses first-person accounts, archival materials, official Naval documents, and photographs to bring the voices and exploits of these brave service members to life.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US entered World War II in December 1941 with only 44 Naval submarines -- many of them dating from the 1920s. With the Pacific battleship fleet decimated after Pearl Harbor, it was up to the feisty and heroic sailors aboard the US submarines to stop the Japanese invasion across the Pacific.
Including breakouts highlighting submarine life and unsung African-American and female war heroes, award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson uses first-person accounts, archival materials, official Naval documents, and photographs to bring the voices and exploits of these brave service members to life.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2016
70 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Hopkinson
97 books364 followersI write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)
NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.
I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.
NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.
I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 30, 2016
This book is way outside my normal reading genre but I wanted to read it because I had an uncle who was in the Navy during WWII and spent most of his time in a submarine in the Pacific. This fantastic book gives short vignettes of sailors who were part of the Pacific fleet during the war. I knew a little about what the sailors went through but this book was very informative and I am in awe of the men who helped defend our county from submarines. When of my favorite stories was about Lucy Wilson who was a nurse in Corregidor as the Japanese army was advancing. She was evacuated with other 26 others and spent three weeks on a submarine taking them to Australia. Her time on the submarine gave a interesting look at the accommodations by a woman.
This would be a great book for people interested in WWII but even more than that, it put faces and names to some of the men (and women)who fought during the war in often dangerous conditions.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This would be a great book for people interested in WWII but even more than that, it put faces and names to some of the men (and women)who fought during the war in often dangerous conditions.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 4, 2016
When most of us think about World War II, we generally focus on the European Theater. Hitler, the Gestapo and the Nazis seem to be the predominant focus of books for kids and adults in both fiction and nonfiction.
But there are excellent, well-researched books that also turn their attention to the Pacific Theater and the war with Japan that began on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked and decimated America's naval base in Pearl Harbor. It truly was a day, as President Roosevelt said, "that will live in infamy."
And that is the day that Deborah Hopkinson begins her fascinating look at the important role that the Submarines, Asiatic Fleet played in the war, a fleet that was by no means war ready. She begins by introducing the reader to 15 year-old sailor Martin Matthews on leave and visiting a friend aboard the USS Arizona. Martin survived the attack, and although he could have revealed his age (yes, he, like many others, lied about it) and gotten out of the Navy and the war, he stayed, "because it was my country" under attack.
Making it clear that the goal of the Japanese was to achieve dominance in the entire Pacific region, Hopkinson turns her attention to four submarines, USS Seawolf, USS Trigger, USS Wahoo, and USS Tang. Presenting them in chronicle order, and using first-person recollections combined with other source, she follows the sequence of events as each submarine faced them, focusing on the problems the faced, such as torpedoes that were defective, tracking battleships using only sound and not knowing if they were friend or foe, on the camaraderie among the submariners, and their amazing accomplishments from the mess chefs on up to the commanders.
Hopkinson makes her history of the submarine in the Pacific Theater fresh, in part because of the personal narratives included, and exciting, putting the readers into a submarine during war, giving them a real sense of the tension while out on patrol, looking for enemy ships, and especially the close quarters the submariners lived in, sometimes not seeing daylight for very long periods of time.
To her credit, Hopkinson has also made this story of sailors and submarines a reader-friendly work. Technical terms, fighting strategies, battles fought and either won or lost are all written clearly and understandably, ideal for young readers who have an interest in WWII, and/or submarines.
Interspersed among the narrative are what she calls breakouts: sidebars that give additional information; briefings that provide analysis and background information; dispatches that are stories of interest or additional first-person accounts; and submarine school focusing on submarines or life as a submariner. I found all of these breakouts interesting and informative and fit right in with submarine life. In addition, there is quite a bit of back matter, from timelines, to a glossary, maps, diagrams, bibliography, and excellent source notes.
Dive! is a book I can highly recommend to all readers.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was sent to me by the publisher, Scholastic Press
This review was originally posted on The Children's War
But there are excellent, well-researched books that also turn their attention to the Pacific Theater and the war with Japan that began on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked and decimated America's naval base in Pearl Harbor. It truly was a day, as President Roosevelt said, "that will live in infamy."
And that is the day that Deborah Hopkinson begins her fascinating look at the important role that the Submarines, Asiatic Fleet played in the war, a fleet that was by no means war ready. She begins by introducing the reader to 15 year-old sailor Martin Matthews on leave and visiting a friend aboard the USS Arizona. Martin survived the attack, and although he could have revealed his age (yes, he, like many others, lied about it) and gotten out of the Navy and the war, he stayed, "because it was my country" under attack.
Making it clear that the goal of the Japanese was to achieve dominance in the entire Pacific region, Hopkinson turns her attention to four submarines, USS Seawolf, USS Trigger, USS Wahoo, and USS Tang. Presenting them in chronicle order, and using first-person recollections combined with other source, she follows the sequence of events as each submarine faced them, focusing on the problems the faced, such as torpedoes that were defective, tracking battleships using only sound and not knowing if they were friend or foe, on the camaraderie among the submariners, and their amazing accomplishments from the mess chefs on up to the commanders.
Hopkinson makes her history of the submarine in the Pacific Theater fresh, in part because of the personal narratives included, and exciting, putting the readers into a submarine during war, giving them a real sense of the tension while out on patrol, looking for enemy ships, and especially the close quarters the submariners lived in, sometimes not seeing daylight for very long periods of time.
To her credit, Hopkinson has also made this story of sailors and submarines a reader-friendly work. Technical terms, fighting strategies, battles fought and either won or lost are all written clearly and understandably, ideal for young readers who have an interest in WWII, and/or submarines.
Interspersed among the narrative are what she calls breakouts: sidebars that give additional information; briefings that provide analysis and background information; dispatches that are stories of interest or additional first-person accounts; and submarine school focusing on submarines or life as a submariner. I found all of these breakouts interesting and informative and fit right in with submarine life. In addition, there is quite a bit of back matter, from timelines, to a glossary, maps, diagrams, bibliography, and excellent source notes.
Dive! is a book I can highly recommend to all readers.
This book is recommended for readers age 9+
This book was sent to me by the publisher, Scholastic Press
This review was originally posted on The Children's War
December 3, 2019
This book is really good so far I've got through the first mini war story I think its crazy felling the perspective of a kid that is 14 year old swimming away from japan fighters. This is a purl habar story if you couldn't tell, I kinda felt sad about the tragic event that happened that day. It made me think about life a little and how soldiers sacrifice themselves to make the U.S. feel like the U.S. with freedom. I also think its crazy how teens wanted to be apart of the army.
April 7, 2019
this review will be on the story "the fightingest" this story has many details about life aboard the "wahoo" a US submarine. one of them Is a dog named penny.
Read
February 7, 2020great book. A lot of action.
January 21, 2018
In this book are different books about different ships like the Wahoo and the Tang and the Trigger. The Tang helped 22 airmen from downing. All together subs saved 144 airmen.
January 1, 2017
Hopkinson, Deborah Dive! World War II Stories of Sailors and Submarines in the Pacific, 384 pages. Scholastic, 2016. $18. Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (short description of Pearl Harbor aftermath).
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, almost the only ships operating in the Pacific were submarines. They had to bear a heavy burden until the US could get some new boats intot he water. Hopkinson presents the stories of the submarines and their sailors in chronological as much as possible, using first person accounts whenever available. While there is levity among the pages, there is much danger and heartbreak along the way. Includes daring tales of rescues and tactics, scores upon the enemy and losses of entire subs.
This is quite a chunk of book for a student to read. If you have an audience for it, I would definitely buy it. It is a fascinating look at the submarines of WWII and the important role they played. The story is very human and at times heart-wrenching. Hopkinson has meticulously documented every quote and incident, with an extensive set of footnotes and bibliography.
MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, almost the only ships operating in the Pacific were submarines. They had to bear a heavy burden until the US could get some new boats intot he water. Hopkinson presents the stories of the submarines and their sailors in chronological as much as possible, using first person accounts whenever available. While there is levity among the pages, there is much danger and heartbreak along the way. Includes daring tales of rescues and tactics, scores upon the enemy and losses of entire subs.
This is quite a chunk of book for a student to read. If you have an audience for it, I would definitely buy it. It is a fascinating look at the submarines of WWII and the important role they played. The story is very human and at times heart-wrenching. Hopkinson has meticulously documented every quote and incident, with an extensive set of footnotes and bibliography.
MS, HS – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
December 12, 2016
Fantastic, page turning title that World War II fans will love! Clearly, Hopkinson went to great lengths researching for this book. I love the way she organized the text, using 'Briefings' to share analysis & background information, 'Dispatches' to share first person stories of interest, and 'Submarine School' to share facts about subs and the life as a submariner, sprinkling them among the chapters. Photographs and links to on-line resources add to the information readers can access to learn more. A great addition to any 5th grade & up classroom library.
September 5, 2016
History, survival, adventure all in one make for a fast-paced read for those interested in WWII, submarines, the Pacific theater, etc. The book covers plenty of details and technology concerning submarines, torpedoes, war strategy etc as well as lots of insight into the human side of being a submariner. There are sidebars, a resource list, bibliography, glossary, source notes, an index, map of the Pacific as well as many black and white photos. My overall impression at the end was pride at the work all concerned during the war but also profound sadness about the subs and personnel who perished. Such is the price of war. This is a solid choice for upper elementary and middle school readers.
May 29, 2025
DIVE! Takes You from Tactical to Emotional—They Were Just Names Until They Were Heroes
I picked up DIVE! expecting a collection of short war stories—quick hits about submarine missions that changed the tide of World War II. I figured I’d enjoy them and move on. For the first half of the book, that’s exactly what I got: interesting, well-told moments in naval history, but nothing deeply moving.
Until one name changed everything: Dudley “Mush” Morton.
Morton had the charisma of a fictional hero—but he was real. He led the USS Wahoo with respect, courage, and vision, and I couldn’t help but root for him. Through his story, the stakes of the war suddenly felt real. I stopped reading facts—I started caring about people.
I didn’t even realize how far beyond my expectations the book had taken me…And then, just like that, his part of the story was over. I wasn’t ready to let go.
That transition was hard.
But then Dick O’Kane—Morton’s executive officer during three patrols—got his own submarine. And suddenly, I was still in. I was emotionally invested in every name that followed, especially those connected to the Wahoo. There were so many heroes to follow (many to tragic ends), and my admiration for these young, inexperienced, but fiercely brave men only deepened. They were so young—and they faced unthinkable odds.
Once Morton took command of the Wahoo, I couldn’t put the book down. His story hooked me, and O’Kane’s journey after the Wahoo was equally incredible. He became a close second favorite. I also really loved George Grider and Forest Sterling, who also served aboard the Wahoo.
Author Deborah Hopkinson clearly put care into making each account accurate and relatable. I especially appreciated the pages between chapters explaining how submarines worked or laying out timelines. The structure is clean, chronological, and accessible—even for readers with no military background.
Recommendation:
If you want to learn about the Silent Service during World War II—but don’t want to get bogged down in dry technical jargon or overly narrow stories—DIVE! is an excellent choice. It’s easy to follow, packed with emotional highs and lows, and deeply human.
Content Notes:
Honestly, there aren’t any. For a book about submarine attacks during WWII, it’s surprisingly clean (since it’s written for middle graders). The violence is minimal (and not graphic), and I don’t recall any cursing.
I picked up DIVE! expecting a collection of short war stories—quick hits about submarine missions that changed the tide of World War II. I figured I’d enjoy them and move on. For the first half of the book, that’s exactly what I got: interesting, well-told moments in naval history, but nothing deeply moving.
Until one name changed everything: Dudley “Mush” Morton.
Morton had the charisma of a fictional hero—but he was real. He led the USS Wahoo with respect, courage, and vision, and I couldn’t help but root for him. Through his story, the stakes of the war suddenly felt real. I stopped reading facts—I started caring about people.
I didn’t even realize how far beyond my expectations the book had taken me…And then, just like that, his part of the story was over. I wasn’t ready to let go.
That transition was hard.
But then Dick O’Kane—Morton’s executive officer during three patrols—got his own submarine. And suddenly, I was still in. I was emotionally invested in every name that followed, especially those connected to the Wahoo. There were so many heroes to follow (many to tragic ends), and my admiration for these young, inexperienced, but fiercely brave men only deepened. They were so young—and they faced unthinkable odds.
Once Morton took command of the Wahoo, I couldn’t put the book down. His story hooked me, and O’Kane’s journey after the Wahoo was equally incredible. He became a close second favorite. I also really loved George Grider and Forest Sterling, who also served aboard the Wahoo.
Author Deborah Hopkinson clearly put care into making each account accurate and relatable. I especially appreciated the pages between chapters explaining how submarines worked or laying out timelines. The structure is clean, chronological, and accessible—even for readers with no military background.
Recommendation:
If you want to learn about the Silent Service during World War II—but don’t want to get bogged down in dry technical jargon or overly narrow stories—DIVE! is an excellent choice. It’s easy to follow, packed with emotional highs and lows, and deeply human.
Content Notes:
Honestly, there aren’t any. For a book about submarine attacks during WWII, it’s surprisingly clean (since it’s written for middle graders). The violence is minimal (and not graphic), and I don’t recall any cursing.
April 8, 2022
This thoroughly-researched and carefully-written story of the U.S. submarines and sailors who waged war on the Pacific Front during WWII is a 3.5 for me. Like many individuals, I've always found submarines fascinating and wondered what life might be like for their crew. Surely, it would take a certain amount of stamina and determination to live and work in such close quarters and without a breath of fresh air, all while on the watch for enemy ships. This book explains exactly how that felt and discusses how the U.S. Submarine Force rose to the occasion time and time again in battling with Japanese ships after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Author Deborah Hopkinson provides plentiful details and statistics as well as using the lingo those sailors used in this account. But most notable are the stories of individuals and boats who served their country so well during this perilous time. It's fascinating to read the accounts of dogs who rode the submarines as well as learning about the history of worthy vessels like Seawolf, Trigger, Wahoo, and Tang, among others. Many of the compelling first-person accounts or recollections read as though the individuals are experiencing those moments right now. It's hard to forget Nurse Lucy Wilson, Dudley (Mush) Morton, and Dick O'Kane and some of the crew members while also being grateful for their service and sacrifices. The book points out many of the challenges faced in rebuilding the nation's submarine fleet, including faulty torpedoes, and the constant danger at sea. Still, there are moments of levity as some subs even had ice cream machines and ovens for baking. There is plentiful back matter, including resources, both online and books, and small sections ["Briefings," "Dispatches," and "Submarine School" that amplify various points or provide additional information for those who are curious to learn more. There's even a "Skipper's Recommendation" feature in which Hopkinson highlights certain websites or resources. The entire project is quite impressive, and I learned quite a lot, but I felt almost overwhelmed by the amount of information I was consuming. Readers who love WWII history and everything related to it will find this book of interest, especially since it tells about a part of that conflict that is often ignored.
September 13, 2017
This book discusses the sea-fairing battles that the United States and Japan engaged in during World War II. The attack of Pearl Harbor had weakened American aircraft and battleship vessels by much. This left only the US Submarines to fight the Japanese. These submarines plunged into the Japanene sea with the intent of destroying as many enemy vessels as possible. These sailors tell their first hand point of view of what it was like while being on one of these submarines during World War II. We read of their bravery and courage while facing life threatening situations.
I really liked reading this book for several reasons. One reason is that I love reading about history and especially about historic wars so this book really hit home for me. This book followed individual stories of different sailors allowing for many parts of the sailors lives on multiple submarines to be discussed. Another reason I really enjoyed this book is because of the way the author described the daring situations these men faced. On several occasions the sailors almost perished, such as when the submarine USS Tang made a "down the throat" shot at an incoming Japanese battleship that was dropping depth charges to destroy their vessel. One story discussed the lives of a Captain and First Mate who worked very well together onboard their vessel. Serving together, they destroyed many enemy vessels. The plot was entertaining for almost the whole book because it was during a World War so there was constant action wherever they were. For the most part, this book kept my attention. The theme of this book was in my interests of course because it was historic. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more books like this.
I really liked reading this book for several reasons. One reason is that I love reading about history and especially about historic wars so this book really hit home for me. This book followed individual stories of different sailors allowing for many parts of the sailors lives on multiple submarines to be discussed. Another reason I really enjoyed this book is because of the way the author described the daring situations these men faced. On several occasions the sailors almost perished, such as when the submarine USS Tang made a "down the throat" shot at an incoming Japanese battleship that was dropping depth charges to destroy their vessel. One story discussed the lives of a Captain and First Mate who worked very well together onboard their vessel. Serving together, they destroyed many enemy vessels. The plot was entertaining for almost the whole book because it was during a World War so there was constant action wherever they were. For the most part, this book kept my attention. The theme of this book was in my interests of course because it was historic. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more books like this.
February 12, 2020
This book was recommended to me by a student! I always read student recommendations. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as he did. I'm a huge Deborah Hopkinson fan, but this one did not capture me the way Titanic and D-day did.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, most of the U.S. naval fleet was destroyed. Japan hoped the attack would cripple the U.S. Navy, preventing retaliation. Unfortunately for Japan, they forgot about the submarine fleet which came away from the bombing unscathed. Several days later, Japan bombed the U.S. naval base in the Philippines and didn't make the same mistake. The Pearl Harbor submarines and the few scattered around the Pacific bases became the backbone of the U.S. military strategy to take down the Japanese naval fleet. One by one, they gained back island territory taken by the Japanese in the first year of the conflict.
I can't blame my lack of enthusiasm on lack of interest, because I went into Hopkinson's D-day book with the same interest level. I was so moved by D-day that I had to sit quietly for awhile after reading it. No such result with this book. My emotions were never engaged. I didn't feel the tragedy in the same way. The feeling of the clock ticking, that time is critical, was not there. The facts are strong, as expected, but the human element is not.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, most of the U.S. naval fleet was destroyed. Japan hoped the attack would cripple the U.S. Navy, preventing retaliation. Unfortunately for Japan, they forgot about the submarine fleet which came away from the bombing unscathed. Several days later, Japan bombed the U.S. naval base in the Philippines and didn't make the same mistake. The Pearl Harbor submarines and the few scattered around the Pacific bases became the backbone of the U.S. military strategy to take down the Japanese naval fleet. One by one, they gained back island territory taken by the Japanese in the first year of the conflict.
I can't blame my lack of enthusiasm on lack of interest, because I went into Hopkinson's D-day book with the same interest level. I was so moved by D-day that I had to sit quietly for awhile after reading it. No such result with this book. My emotions were never engaged. I didn't feel the tragedy in the same way. The feeling of the clock ticking, that time is critical, was not there. The facts are strong, as expected, but the human element is not.
April 5, 2018
The book Dive! by Deborah Hopkinson is a book with stories about sailors and submarines is World War II. There are many stories one is about a sailor trapped in a ship in Pearl Harbor and how he didn't know what was going on. There is another story about a submarines on its way to China and it being attacked. One of the best stories how a soldier war in battle and had to fight with many of his men injured and some of his men dead with all his vehicles destroyed.
I think the book Dive! is a great book. I think that it is one of the best book I ever read. I like how it has many stories to read and you can basically read them in any order you want to. I also like that the stories are true and the say what kind of medals the veterans got and what they. The book will also say if they illegally went into the navy (because of age)and stuff like that is fun to know because you get to know more about this person.
If were to recommend this book to anyone I would recommend this to people into war book or history teachers. I would recommend this to history teachers because they could learn more about what the people did in Pearl Harbor in WWII. Also they could teach there students more about Pearl Harbor. I would also recommend this book to people who like history. I say this because I think those people would enjoy this book.
I think the book Dive! is a great book. I think that it is one of the best book I ever read. I like how it has many stories to read and you can basically read them in any order you want to. I also like that the stories are true and the say what kind of medals the veterans got and what they. The book will also say if they illegally went into the navy (because of age)and stuff like that is fun to know because you get to know more about this person.
If were to recommend this book to anyone I would recommend this to people into war book or history teachers. I would recommend this to history teachers because they could learn more about what the people did in Pearl Harbor in WWII. Also they could teach there students more about Pearl Harbor. I would also recommend this book to people who like history. I say this because I think those people would enjoy this book.
March 10, 2020
DIVE is an exciting story about the many submarine stories of World War II. It is exciting, suspenseful, compelling, and most importantly; interesting. The first story is about the U.S.S. Seawolf, and it’s journey from being made to the beginning of the war. Although there was not much action in this story it told a lot about what it felt like to live in a submarine. Surprisingly, even though there was not much action in this story, it was still very fun to read. The next story was much like the one on Seawolf. Then there is the story on the U.S.S. Trigger. This one was incredibly suspenseful and very fun to read. It really emphasized the terror that submarine crew can go through in the worst case scenario.
As well as being fun to read and exciting, the story was also a lot like a documentary at times. There are several sections that go over the inner workings of a submarine. Everything from the periscope, to the torpedos. If this is boring then that’s fine, because these interesting details are sectioned off. This means that enjoying the story without the facts is still possible. It truly is an amazing book.
As well as being fun to read and exciting, the story was also a lot like a documentary at times. There are several sections that go over the inner workings of a submarine. Everything from the periscope, to the torpedos. If this is boring then that’s fine, because these interesting details are sectioned off. This means that enjoying the story without the facts is still possible. It truly is an amazing book.
December 27, 2021
“Dive!”is a nonfiction book written by Deborah Hopkinson. The book focuses in on the Pacific theater during WWII and the naval engagements between the American and Japaneses Navies. The author writes mainly about four US submarines and presents them in chronicle order. The USS Seawolf, USS Trigger, USS Wahoo, and USS Tang. It uses first person accounts of sailors and merchants men in the pacific. The story starts from the terrific bombing of Pearl Harbor that starts the conflict. Each submarine has its own separate part. The author tells in detail about the procedures and daily lives of the sailors who worked in the submarines, especially the torpedo firing process.
Hopkinson has also made this story of sailors and submarines a reader-friendly work. Technical terms, fighting strategies, battles fought and either won or lost are all written clearly and understandably, ideal for readers who have an interest in WWII, and/or submarines.
Personally this is one of my favorite books written on World War Two. Definitely recommend this to readers who have interest in naval combat. Even if you don’t have any interest in that stuff, it would still be an enjoyable read.
Hopkinson has also made this story of sailors and submarines a reader-friendly work. Technical terms, fighting strategies, battles fought and either won or lost are all written clearly and understandably, ideal for readers who have an interest in WWII, and/or submarines.
Personally this is one of my favorite books written on World War Two. Definitely recommend this to readers who have interest in naval combat. Even if you don’t have any interest in that stuff, it would still be an enjoyable read.
September 18, 2025
I knew submarines played a large role in WW2, but I never read much about them before this book. After finishing it, I am amazed by the brave men who served on the submarines and the sheer number of enemy ships they were able to sink! It takes a special sort of person to be willing to trust their lives to a glorified metal tube and the men mentioned in this book are certainly that! I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about the role submarines played in the pacific theater during WW2 and wouldn’t hesitate to add it to my library. Content considerations: overall, there isn’t anything graphic beyond what needs to be mentioned in a book about war. The book begins with a sailor’s description of the the attack on Pearl Harbor and he briefly mentions seeing body parts floating in the water, ships are attacked and sunk, brief mentions of Japanese POW camps, one instance of a captain ordering his men to shoot defenseless enemy sailors in the water, several submarines are lost at sea. 13+
April 25, 2019
Wow, this book is phenomenal. Hopkinson uses first person accounts, photographs and declassified government documents to tell the story of the U.S. submarines and their pivotal role in winning the war in the Pacific during World War II. The Japanese planners sought to take the United States out of the war by crippling its naval forces. The bombing at Pearl Harbor ends up mobilizing the war effort instead of destroying our will to fight. The submarines were not destroyed at Pearl Harbor. The subs become key in disrupting Japanese shipping and supply lines to the Japanese troops. One of my favorite parts of Hopkinson's narrative is her description of the ways the men kept reminders of home close to them in spite of the spacial limitations of the submarines. Dogs are smuggled on board and they serve with honor. Cooks and submarine captains conspire to keep the men well-fed with steaks, pastries and in some cases an ice cream machine.
October 8, 2018
Dive
World War II Stories
of sailors & submarines in the pacific
By Deborah Hopkinson
Packed full of action and suspense, Dive, is a really good book. This is a book about World War II in the Pacific ocean. All the submarines in the pacific have to be on watch at all time. Even over holidays, in the book a sub celebrates christmas in the middle of nowhere. However, they got a good enough present. “ We liked the little christmas tree”, said a sailor.Then someone would say something that would make all the sailors dread. ”I wish I were home tonight.” However each sailor got to call home and talk to their families. My favorite character was Eck, he was a really good guy who was very skilled in many ways. For example, he was the person that listened to the sounds in the ocean.
World War II Stories
of sailors & submarines in the pacific
By Deborah Hopkinson
Packed full of action and suspense, Dive, is a really good book. This is a book about World War II in the Pacific ocean. All the submarines in the pacific have to be on watch at all time. Even over holidays, in the book a sub celebrates christmas in the middle of nowhere. However, they got a good enough present. “ We liked the little christmas tree”, said a sailor.Then someone would say something that would make all the sailors dread. ”I wish I were home tonight.” However each sailor got to call home and talk to their families. My favorite character was Eck, he was a really good guy who was very skilled in many ways. For example, he was the person that listened to the sounds in the ocean.
February 4, 2018
Highly recommended for history lovers of all ages! Though it may be written for young people, this history of sailors and submarines in World War II provided just the right amount of detail for those not needing a multi-volume set on the subject. The author has done the research and provides a look at individuals who were at different World War II events, utilizing their own words, to make history come alive. Technical details are available as well as links to more information on the Internet. I now know the stories behind several submarines of the period. I have already recommended this book to three people!
November 22, 2017
Fascinating Stories
I’m not sure exactly how I wound up reading about submarines, but it turned out to be some really interesting stuff. I cannot imagine doing what these guys did back in WW II. Just a mind-blowing sacrifice these guys made for their country. Something like 22% of them did not survive, and it often hinged on the smallest elements of chance or circumstance. To those who did not survive, you can’t even begin to imagine what that fate must have been like.
Unbelievable stuff.
I’m not sure exactly how I wound up reading about submarines, but it turned out to be some really interesting stuff. I cannot imagine doing what these guys did back in WW II. Just a mind-blowing sacrifice these guys made for their country. Something like 22% of them did not survive, and it often hinged on the smallest elements of chance or circumstance. To those who did not survive, you can’t even begin to imagine what that fate must have been like.
Unbelievable stuff.
December 19, 2018
This was an amazing book. I would say it was mostly a very powerful book and a great insight in what the submarine crew had to go through. At some point it was slightly hard to follow because there was lots of information to process at one time. I liked how they had different stories such as the story of Seawolf, Wahoo, and Lucy Wilson. This reminds me of some of the other books I read about WWII. I can see someone who isn’t as interested in WWII or in non fiction not liking this book. If there were more books in this series I may keep reading.
November 4, 2016
This book (intended for juveniles) is an excellent introduction to US submarine warfare in the Pacific during WWII. It manages to cover all aspects of the topic primarily using the stories of a few individuals - a radio operator, a nurse, a couple of submarine commanders.
The book includes lots of photos, a nice bibliography, notes, index, and maps. Sidebars encourage further investigation.
Highly recommended to young readers interested in the topic.
The book includes lots of photos, a nice bibliography, notes, index, and maps. Sidebars encourage further investigation.
Highly recommended to young readers interested in the topic.
October 9, 2019
Excellent book about the "Silent Service" and the select men who fought in the Pacific during World War II. They were truly among the elite of the "Greatest Generation". The author made you feel that you were part of the crew as she gave you their combat experiences as well as glimpses of their personal lives. Although a small part of the military, they suffered a 22% casualty rate which was the highest of all branches. Truly courageous men with a big impact on victory.
November 30, 2016
Excellent information on submarines during WWII. The photographs really add to story - making it real for me. The non-fiction information is presented in an interesting way. Middle graders and above will enjoy reading this one.
May 31, 2017
This book tells some of the stories connected to the US submarines that served in the Pacific during WWII. This is a middle school book that is told in an interesting way of the many different roles the submarines played during the war.
November 20, 2018
Good introduction to US submarine warfare in the Pacific during WW II aimed primarily for young adult readers. This book contains excellent resources for further reading and exploration of this subject.
January 10, 2019
A great book about WW2 submarine warfare. It is not as technical as I would have wanted (I like technical details), but it is very interesting and eye-opening about the importance of subs to victory over Japan.
February 5, 2019
Dive! tells stories of the dramatic and heroic efforts of the "Silent Service" submariners. So many brave men giving their all, literally, for the love of their country and families. It was only fitting that Hopkins brought the names of these mostly unknown men to a modern generation.
June 19, 2017
i liked it
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