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The Edmund Fitzgerald: The Song of the Bell
The bell rings forever where heroes are found, for the soul of the sailor is held in its sound.
Leaving port from Superior, Wisconsin on a sunny November day, the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald is looking forward to a routine crossing of deep Lake Superior. Heading for a port in Cleveland, the giant transport ship is loaded with ore that will be used to build cars. But disaster is building in the wind as a gale storm begins to track after the great ship. This suspenseful retelling of the last hours of the doomed vessel pays homage to all sailors who traverse deep waters, in fair skies and foul.
Atmospheric paintings from award-winning artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen bring the story to life. The author of the best-selling books The Legend of Sleeping Bear and The Legend of Mackinac Island, Kathy-jo Wargin aims to help young readers notice the most intricate details of a story by adding the nuances that create magic and wonder in a good tale.
Leaving port from Superior, Wisconsin on a sunny November day, the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald is looking forward to a routine crossing of deep Lake Superior. Heading for a port in Cleveland, the giant transport ship is loaded with ore that will be used to build cars. But disaster is building in the wind as a gale storm begins to track after the great ship. This suspenseful retelling of the last hours of the doomed vessel pays homage to all sailors who traverse deep waters, in fair skies and foul.
Atmospheric paintings from award-winning artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen bring the story to life. The author of the best-selling books The Legend of Sleeping Bear and The Legend of Mackinac Island, Kathy-jo Wargin aims to help young readers notice the most intricate details of a story by adding the nuances that create magic and wonder in a good tale.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2003
About the author
Kathy-jo Wargin
71 books35 followersKathy-jo Wargin is the bestselling author of more than fifty books for adults and children. With more than 1.2 million copies sold, she writes across genres and age-groups, and has earned national recognition for award–winning titles such as Michigan’s Official State Children’s Book The Legend of Sleeping Bear, the International Reading Association’s Children's Choice Award Winner The Legend of the Loon, the Bank Street College of Education Best Book Listee The Voyageur’s Paddle, the IRA Teacher's Choice Award Winner Win One for the Gipper, and many more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
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May 2, 2023
Being born and raised in Michigan, it is practically a requirement to know not only the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald but the song The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot. You have to be able to sing at least one full verse or they raise your property taxes. Kidding. Maybe. I just learned today that Lightfoot passed away at the 84 and have had the song stuck in my head all day. Because it rules and you should put it on right now and listen to every last verse. You are welcome. Anyways, this book by Kathy-jo Wargin is rather lovely and Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen’s artwork is stunning, featuring the ship—the largest sailing the Great Lakes in its time and the largest to have sunk there—in all its glory and depicting the wicked storm that took it down on November 10, 1975. While aimed at younger readers, it is just a joy to look at and tells you the right amount of details about the famous wreck.
It’s a story that has become a big part of Michigan history. The captain would blast music from the ship when it would pass close to land and people would flock to see it pass. When it sank, all 29 of the crew went down with the ship and their bodies have never been recovered. The ship sent out no distress signal and the actual sinking is still a mystery to this day. Which are all very sad but mysterious details that have made it such a legend and nautical folk hero. This is a great little book. Now listen to the song!
It’s a story that has become a big part of Michigan history. The captain would blast music from the ship when it would pass close to land and people would flock to see it pass. When it sank, all 29 of the crew went down with the ship and their bodies have never been recovered. The ship sent out no distress signal and the actual sinking is still a mystery to this day. Which are all very sad but mysterious details that have made it such a legend and nautical folk hero. This is a great little book. Now listen to the song!
October 25, 2019
In my haste to procure a history of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior, I ended up with a book directed at a youthful reader. The book is well designed and has some excellent artwork of the ship.
The narrative takes the reader from Sunday, November 9, 1975 until the ship disappears within 20 miles of safe harbor at Whitefish Point. This short little narrative tells the tale in a cryptic fashion. The Fitzgerald lost its radar therefore it was sailing blind in dangerous waters. Then her vents were damaged and opened and she took on water that caused her to list in a very angry sea. A sister ship sailing within a few miles of her lost contact, they never received any warning nor distress call, she just disappeared.
In 1995, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, friend’s family, and both the Canadian and United States governments cooperated in locating the ship in 500 feet of water. They salvaged the ships bell and it is now housed in the Historical Society gallery for all to see.
While the story is told, short and sweet, I got the information that I desired and thoroughly enjoyed the sketches, so I am satisfied! I wonder what other information there could possibly be in a more extensive telling of this tragic story.
The narrative takes the reader from Sunday, November 9, 1975 until the ship disappears within 20 miles of safe harbor at Whitefish Point. This short little narrative tells the tale in a cryptic fashion. The Fitzgerald lost its radar therefore it was sailing blind in dangerous waters. Then her vents were damaged and opened and she took on water that caused her to list in a very angry sea. A sister ship sailing within a few miles of her lost contact, they never received any warning nor distress call, she just disappeared.
In 1995, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society, friend’s family, and both the Canadian and United States governments cooperated in locating the ship in 500 feet of water. They salvaged the ships bell and it is now housed in the Historical Society gallery for all to see.
While the story is told, short and sweet, I got the information that I desired and thoroughly enjoyed the sketches, so I am satisfied! I wonder what other information there could possibly be in a more extensive telling of this tragic story.
October 2, 2008
I loved this book. I can't believe I've lived in Michigan so long before hearing the story of this freighter that sank one night on stormy Lake Superior. I almost couldn't read the last few pages of this book. It is a well-written story, with some poetic lines mixed in. The illustrations are wonderful. A good simple history of the Edmund Fitzgerald and the 29 who died that cold November night in 1975.
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December 11, 2014This informational text about the legendary Edmund Fitzgerald is filled with facts about the shipwreck in the form of an interesting story. The picture book moves through the journey this ship and it's crew took until it sunk and will definitely inform its readers. This is a great book to read when learning about the great lakes, shipping, or around the time of the year when the ship sank and the bell ceremony is going to happen.
April 24, 2025
This is my coffee table book. It's a quick but informative read. I learned a few new things by reading it, and it made me cry. It's also fully illustrated. Perfect for anyone who loves Michigan/Great Lakes history.
December 4, 2025
Make sure you have a hanky handy. A book for all ages, for the Great Lakes and beyond.
Beautiful illustrations, sensitively told.
Beautiful illustrations, sensitively told.
July 28, 2007
Gorgeous red and gold warmth entwines with thrashing, raw waves and spray to tell the tragic tale of twenty nine souls struggling against the fury of Lake Superior and of the polished brass bell that forever sounds their farewell.
Listen to our chat about this masterpiece here:
[http://www.justonemorebook.com/2007/0...]
Listen to our chat about this masterpiece here:
[http://www.justonemorebook.com/2007/0...]
July 27, 2014
We learned of this book while visiting the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle in Detroit, where they've placed the pilot house of the William Clay Ford, which was just ahead of the Edmund Fitzgerald on the waters that night, as part of the museum's exhibit. There's an exhibit at the museum especially concerning the EF, and this book was the perfect wrap up to our learning experience.
February 4, 2017
I re-read this tonight. It's still good. Still a keeper to read to the grandchildren.
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November 6, 2014This is a picture book the tells the story of the Edmund Fritzgerald. It also includes the lyrics to the song about it.
This would be a good book to bring out when talking about ship wrecks or specifically Minnesota history.
This would be a good book to bring out when talking about ship wrecks or specifically Minnesota history.
August 21, 2013
Beautiful illustrated book that tells the tale of the Edmund Fitzgerald and the wreck on the great Lake Superior.
November 6, 2014
I enjoyed this story! I thought it was a fun way to read about the history of something close to home. I will defiantly have this book in my classroom library.
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December 11, 2014When we read this in class it kept me intrigued and wanting to know what happens next. This is great because it happened so close to MN. You could read this on the anniversary.
February 16, 2015
I thought this was a very beautiful book. The pictures were amazing and it helped tell the story of Michigan's History.
October 1, 2017
A beautifully written and illustrated account of a tragic loss of a magnificent ship.
The bell rings forever where heroes are found,
for the soul of the sailor is held in its sound.
The bell rings forever where heroes are found,
for the soul of the sailor is held in its sound.
September 5, 2019
Most know of the Edmund Fitzgerald because of Gordon Lightfoot's song about the November 1975 shipwreck on Lake Superior. But Kathy-J Wargin memorializes the iron ore boat in a classy, children's book. The artwork is fantastic and the tale corresponds with what happened. (For an excellent account, go to www.shipwrechmuseum. com)
The song that made the Edmund Fitzgerald a known boat had its errors. Lightfoot's song took liberties and angered some of the victim's family members. He wrote that "at 7 p.m. the main hatchway gave in," upsetting families of the crew. He changed it later. He also referred to a cathedral as a "musty old hall," angering parishioners. He amended it to "a rustic old hall."
But Wargin's book has compassion and respect. It's a quick read, only 48 pages, but it's an educational look at what happened to the boat that at the time was the longest one on the Great Lakes.
The song that made the Edmund Fitzgerald a known boat had its errors. Lightfoot's song took liberties and angered some of the victim's family members. He wrote that "at 7 p.m. the main hatchway gave in," upsetting families of the crew. He changed it later. He also referred to a cathedral as a "musty old hall," angering parishioners. He amended it to "a rustic old hall."
But Wargin's book has compassion and respect. It's a quick read, only 48 pages, but it's an educational look at what happened to the boat that at the time was the longest one on the Great Lakes.
March 2, 2020
(boat or bears, can't pick? you decide. looking for the kindle version??! no luck?!?) I am new to this author, and i was lucky enough 2 find 3 books this time to check out from her, i see there are several more i can read... The Edmund Fitzgerald: The Song of the Bell, The Legend of the Petoskey Stone, & The Legend of Sleeping Bear... these are in KU if you want to check them out ... i think my faves are probably The Legend of Sleeping Bear or about the Edmund Fitzgerald .. enjoy them all but those are my most fave ... great pics ... fun to check out. enjoy!!
November 4, 2017
Genre: Nonfiction- Informational
Grade Level: 2-3
Interesting feature: There is so much to love about this book! The illustrations are captivating and so beautifully done. They serve as a great way to make you feel more connected to the story. This book provides details from the tragic event that occurred in the Lake Superior. I also enjoy how the Song of the Bell follows along with the story throughout the pages.
Grade Level: 2-3
Interesting feature: There is so much to love about this book! The illustrations are captivating and so beautifully done. They serve as a great way to make you feel more connected to the story. This book provides details from the tragic event that occurred in the Lake Superior. I also enjoy how the Song of the Bell follows along with the story throughout the pages.
October 19, 2020
This was just lovely and a huge surprise. "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" is one of my all-time favorite songs and I always play it for the babies in my classroom and they always love it, too. Since we are remote, I was trying to figure out a way to honor the wreck and introduce this class to the song when I found this book. The poem is not great, so I skip it. The paintings are gorgeous. Highly recommended.
Q2020 book.
Q2020 book.
September 10, 2017
Historical Fiction
A unique feature of this book is the breath taking art work. It looks as if it came straight from the canvas to the book. The art work really conveys the weight and intensity of the storm that sunk the Edmund Fitzgerald. This book could easily be used in a 3rd to 5th grade classroom. 9/10/17
A unique feature of this book is the breath taking art work. It looks as if it came straight from the canvas to the book. The art work really conveys the weight and intensity of the storm that sunk the Edmund Fitzgerald. This book could easily be used in a 3rd to 5th grade classroom. 9/10/17
February 7, 2018
Informational
Grades 3-5
The book has lines of poetry spread throughout its pages which speak about the bell that remained from the ship and bring a sense of beauty and closure to an otherwise tragic story. It also mentions the culture of shipping and traveling on the Great Lakes, which may be an interesting topic to our students who most likely have visited the Great Lakes.
Grades 3-5
The book has lines of poetry spread throughout its pages which speak about the bell that remained from the ship and bring a sense of beauty and closure to an otherwise tragic story. It also mentions the culture of shipping and traveling on the Great Lakes, which may be an interesting topic to our students who most likely have visited the Great Lakes.
July 28, 2020
This is an illustrated story of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. It covers everything from the purpose of the trip, the other ship travelling nearby, and its unfortunate outcome. The book is beautifully illustrated, capturing the feel and emotions of what happened that night.
As a frequent visitor to Lake Superior, learning about this ship was fun. A quick read, full of lots of information.
As a frequent visitor to Lake Superior, learning about this ship was fun. A quick read, full of lots of information.
October 2, 2018
Genre: Non-Fiction
Grade Level: 2-4th grade
Unique feature: one unique feature in this book is that incorporates facts to help the students gain knowledge while also integrating lyrics from the song of the bell.
Grade Level: 2-4th grade
Unique feature: one unique feature in this book is that incorporates facts to help the students gain knowledge while also integrating lyrics from the song of the bell.
October 2, 2018
Genre: Non-fiction (Informational)
Grade: 4-8
Unique Feature: The pictures do a great job of telling the story. If I just looked at the pictures and didn't read any of the content in the book, I would have a general idea of what happened.
Grade: 4-8
Unique Feature: The pictures do a great job of telling the story. If I just looked at the pictures and didn't read any of the content in the book, I would have a general idea of what happened.
December 3, 2018
Genre:Informational
Unique Feature: Students will find it interesting to read because it occurred in Lake Superior. This children's book had very detailed illustrations and told an interesting story.
Grade Level: 3-5
Unique Feature: Students will find it interesting to read because it occurred in Lake Superior. This children's book had very detailed illustrations and told an interesting story.
Grade Level: 3-5
April 21, 2019
This book is a wonderful testament to the sailors of Edmund Fitzgerald and their families. The pieces of poetry in the book remind me of old epics. The pictures added to the atmosphere of the story, especially when the storm arrived.
July 13, 2019
A well-drawn book and great re-telling of the last hours of the crew at a level children can understand. That said, I am not sure the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald is subject for a children's book. It obviously does not have a very happy ending.
September 29, 2020
*A Michigan Notable Book in 2004.
Acclaimed Michigan's children author collaborated once again with accomplished artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, in this brief tale of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald as well as the retrieval of her bell in 1994.
Acclaimed Michigan's children author collaborated once again with accomplished artist Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen, in this brief tale of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald as well as the retrieval of her bell in 1994.
June 19, 2023
This was a story of the Edmund Fitzgerald on the fateful day in November 1975 where it disappeared and sank immediately. The cause of the wreck is still unknown. The only thing that was ever retrieved was the brass bell but was replaced with a replica with the names of the 29 men that went down.
October 8, 2023
Great account of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald
I loved how the account of the sinking of this ship was told briefly and making it easy for children to read and understand. I would recommend this book be read by all Michigan children as they learn about the Great Lakes.
I loved how the account of the sinking of this ship was told briefly and making it easy for children to read and understand. I would recommend this book be read by all Michigan children as they learn about the Great Lakes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews