The History of the Titanic: A History Book for New Readers

by Kelly Milner Halls

Discover the history of the Titanic—an exploration of the shipwreck that shook the world for kids ages 6 to 9

On April 10, 1912, the Titanic sailed away from Southampton, England, on its very first voyage. It was the biggest ship ever built, and many people believed it was unsinkable. Four days later they were proven wrong. The sinking of the Titanic is a tragedy that we still remember today. One of the most comprehensive Titanic books for kids available, this colorfully illustrated story takes you through the ship’s construction, its tragic voyage, and the legacy it left behind.

This standout among Titanic books for kids

A visual timeline—Easily understand important details of the Titanic’s construction and journey thanks to a timeline marking the major milestones.Core curriculum—Learn the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of this fateful voyage, and take a quick quiz to test your knowledge after you finish this top choice in Titanic books for kids.Lasting changes—Explore thought-provoking questions that help you better understand how the sinking of the Titanic affected the world you live in today.

Learn about this unforgettable disaster in this fascinating Titanic book for kids.

Genres: Nonfiction, Middle Grade

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 13, 2021

About the author

Kelly Milner Halls specializes in high interest, well researched nonfiction for young readers. Her books include TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS, SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO, IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH and ALIEN INVESTIGATION. But she is also an avid YA fan and loves realistic fiction including GIRL MEETS BOY, the anthology she edited for Chronicle (January 2012). Her first short story is in that anthology. She hopes it won't be her last. When she's not writing or doing school visits, she works for her friend and mentor Chris Crutcher in Spokane.

Reviews

[Gary Anderson]

In The History of the Titanic (Rockridge Press, 2021), Kelly Milner Halls combines interesting facts and a few mysteries to tell the ill-fated ocean liner's story. Curious young nonfiction fans will enjoy the science, geography, and history aspects of the Titanic’s conception, creation, sole voyage, and what happened to the ship and its passengers after it struck the iceberg, including the whereabouts and condition of the ship today.

This book’s design includes sidebars and features about specific people on board the ship, timelines, and maps. The “Jump in the Think Tank” feature asks questions to connect kids with the emotional and pragmatic aspects of the Titanic story, such as “What would you bring on the Titanic if you had only one small bag you could carry” and “How would you feel if you heard about first-class luxuries but were not allowed to enjoy them?”

Back matter includes a glossary, bibliography, a non-threatening quiz, and even more of the “Jump in the Think Tank” questions for young readers (recommended for ages 6-9) to ponder.

[Sally Kruger]

THE HISTORY OF THE TITANIC by Kelly Milner Halls targets early readers as it reveals the story of the famous ocean liner. Easy to follow text combined with bold illustrations make this an attractive book for young readers. It is great for classrooms and for libraries, and the perfect gift for inspiring a love of history.

Divided into 8 well-researched chapters, it gives readers a look into the beginning of the age of ocean liners as a method of transportation for travelers of all financial backgrounds. There is information about the White Star Line and the building of the Titanic in Ireland. The excitement for its maiden voyage reached far and wide where it was known as the "unsinkable" ship.

The Titanic set sail on April 10, 1912. A mere 4 days later disaster struck when the ship hit an iceberg causing 5 of the furnace rooms that powered the ship to fill with water. Readers will learn about the lack of lifeboats and emergency procedures that resulted in the death of many of the over 2,000 passengers and crew.

The Titanic remains fascinating for history buffs and when the wreckage was finally found in 1985, an expedition to see what remained thrilled explorers who hope to return to the site before the ship is lost to the elements forever. Included in the book is a glossary for highlighted vocabulary found throughout the book, and quiz questions are included for readers interested in testing their knowledge about the facts presented.

The Titanic is a piece of history sure to live on as new readers discover and rediscover it with the help of Kelly Milner Halls and THE HISTORY OF THE TITANIC.

[Peter Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a retired school teacher, I was impressed by the engaging style of this book. It's filled with facts that explain the history of the Titanic, once considered "an unsinkable ship." Author Kelly Milner Halls did a marvelous job explaining the different classes of passengers on board the ship and how the elite received special privileges that the lower classes did not.

The book's layout is terrific, explaining everything that had to go wrong for the unthinkable to happen. The vocabulary is excellent, and this is precisely the kind of nonfiction book that children will enjoy. There is a glossary, a quiz near the end of the book, and some thought-provoking questions that should stimulate conversation. The book is geared for 6-9-year-old children and is targeted at the appropriate audience. I have no hesitation in recommending this excellent book.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The History of the Titanic - A History Book for New Readers by Kelly Milner Halls is full of information that is told in a way that makes the information accessible to young readers. Concepts were explained with details that make sense for young readers and the illustrations and extension questions are spot on. There is even a short quiz at the end to test your knowledge. I learned more about the Titanic. I'm glad that I read this book. I can't wait for my kids to read well enough to read it as well. ***I received an advanced copy of this book to review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite the enjoyable read. Really gave some details to readers who were new to the history of the Titanic. My daughter actually read it without being asked, and loved it! (She's not a fan of non-fiction.) I liked that the author gave questions along the way to jog the reader into considering things from a first-person perspective.

[Dalene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like most people I have read and watched so much about the Titanic but I had no idea that it took until 1985 to discover where the Titanic stuck. 😳

I really loved this book. It's a cute quick read about the history of the most famous, or infamous, ship. If you are a fan as I am, check this out.

[Georgi_Lvs_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that is more for younger readers, however is perfect for anyone who is enthusiastic about the Titanic.

It was a very quick read but enjoyable. I loved the questions that would pop up on every few pages. The quiz at the end was great also!

A lot of fun and a joy to read.

[Helene Westby Lund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful, but a lot of the facts were just thrown into the book