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The Bravest Man in the World
From master storyteller Patricia Polacco comes the tragic and beautiful story inspired by Wallace Hartley—the musician who played with his band to calm the passengers of the Titanic as the ship sank.
One afternoon, Jonathan Harker Weeks didn’t feel like practicing the piano. So his grandfather decided to tell him a story to show how much of an impact music can have. When he was a child growing up poor in Ireland, his mother made sure he learned to play the fiddle, despite their challenges.
After his mother passed away and he was on his own, Jonathan’s grandfather fell asleep hiding in a mail sack and was taken to a ship. When he woke up, he realized he was on the Titanic on its maiden voyage, and it was there that he met Wallace Hartley and Mrs. Weeks, a kind man and woman who took him in. Then one night, the majestic ship hit an iceberg. He and Mrs. Weeks were put on a lifeboat—and Mr. Hartley and his band bravely continued to play to calm the crew and passengers.
The story of Wallace Hartley is true and he is known throughout the world as a hero. The New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of The Keeping Quilt Patricia Polacco offers this stunning and heartbreaking picture book to celebrate the memory and bravery of a single man who used the power of music to comfort thousands of people during a catastrophic situation.
One afternoon, Jonathan Harker Weeks didn’t feel like practicing the piano. So his grandfather decided to tell him a story to show how much of an impact music can have. When he was a child growing up poor in Ireland, his mother made sure he learned to play the fiddle, despite their challenges.
After his mother passed away and he was on his own, Jonathan’s grandfather fell asleep hiding in a mail sack and was taken to a ship. When he woke up, he realized he was on the Titanic on its maiden voyage, and it was there that he met Wallace Hartley and Mrs. Weeks, a kind man and woman who took him in. Then one night, the majestic ship hit an iceberg. He and Mrs. Weeks were put on a lifeboat—and Mr. Hartley and his band bravely continued to play to calm the crew and passengers.
The story of Wallace Hartley is true and he is known throughout the world as a hero. The New York Times bestselling author and illustrator of The Keeping Quilt Patricia Polacco offers this stunning and heartbreaking picture book to celebrate the memory and bravery of a single man who used the power of music to comfort thousands of people during a catastrophic situation.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2019
182 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Polacco
95 books1,061 followersPatricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 30, 2019
I love Patricia Polacco’s books. I’ve read all of them. The ones that usually touch me most are books based on her own life/her family history, but there are a few I’ve loved that are not about her, both fiction and non-fiction. This is one of them. It almost brought me to tears. I’m always eager for the next Polacco book and I’ve always been fascinated by the Titanic tragedy, so I had high expectations for this book.
This is another (mostly?) non-fiction picture book. I’ve put it on both my fiction and non-fiction shelves. (On the cover it says a story inspired by Wallace Hartley and the Titanic.) What a great way to introduce children to the brave violinist Wallace Hartley and the sinking of the Titanic!
This story is a tribute to Wallace Hartley, a man who played his violin to comfort passengers and crew as the Titanic sunk, made famous in many books and films.
I found it incredibly touching, both Hartley’s story and also the stories of nine year old orphan Jonathan and of Mrs. Weeks, and of how their paths joined and changed their lives forever. It’s one of those stories that can give you some faith in human nature, and not just because of the main event either.
Some of the words I wondered if they were in the vernacular back then but maybe so. I looked it up and the word damned goes back centuries.
I really liked most of the illustrations. They captured well life in Ireland and on the Titanic before and after hitting the iceberg and the experience of being on the lifeboats as the ship sunk. My quibble about some of the illustrations is that the boy looks too old (not only 8 or 9) and in one picture looks almost like a monster. A few of the pictures didn’t work for me, but overall they were wonderful. Vibrant and with a feeling of immediacy, some full of detail, great facial expressions, and a great use of colors for the story.
At the end of the book there is an author’s note about Hartley and his violin though I’m a little confused about how the violin and valise were recovered, and I guess the full account is not known. Included is a photo of the violin and a photo of Wallace Hartley. I assume it was taken not too, too long before his death. He looks so young.
4-1/2 stars
Highly recommended for readers/listeners who have enjoyed picture books by Patricia Polacco, are interested in music and playing the violin/any instruments (and children who struggle to practice their instrument), have interest in the sinking of the Titanic, and anyone who enjoys orphan tales, or looking for inspirational stories and stories about real life heroes. I think that children will like how this book is set in the present, with a story being told about the past.
I can’t wait for more books by this author/illustrator. I’m especially eager to read more heartfelt ones, and most of her books qualify.
This is another (mostly?) non-fiction picture book. I’ve put it on both my fiction and non-fiction shelves. (On the cover it says a story inspired by Wallace Hartley and the Titanic.) What a great way to introduce children to the brave violinist Wallace Hartley and the sinking of the Titanic!
This story is a tribute to Wallace Hartley, a man who played his violin to comfort passengers and crew as the Titanic sunk, made famous in many books and films.
I found it incredibly touching, both Hartley’s story and also the stories of nine year old orphan Jonathan and of Mrs. Weeks, and of how their paths joined and changed their lives forever. It’s one of those stories that can give you some faith in human nature, and not just because of the main event either.
Some of the words I wondered if they were in the vernacular back then but maybe so. I looked it up and the word damned goes back centuries.
I really liked most of the illustrations. They captured well life in Ireland and on the Titanic before and after hitting the iceberg and the experience of being on the lifeboats as the ship sunk. My quibble about some of the illustrations is that the boy looks too old (not only 8 or 9) and in one picture looks almost like a monster. A few of the pictures didn’t work for me, but overall they were wonderful. Vibrant and with a feeling of immediacy, some full of detail, great facial expressions, and a great use of colors for the story.
At the end of the book there is an author’s note about Hartley and his violin though I’m a little confused about how the violin and valise were recovered, and I guess the full account is not known. Included is a photo of the violin and a photo of Wallace Hartley. I assume it was taken not too, too long before his death. He looks so young.
4-1/2 stars
Highly recommended for readers/listeners who have enjoyed picture books by Patricia Polacco, are interested in music and playing the violin/any instruments (and children who struggle to practice their instrument), have interest in the sinking of the Titanic, and anyone who enjoys orphan tales, or looking for inspirational stories and stories about real life heroes. I think that children will like how this book is set in the present, with a story being told about the past.
I can’t wait for more books by this author/illustrator. I’m especially eager to read more heartfelt ones, and most of her books qualify.
March 6, 2020
Prolific picture-book author and artist Patricia Polacco, who usually draws upon her own personal and familial history in her many titles, turns in The Bravest Man in the World to the pages of history, spinning a heartbreaking but uplifting fictional story based upon the real-life figure of Wallace Hartley, the violinist and band-leader who led his fellow musicians in playing, as the doomed ship Titanic sunk. Related long after the fact to his grandson, this is the story of an orphaned Irish boy who inadvertently stows away upon the Titanic, and is taken under the wing of Wallace Hartley, who recognizes his musical talent. Finding caring adults after a period of neglect and hardship, the boy is delighted... only to find himself torn away from one of his new beneficiaries, when the ship hits an iceberg, and begins to go down...
I found myself moved to tears as I finished The Bravest Man in the World, contemplating the role of courage and faith in supporting humanity, when faced with terrible events, and certain death. Although aware that the Titanic band continued to play, while the ship went down - something depicted in numerous books and media - I didn't know that they were famous for concluding with the hymn, Nearer My God, to Thee, or that the band leader, Hartley, left behind a loving fiancee, who gifted him the violin he played. When so many were no doubt giving in to despair, or were trying to find some way to force themselves onto the all-to-few lifeboats, Hartley and his band faced the reality of their own imminent deaths, and found a way to offer comfort to their fellow humans, also facing that difficult experience. I was also struck, as I so often am, by the fact that women and children were given priority on the lifeboats, leaving the men to die. This was a deeply moving book, and I am glad to have read it. I would recommend it to older picture-book audiences - perhaps second grade and above? - who enjoy biography, history, and historical fiction, or who have an interest in the Titanic.
I found myself moved to tears as I finished The Bravest Man in the World, contemplating the role of courage and faith in supporting humanity, when faced with terrible events, and certain death. Although aware that the Titanic band continued to play, while the ship went down - something depicted in numerous books and media - I didn't know that they were famous for concluding with the hymn, Nearer My God, to Thee, or that the band leader, Hartley, left behind a loving fiancee, who gifted him the violin he played. When so many were no doubt giving in to despair, or were trying to find some way to force themselves onto the all-to-few lifeboats, Hartley and his band faced the reality of their own imminent deaths, and found a way to offer comfort to their fellow humans, also facing that difficult experience. I was also struck, as I so often am, by the fact that women and children were given priority on the lifeboats, leaving the men to die. This was a deeply moving book, and I am glad to have read it. I would recommend it to older picture-book audiences - perhaps second grade and above? - who enjoy biography, history, and historical fiction, or who have an interest in the Titanic.
October 23, 2025
Oof, what a read. Not sure what ages it's appropriate for as it is rather lengthy and obviously about a tragic event, but as a lazy adult who enjoys getting shots of history via quality picture books this did the trick.
January 13, 2023
This book made me cry! It’s both beautiful and heartbreaking, and based on a real musician, Wallace Hartley, who decided to comfort the drowning men on the Titanic by playing violin (even though he too, was going to drown.) He also managed to help and save a stowaway, a young 9 year old orphan boy named Jonathan who would go on to be a successful violinist in an orchestra.
October 16, 2019
A story inspired by the life of Wallace Hartley. When Jonathon doesn't want to practice his piano lessons, his grandfather tells how he was orphaned and became a stowaway on the Titanic, and met Wallace Hartley who took an interest in him, and his playing of the violin. As the ship was sinking Wallace Hartley stayed behind to play his violin on deck to soothed the passengers that were left behind. This inspired Jonathon's grandfather to follow his dreams.
October 17, 2019
No one tells a story like Patricia Polacco. Her words and images touch your heart. This latest story about Wallace Hartley and his heroics aboard the Titanic is her latest gem.
October 6, 2019
Polacco weaves her magic again. This time she writes about Wallace Hartley - the band master and violinist on the Titanic. She shares his story through the eyes of a nine-year old stowaway that Hartley took under his wing. He taught him to play the violin and secured his future by having him play for John Jacob Aster. The story is told by a young boy's grandfather, Jonathan Harker - the accidental stowaway.
The story is told with tenderness and draws readers in to see Hartley an Harker's lives. Readers also meet his adoptive mom as she brings him to stay with her in New York City.
Information text is included at the end of the book.
The story is told with tenderness and draws readers in to see Hartley an Harker's lives. Readers also meet his adoptive mom as she brings him to stay with her in New York City.
Information text is included at the end of the book.
January 13, 2020
Patricia Polacco never disappoints.
March 17, 2020
Polacco never disppoints! Loved this story!
December 6, 2023
This story is about a young boy named Michael who is inspired by his grandfather's tales of bravery. One day he decides to prove his own courage. In this story Patricia Polacco's storytelling and illustrations are captivating. She explores themes of bravery, family, and the power of your imagination. It is a heartwarming and empowering story that can inspire students to be brave in their own lives. To find out how Michael channeled his bravery, get this book and READ! It will not disappoint.
October 15, 2019
In 1912, orphaned Irish street musician Jonathan Harker accidentally stows away on the Titanic, where he is befriended by Wallace Hartley, called "the bravest man in the world" for playing violin with the band as the Titanic sank. This fictionalized account takes place in 1982. Includes historical note, and photograph of the actual violin of Wallace Hartley.
For those who like Titanic stories, stories of heroism, and stories involving the important role music plays in bringing entertainment and comfort to people, this J Illustrated picture book would make a good choice.
For those who like Titanic stories, stories of heroism, and stories involving the important role music plays in bringing entertainment and comfort to people, this J Illustrated picture book would make a good choice.
November 16, 2019
A story about the Titanic and one of its musicians that went down with the boat, Wallace Hartley. Told in Polacco's storytelling style, it's one that young Titanic aficionados will enjoy and one that shows strong character traits.
November 19, 2019
This one would be a 3.5 for me, and as soon as I got wind that it was being published, I ordered it. After all, it combines the impressive storytelling talents of Patricia Polacco, one of my favorite writers, with a tale about the Titanic, that unsinkable ship that has long fascinated me and others. Although the author frames this story about violinist Wallace Hartley within another, set in 1982, featuring a boy who is reluctant to practice the piano and his stern grandfather, both stories mesh well together, and make the sinking of the great ship and those who died aboard it even more meaningful than if she had set the entire story back in 1912. To help his grandson understand the importance of music and that heroes come in different forms, the elderly man tells about his formative years in Ireland where he learned to play the fiddle and then lived on the streets after his mother died. When bullies cause him to end up stowing away on the Titanic, the boy, nine-year-old Jonathan Harker, is befriended by Hartley, who gives him lessons, and by Mrs. Weeks, who works on the ship. When it becomes clear that the ship is sinking, Jonathan and Mrs. Weeks are able to find space on a lifeboat, but there is no room for Hartley, who, along with several other musicians, keeps playing "Nearer, My God to Thee" even as the ship plunges under the sea in order to provide comfort to the passengers. There won't be many dry eyes in the room if caregivers or teachers choose to read this one aloud since the emotional parting of the three friends is dramatic and heartrending. Although I was a bit cynical that John Jacob Astor would have taken the time to arrange a spot in the Institute of Musical Art while aboard the ship, it adds to the book's poignancy and explains why the narrator ended up with a lucrative musical career despite his rocky start back home. As usual, the illustrations consist of images drawn with pencils and acetone markers, but for this book, the illustrator has chosen a much more muted palette than is her wont typically. That decision seems to work well for this affecting story of heroism in the most unlikely of forms. Readers will want to read the Author's Note and look at the violin played by Hartley as well as his photograph and consider whether they, too, would have kept on playing as the ship went down or panic and freeze. Arguably, Wallace Hartley was, indeed, the bravest man in the world. This is another fine addition to the collection of meaningful stories woven from historical fabric by the inimitable Patricia Polacco.
November 19, 2019
Master Storyteller indeed. I haven't read a single book by Patricia Polacco that we haven't loved. Because she sets such a high bar, I read her books with a different lens. My absolute favorite of hers is Pink and Say so that is my 5-star benchmark.
When you read these books aloud to your children it inspires with the stories of everyday men being exceptional heroes. I feel like I need to read her books with Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man playing in the background. But in this case, we listened to Nearer My God to Thee afterward and watched a video showing images of the Titanic. We all became tearful.
This book is a solid 4.5 stars. Like her other works, she gives such a texture to the story by helping us enter into a deeper understanding of the heroism of Wallace Hartley and the way he influenced the people who would perish and those who survived and those who heard the tale from survivors. We can be counted among them because of her storytelling.
My only constructive criticism is that I didn't really get the strongest connection with Jonathan Harker Weeks. I did a bit in the beginning, but I kind of lost track of him in the end and focused more on Wallace. Maybe that was the point. Maybe Jonathan was meant to be a more minor character who simply portrayed his story in a quiet manner by pointing to the man who inspired him in the vein of "I must decrease, he must increase." But I would have liked to get to know Jonathan a bit better.
When you read these books aloud to your children it inspires with the stories of everyday men being exceptional heroes. I feel like I need to read her books with Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man playing in the background. But in this case, we listened to Nearer My God to Thee afterward and watched a video showing images of the Titanic. We all became tearful.
This book is a solid 4.5 stars. Like her other works, she gives such a texture to the story by helping us enter into a deeper understanding of the heroism of Wallace Hartley and the way he influenced the people who would perish and those who survived and those who heard the tale from survivors. We can be counted among them because of her storytelling.
My only constructive criticism is that I didn't really get the strongest connection with Jonathan Harker Weeks. I did a bit in the beginning, but I kind of lost track of him in the end and focused more on Wallace. Maybe that was the point. Maybe Jonathan was meant to be a more minor character who simply portrayed his story in a quiet manner by pointing to the man who inspired him in the vein of "I must decrease, he must increase." But I would have liked to get to know Jonathan a bit better.
November 29, 2019
The smaller stories of individuals from the Titanic just keep coming...
Patricia Polacco weaves this tale of a young boy who inadvertantly stows away on the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic, surviving the disaster to become a professional violinist. Here, he tells the story of his experience and befriending Wallace Hartley in order to motivate his grandson to practice playing his piano.
Beautifully told as only Polacco could, this heartbreaking story of the bravery of one of the ship's musicians. Polacco's familiar style of illustration in pencils and acetone markers is also delightful, as the characters take shape in the story -- Jonathan with his freckled face, Mrs. Weeks with her chubby cheeks and Mr. Hartley with his friendly attitude. Images of the Titanic sinking under the starlit night sky are stunning.
Backmatter includes an author's note, a photo of Hartley, and a photo of his violin.
Highly Recommended for grades 3-8.
Patricia Polacco weaves this tale of a young boy who inadvertantly stows away on the ill-fated voyage of the Titanic, surviving the disaster to become a professional violinist. Here, he tells the story of his experience and befriending Wallace Hartley in order to motivate his grandson to practice playing his piano.
Beautifully told as only Polacco could, this heartbreaking story of the bravery of one of the ship's musicians. Polacco's familiar style of illustration in pencils and acetone markers is also delightful, as the characters take shape in the story -- Jonathan with his freckled face, Mrs. Weeks with her chubby cheeks and Mr. Hartley with his friendly attitude. Images of the Titanic sinking under the starlit night sky are stunning.
Backmatter includes an author's note, a photo of Hartley, and a photo of his violin.
Highly Recommended for grades 3-8.
February 19, 2020
Johnathan is a young orphan who plays his fiddle in the streets of Ireland near the docks to earn money to survive. Running away from ruffians who stole his money and broke his fiddle, Jonathan ends up as a stowaway on the HMS Titanic. He meets Wallace Hartley a talented violinist and bandleader on the ship. Hartley befriends Jonathan and teaches him to play the violin correctly. Hartley sees the talent the boy has and arranges for Jonathan to play for John Jacob Astor who has ties to the Institute of Musical Arts in NewYork City and secure a place for him there. It’s a dream come true for Jonathanuntil the Titanic hits an iceberg. This is a fascinating story based on a true event of Wallace H. Harley who bravely leads the musicians to calm those around them as the Titanic sinks. Patricia Polacco’s powerful tale and illustrations will tug at your heartstrings.
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May 4, 2021Publishers Weekly recommends this book for children 4 - 8 years of age. It has been my experience that older children also enjoy Patricia Polacco. They are an excellent choice for students who are required to read a historical fiction book for school, but may need visual prompts to assist with comprehension.
"In 1912, orphaned Irish street musician Jonathan Harker accidentally stows away on the Titanic, where he is befriended by Wallace Hartley, called 'the bravest man in the world' for playing violin with the band as the Titanic sank. Includes historical note."--Provided by publisher.
Subject: Violin -- Juvenile fiction.
Music -- Juvenile fiction.
Orphans -- Juvenile fiction.
Stowaways -- Juvenile fiction.
Shipwrecks -- Juvenile fiction.
Subject: Hartley, Wallace, 1878-1912-Juvenile fiction.
Subject: Titanic (Steamship) -- Juvenile fiction.
"In 1912, orphaned Irish street musician Jonathan Harker accidentally stows away on the Titanic, where he is befriended by Wallace Hartley, called 'the bravest man in the world' for playing violin with the band as the Titanic sank. Includes historical note."--Provided by publisher.
Subject: Violin -- Juvenile fiction.
Music -- Juvenile fiction.
Orphans -- Juvenile fiction.
Stowaways -- Juvenile fiction.
Shipwrecks -- Juvenile fiction.
Subject: Hartley, Wallace, 1878-1912-Juvenile fiction.
Subject: Titanic (Steamship) -- Juvenile fiction.
January 30, 2023
This is such a heart-wrenching true story with fabulous illustrations.
A boy does not like practicing piano so his grandfather, a violinist, tells him the story of his own experience. He told his grandson that he once knew the bravest man in the world. Revealing his surprising past to his grandson, he told how he was a young boy on the Titanic on its maiden voyage. On the Titanic was an orchestra, and Wallace Hartley, who played violin, was the head musician. He took an interest in the boy who played street violin and tutored him. The Titanic hit an iceberg and Mr. Hartley made sure the boy got into a boat, but he stayed with the orchestra and played his violin to provide some comfort to the many people who would soon drown.
This is a very touching true story. In the back of the book is an author's note and a picture of Wallace Hartley.
A boy does not like practicing piano so his grandfather, a violinist, tells him the story of his own experience. He told his grandson that he once knew the bravest man in the world. Revealing his surprising past to his grandson, he told how he was a young boy on the Titanic on its maiden voyage. On the Titanic was an orchestra, and Wallace Hartley, who played violin, was the head musician. He took an interest in the boy who played street violin and tutored him. The Titanic hit an iceberg and Mr. Hartley made sure the boy got into a boat, but he stayed with the orchestra and played his violin to provide some comfort to the many people who would soon drown.
This is a very touching true story. In the back of the book is an author's note and a picture of Wallace Hartley.
March 2, 2020
Middle Grade
Historical Realistic Fiction
Quite possibly the best children's book I've ever read. Patricia Polacco really has a way of reeling you in to the story so that you emotionally connect with the characters. I'm not exaggerating when I say a shed a few tears reading this! The illustrations are so beautiful and detailed as well. I think it's more of a middle grade book, even though it isn't terribly long, because some of the word usage is a bit harder to follow. But overall, it is a beautifully tragic way of informing children about the era of time and the infamous night aboard the Titanic.
Historical Realistic Fiction
Quite possibly the best children's book I've ever read. Patricia Polacco really has a way of reeling you in to the story so that you emotionally connect with the characters. I'm not exaggerating when I say a shed a few tears reading this! The illustrations are so beautiful and detailed as well. I think it's more of a middle grade book, even though it isn't terribly long, because some of the word usage is a bit harder to follow. But overall, it is a beautifully tragic way of informing children about the era of time and the infamous night aboard the Titanic.
November 4, 2019
Far too wordy to hold the interest of most young readers, this picture book, inspired by true people and events, follows the story of young Jonathan Harker, a stowaway on the Titanic who befriends musician Wallace Hartley. Hartley supports Jonathan's fiddle-playing before the ship "hit a damned iceberg!" and Hartley perishes, famously leading the band playing "Nearer, My God, to Thee" until it sank.
November 19, 2019
This beautiful account from the sinking of the Titanic will appeal to those who are fascinated by that tragic event. Through the eyes of a young stow-away, Patricia Polacco tells of the bravery of head musician Wallace Heartley, who continued to play his violin as the great ship sank. Although a picture book, the story is text heavy and appropriate for older elementary students. Use for narrative nonfiction mentor text.
February 10, 2020
It's Patricia Polacco so of course it is gorgeous, and I think this is a story more people should know. The only thing that felt clunky to me here is the framing of the story as a flashback....this was maybe done to make this more relatable for kids but it's not clear when the "contemporary" part of the book is and it is not needed for the narrative. I'd recommend this for older kiddos, probably 7 or 8 and up.
March 31, 2022
The Bravest Man in the World by Patricia Polacco
This is a book about how a boy doesn't want to play the piano. So his grandfather tells him the story of Wallace Hartley. The boy's grandfather didn't want to play the violin and Wallace Heartly saw the boy holding the violin the right way. So Wallace Hartly worked to show the boy how to play. In the book, the lesson is you may not want to do things you like all the time and that is a part of it. You have to face your fear sometime.
This is a book about how a boy doesn't want to play the piano. So his grandfather tells him the story of Wallace Hartley. The boy's grandfather didn't want to play the violin and Wallace Heartly saw the boy holding the violin the right way. So Wallace Hartly worked to show the boy how to play. In the book, the lesson is you may not want to do things you like all the time and that is a part of it. You have to face your fear sometime.
December 13, 2024
A old man tells his grandson the story of how, as young boy, he ended up as a stowaway on the Titanic and met Wallace Hartley, the violinist whose band played on while the ship sank. I think this story would have worked better if it had just told Wallace Hartley's story rather than making up the fictional stowaway. However, I did appreciate shedding light on Hartley. It is accompanied by Polacco's signature artwork.
September 24, 2019
This book has many reasons it is a 5 The main one being you just do not hear about stories like this one. We know the Titanic; the Molly Brown types; even the fictitious "Rose and Jack" but do we really know the "little people"? The men who played as the Titanic sank? Do we really know the story of true bravery? This long picture book is worthy every second of reading
November 27, 2019
There is always so much to look at in each of the illustrations, but they never too busy. The sense of adventure made this a page-turner from the very start. Great, unique word choice. Music knowledge offered. Ship vocabulary. An incredible historical fiction. A MUST HAVE!! But, sadness and death occur, so prepare readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2019
Patricia Polacco weaves another endearing story. She writes with heart and soul. The story is about a young boy whose musical talent is encouraged by the kindness of another while witnessing the silent courage of his mentor. I love Patricia Polacco's books, and this one is no exception. She is a truly talented writer.
March 15, 2020
😭😭😭 I can count on one hand the number of Patrica Polacco’s books that have NOT made me cry. This ain’t one of them. Such a heartbreaking, beautiful story.
I borrowed this one from the library, but I think we need more Polacco on our shelves. My son is still too young for most of them and I don’t know how I’ll ever read them aloud coherently, but they are such wonderful, touching books.
I borrowed this one from the library, but I think we need more Polacco on our shelves. My son is still too young for most of them and I don’t know how I’ll ever read them aloud coherently, but they are such wonderful, touching books.
August 2, 2020
Wallace Hartley was the head musician of the band on the Titanic, the band that played on trying to keep people calm as the ship quickly sank into the Atlantic Ocean. Hartley and about 1500 other people died on board the ship because there were not enough lifeboats for all aboard because the Titanic was billed as the unsinkable ship, thus many lifeboats were removed before the Titanic sailed.
October 7, 2020
A story about a truly brave man, beautifully told. Jonathan doesn't like liver or practicing the piano, and his grandfather, a musician, tells the story of how as a boy, he met the bravest man in the world. Although the narrator and the grandson are fiction, the bravest man, Wallace Hartley, is a real person.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews