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I Survived
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
The most terrifying events in history are brought vividly to life in this New York Times-bestselling series!
Ten-year-old George Calder can't believe his luck -- he and his little sister, Phoebe, are on the famous Titanic, crossing the ocean with their Aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever. Lauren Tarshis brings history's most exciting and terrifying events to life in this New York Times-bestselling series. Readers will be transported by stories of amazing kids and how they survived!
Ten-year-old George Calder can't believe his luck -- he and his little sister, Phoebe, are on the famous Titanic, crossing the ocean with their Aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever. Lauren Tarshis brings history's most exciting and terrifying events to life in this New York Times-bestselling series. Readers will be transported by stories of amazing kids and how they survived!
104 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
1656 people are currently reading
8849 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Tarshis
131 books1,077 followersLauren Tarshis often wonders how she came to spend most of her waking moments thinking about disasters, as the author of the children's historical fiction series "I Survived." Each book takes readers into the heart of history's most thrilling and terrifying events, including the sinking of the Titanic, the Shark Attacks of 1916, Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the San Francisco earthquake, 9/11, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Writing these books often makes her feel very nervous, as though at any moment a volcano could erupt right outside her window. Then again, she has learned a thing or two about avoiding being eaten by a shark.
Lauren is also the author of the the award-winning Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree and its sequel, Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love.
For more information, go to her website: www.LaurenTarshis.com
And check out the I Survived Website: www.Scholastic.com/ISurvived
Lauren is also the author of the the award-winning Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree and its sequel, Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell in Love.
For more information, go to her website: www.LaurenTarshis.com
And check out the I Survived Website: www.Scholastic.com/ISurvived
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,606 reviews
July 31, 2024
For such an earthshaking event, I thought this was a rather meek and mild portrayal of the Titanic sinking. Some important facts were included, like Phoebe observing the insufficient number of lifeboats, the coldness of the night, and the gates blocking 3rd class passengers' access to the upper decks, but some also seemed understated like the seriousness of Marko's frozen feet or the danger from desperate passengers and falling debris.
George's exploration of the ship proves handy and their escape route from the lower decks was not something I remember learning about before.
George's feelings surrounding the momentous happenings and the adjustment afterwards were acknowledged, extending the idea that catastrophic happenings resonate beyond those initial intense hours.
The series is a good entry point to introduce kids to various thrilling historical events. Unfortunately, this fast-paced story read like more of an adventure than a survival story. It would have been strengthened with more emphasis on the many real dangers and the true feat of surviving those dangers.
George's exploration of the ship proves handy and their escape route from the lower decks was not something I remember learning about before.
George's feelings surrounding the momentous happenings and the adjustment afterwards were acknowledged, extending the idea that catastrophic happenings resonate beyond those initial intense hours.
The series is a good entry point to introduce kids to various thrilling historical events. Unfortunately, this fast-paced story read like more of an adventure than a survival story. It would have been strengthened with more emphasis on the many real dangers and the true feat of surviving those dangers.
July 31, 2010
I finished reading this book in two sittings with my 9-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son. Suspenseful, well written, and filled with interesting characters, my kids didn’t want me to stop reading the second night so that it was 10 pm when we finally turned the last page.
I had two different reactions from my children by the end of the book. My daughter, who is sensitive, liked the story but was so saddened by the tragedy of the Titanic that she couldn’t sleep afterwards. The author deftly drew us into the story, depicting the sinking and how George, the main character, was touched as he struggled to survive and then watched as others did not. At times, during the reading, I choked up and had to control my own emotions. I kept thinking of the Titanic exhibition I had seen in Las Vegas in May, where some of the passengers’ stories were displayed along with some of their still intact belongings recovered from the wreckage. Very sobering.
My son, on the other hand, said he learned so many new things with this book. (I am citing his words verbatim!) He was fascinated by the Titanic, just like George, and kept asking me many questions throughout the reading, to the frustration of his sister. Mostly, he was taken with the scientific details of the sinking itself. So, I went on to explain and to draw on paper what the actual size of an iceberg is in comparison to the tip that shows up from the waters, how it cut the ship, and how the ship snapped in two before plunging deep into the sea and the effects of the swirling waters that pulled everything with it as the ship sank quickly and deeply.
My son in now eager to read the next book in this series: I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916. I’m not so sure my daughter would want to read this one, though. However, one thing is certain. This new fictional series of books based on true events is exciting and brings history alive to young ones. Highly recommended for the adventurous and curious kids in your life.
I had two different reactions from my children by the end of the book. My daughter, who is sensitive, liked the story but was so saddened by the tragedy of the Titanic that she couldn’t sleep afterwards. The author deftly drew us into the story, depicting the sinking and how George, the main character, was touched as he struggled to survive and then watched as others did not. At times, during the reading, I choked up and had to control my own emotions. I kept thinking of the Titanic exhibition I had seen in Las Vegas in May, where some of the passengers’ stories were displayed along with some of their still intact belongings recovered from the wreckage. Very sobering.
My son, on the other hand, said he learned so many new things with this book. (I am citing his words verbatim!) He was fascinated by the Titanic, just like George, and kept asking me many questions throughout the reading, to the frustration of his sister. Mostly, he was taken with the scientific details of the sinking itself. So, I went on to explain and to draw on paper what the actual size of an iceberg is in comparison to the tip that shows up from the waters, how it cut the ship, and how the ship snapped in two before plunging deep into the sea and the effects of the swirling waters that pulled everything with it as the ship sank quickly and deeply.
My son in now eager to read the next book in this series: I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916. I’m not so sure my daughter would want to read this one, though. However, one thing is certain. This new fictional series of books based on true events is exciting and brings history alive to young ones. Highly recommended for the adventurous and curious kids in your life.
July 29, 2020
April 15, 1912.
I love reading about the Titanic, and this I SURVIVED #1 edition was no exception.
It moved along quickly, gave historic facts by true life person Thomas Andrews (Titanic designer who went down with the ship) is well-plotted and has intense graphic action I did not expect from a middle grade read.
It also reminded me of a Titanic "mummy" myth that plays well into the storyline.
My 3'rd but not last I SURVIVED.
July 7, 2024
◇ First installment of the young readers series “I Survived” ◇
I would have devoured this book and this series as a kid!!
The Titanic has always been one of those fascinating and unforgettable tragedies to me. I’m also a 90s baby, so of course I first discovered the story of the Titanic when I was just a young child watching the famous and immortal movie! Ah, the Ship of Dreams!
It amazed me then during the movie, and it amazed me now during this book how much emphasis was placed on the infamous ship being unsinkable! Nothing in this world is 100% reliable (it’s all manmade), so it blows my mind how anyone could have ever believed such a thing! I got chills in the book when one of the characters makes an observation about there not being enough life boats.
Some highlights:
🚢Super quick read, adventurous, and fast-paced
🚢I laughed when the 10 year old main character George referred to his 22 year old Aunt Daisy as old! Old maid in her 20s!
🚢The mummy on board really made me rethink the whole tragedy itself. Perhaps the Titanic was indeed cursed? Of course it turns out the mummy on board is a myth supposedly, but theories still circulate about the ship itself being cursed. If you believe in that sort of thing, it could even correlate to the accident that happened in 2023 with the Titan submarine traveling to see the Titanic wreckage site. Did the curse strike yet again?
🚢Loved the author’s note at the end. She provided a lot of facts about the Titanic and left readers with a very important question: Do you think the Titanic should be brought to the surface or left in peace?
My answer: LEFT IN PEACE. Nothing should have ever been disturbed! Not even a single artifact! It’s a grave site. It’s a memorial.
I think this series is a super creative way to engage young children into learning about historical tragedies. And it did not fail to captivate me or my ADHD husband. We listened to it via audiobook while playing together on our virtual farm game. (Haha yes you read that correctly. And no, we will never grow up!) Looking forward to continuing the series! I have a strong feeling I’m going to learn a bunch of new things and rediscover things I’ve long forgotten!
I would have devoured this book and this series as a kid!!
The Titanic has always been one of those fascinating and unforgettable tragedies to me. I’m also a 90s baby, so of course I first discovered the story of the Titanic when I was just a young child watching the famous and immortal movie! Ah, the Ship of Dreams!
It amazed me then during the movie, and it amazed me now during this book how much emphasis was placed on the infamous ship being unsinkable! Nothing in this world is 100% reliable (it’s all manmade), so it blows my mind how anyone could have ever believed such a thing! I got chills in the book when one of the characters makes an observation about there not being enough life boats.
Some highlights:
🚢Super quick read, adventurous, and fast-paced
🚢I laughed when the 10 year old main character George referred to his 22 year old Aunt Daisy as old! Old maid in her 20s!
🚢The mummy on board really made me rethink the whole tragedy itself. Perhaps the Titanic was indeed cursed? Of course it turns out the mummy on board is a myth supposedly, but theories still circulate about the ship itself being cursed. If you believe in that sort of thing, it could even correlate to the accident that happened in 2023 with the Titan submarine traveling to see the Titanic wreckage site. Did the curse strike yet again?
🚢Loved the author’s note at the end. She provided a lot of facts about the Titanic and left readers with a very important question: Do you think the Titanic should be brought to the surface or left in peace?
My answer: LEFT IN PEACE. Nothing should have ever been disturbed! Not even a single artifact! It’s a grave site. It’s a memorial.
I think this series is a super creative way to engage young children into learning about historical tragedies. And it did not fail to captivate me or my ADHD husband. We listened to it via audiobook while playing together on our virtual farm game. (Haha yes you read that correctly. And no, we will never grow up!) Looking forward to continuing the series! I have a strong feeling I’m going to learn a bunch of new things and rediscover things I’ve long forgotten!
March 30, 2018
Really liked this historical fiction take on the sinking of the Titanic. There was an architectural detail in this book that I don't remember reading about before. Also appreciated the author's note at the end and the additional details about the ship. Recommended, especially for boys!
February 28, 2020
I had heard about this series on a Podcast, and knew I immediately wanted to try some out during Middle Grade March. So far so good. I thought this first installment of the series was great. It takes the sinking of the Titanic and mixes it with a fictional story. It's about kids and how they survived. I think this is great for older Elementary or Middle School kids who want to learn a little more about some of History's biggest events and tragedies, but don't want to read straight boring facts from a History Book. This format makes it entertaining and engaging. I will definitely continue on in the series throughout the coming month.
May 20, 2018
George Calder is 10 years old and just spent a fun time in England with his Aunt Daisy. Now George, his little sister, Phoebe, and Aunt Daisy are all steaming towards New York on board the Titanic. George is a bit rambunctious, getting into trouble for things like sliding down the main staircase railing, but he's just enjoying the trip. The Titanic is huge, very ornate and there is just so much to see and do. It's a bit overwhelming. They meet a nice Italian man, Mario, and his 4-year old son Enzo. Then the trip changes from joyful to frightening. The Titanic strikes an iceberg and begins to sink. There aren't enough lifeboats on board for everyone. What will happen to all the people on the doomed ship?
I love this middle-grade series. Each book is set during a historic event or disaster and tells a fictionalized eyewitness account of a child who survived the event. Many historical facts are mixed in with the fictional story. The stories have a lot of action and interesting facts and would be perfect for reluctant readers, supplemental reading for history units or just as part of a classroom or school library. While the stories do contain details about serious events that cause death, injuries and danger, the details are presented in age-appropriate language without giving too many grisly details.
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic is the 1st book in the I Survived series. There are 16 books currently with a new book coming out in September 2018. The series features a variety of events from modern times (9/11, the Joplin, MO tornado, Hurricane Katrina) to long-ago events (the destruction of Pompeii, the shark attacks of 1916). At just over 100 pages, the books are a good length for middle-grade students or a quick read for adults.
I love this middle-grade series. Each book is set during a historic event or disaster and tells a fictionalized eyewitness account of a child who survived the event. Many historical facts are mixed in with the fictional story. The stories have a lot of action and interesting facts and would be perfect for reluctant readers, supplemental reading for history units or just as part of a classroom or school library. While the stories do contain details about serious events that cause death, injuries and danger, the details are presented in age-appropriate language without giving too many grisly details.
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic is the 1st book in the I Survived series. There are 16 books currently with a new book coming out in September 2018. The series features a variety of events from modern times (9/11, the Joplin, MO tornado, Hurricane Katrina) to long-ago events (the destruction of Pompeii, the shark attacks of 1916). At just over 100 pages, the books are a good length for middle-grade students or a quick read for adults.
August 25, 2019
*Overdrive app*
*Updated with review*
Titanic is one of those disasters that just captures the imagination. My dad kind of started me being fascinated with this when he got the Titanic movie with Kate Winslet way back when. I didn't care for then (or now ) the romance beetween the leads and I liked Leo's character more than Kate's. I remember making my mom laugh when I told her that the parts when the ship starts to sink were more exciting (I was 13 I think when the movie was out on VHS).
I looked up everything I could back then... marveling at what happened and everything that happened after. Wishing I could back in time to warn people :(.
Rambling aside, this is my favorite one of the series so far. Teared up a few times and early in the beginning, rolling my eyes at George and wondering why Aunt Daisy didn't have any grey hairs.
Wait till you meet a certain two characters later on, one was especially adorable.
This one still goes through my head, playing certain parts over in my mind.
Lauren Fortgang - 4 stars as narrator. She did a bang up job bringing everything to life and really putting you on the edge of your seat sometimes.
*Updated with review*
Titanic is one of those disasters that just captures the imagination. My dad kind of started me being fascinated with this when he got the Titanic movie with Kate Winslet way back when. I didn't care for then (or now ) the romance beetween the leads and I liked Leo's character more than Kate's. I remember making my mom laugh when I told her that the parts when the ship starts to sink were more exciting (I was 13 I think when the movie was out on VHS).
I looked up everything I could back then... marveling at what happened and everything that happened after. Wishing I could back in time to warn people :(.
Rambling aside, this is my favorite one of the series so far. Teared up a few times and early in the beginning, rolling my eyes at George and wondering why Aunt Daisy didn't have any grey hairs.
Wait till you meet a certain two characters later on, one was especially adorable.
This one still goes through my head, playing certain parts over in my mind.
Lauren Fortgang - 4 stars as narrator. She did a bang up job bringing everything to life and really putting you on the edge of your seat sometimes.
June 14, 2024
A quick, yet somewhat emotional children's historical fiction about the sinking of the Titanic. Although this is probably one of the most written about disasters in history, there are so many different perspectives that people take when deciding to cover the various things that happened that fatal night. As always this was well-written and took into consideration the intended audience.
May 2, 2020
This is part one of children's historical fiction series I Survived. I saw many interesting titles in the series. It is definitely aimed for children with 10 year old George as protagonist.
December 13, 2024
Written from the perspective of a 10 year old boy. One of the better ones of this educational series.
September 12, 2021
The most terrifying events in history are brought vividly to life in this new fictional series! In I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 (I Survived, #1) by Lauren Tarshis, ten-year-old George is trapped on the Titanic -- how will he survive?
Ten-year-old George Calder can't believe his luck -- he and his little sister, Phoebe, are on the famous Titanic, crossing the ocean with their Aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever.
Lauren Tarshis brings history's most exciting and terrifying events to life in this new fictional series. This reminds me of a "We Were There..." series I read as a kid. Readers will be transported by stories of amazing kids and how they survived!
Ten-year-old George Calder can't believe his luck -- he and his little sister, Phoebe, are on the famous Titanic, crossing the ocean with their Aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever.
Lauren Tarshis brings history's most exciting and terrifying events to life in this new fictional series. This reminds me of a "We Were There..." series I read as a kid. Readers will be transported by stories of amazing kids and how they survived!
September 19, 2021
pure nostalgia. love this series.
June 27, 2019
SUPER FAST REVIEW:
I like this one!
It has an interesting story, characters I cared about, very intense throughout and has some cool illustrations (though is mostly prose).
It is predictable and one chapter in this really seemed like filler (the panther scene, had barely anything to do with it).
Overall it is exciting, well written and probably a good educational piece of historic fiction for younger readers. Hell, it’s an interesting piece of quick, exciting historic fiction for older readers so yeah, I recommend it.
4/5
I like this one!
It has an interesting story, characters I cared about, very intense throughout and has some cool illustrations (though is mostly prose).
It is predictable and one chapter in this really seemed like filler (the panther scene, had barely anything to do with it).
Overall it is exciting, well written and probably a good educational piece of historic fiction for younger readers. Hell, it’s an interesting piece of quick, exciting historic fiction for older readers so yeah, I recommend it.
4/5
May 4, 2020
This fictionalized account of the sinking of the Titanic will likely appeal to kids of all ages. George is traveling first class with his aunt and sister, and is fascinated by the layout of the ship and all its corridors. He is also a first class scamp, often sneaking into places he should not go. It is this curiosity and lack of fear that proves to be his saving grace. The story has some interesting aspects, including George’s friendship with a couple of immigrants, but it also contains some glaring misrepresentations. It is a fiction account, but yanking a 10-year-old boy off a lifeboat for being too old did not happen. There were other inaccuracies as well that need not have been included. Still, it may stir readers on to do further reading on the subject. The audio version was well performed by Lauren Fortgang.
February 11, 2022
i think i read this in 3rd grade, i really liked it
September 24, 2021
I can understand why Elementary readers (whether they are up to par on their reading skills or not) enjoy this series. If you liked Magic Treehouse, this is the next step up in reading/literacy difficulty, but the same general premise, MINUS the magic.
George and Phoebe are siblings with their Aunt on the voyage of the Titanic. The book takes place the day before and the event leading from the iceberg hit onward.
It takes a mostly kid-friendly approach to the subject of the Titanic, the fashion/times, social classes, immigration, and puts a pair of smart resourceful kids at the center of it.
Cute and quick!
I went back and forgot that I read this book almost 3 years ago and revisited the start up for the series. I know now why it is so vastly popular-Action-packed, big-hearted, honest-to-the-facts about history, and the ultimate theme of the the I survived: ordinary kids facing horrible historical moments, becoming a hero, even in a small way, and growing from the experiences.
George and Phoebe are siblings with their Aunt on the voyage of the Titanic. The book takes place the day before and the event leading from the iceberg hit onward.
It takes a mostly kid-friendly approach to the subject of the Titanic, the fashion/times, social classes, immigration, and puts a pair of smart resourceful kids at the center of it.
Cute and quick!
I went back and forgot that I read this book almost 3 years ago and revisited the start up for the series. I know now why it is so vastly popular-Action-packed, big-hearted, honest-to-the-facts about history, and the ultimate theme of the the I survived: ordinary kids facing horrible historical moments, becoming a hero, even in a small way, and growing from the experiences.
October 19, 2010
This book is about a boy named Goerge who is on the ocean liner Titanic. While he is on board he meets new freinds, explores the ship, and he learns everything he wants to about the Titanic. But one thing he doesn't know that the ship is doomed and is caught in the sinking. Will he survive? Read the book to find out!
July 21, 2021
A suspenseful retelling of the sinking of the Titanic. Great to use with classes as it has foreshadowing and flashbacks as well as some good vocabulary.
March 20, 2017
good book
November 26, 2018
This book is vary detailed, You feel like ur in the same position as the main character.
October 20, 2025
Once a Titanic girl always a Titanic girl
May 24, 2020
Engaging and fun, and full of drama. The characters were vivid, and the banter between the siblings and their aunt helped to make them relatable for the reader. This book will almost certainly appeal to children who like adventure stories. However, parts of this story stretched credibility a bit too far. There are other fictional Titanic books out there for this age group that are better quality. Incidentally, it’s also quite possible that this author’s technique improved as she went. This one was only the first one in the series, and I remember being impressed with one of her later installments. Despite some very real flaws, the action-packed plot and memorable characters are sure to provide educational entertainment for children. It is no mean feat to portray such a distant time in a way that today’s children can understand and enjoy.
September 27, 2021
This was a good kids' version of the story. I was impressed that it didn't gloss over some pretty horrific stuff, such as the fact that lower-class passengers were trapped below deck and prevented from boarding the lifeboats. Still, it has a mood of optimism and courage that I think is the key to presenting such an event to young readers, and some great messages about the value of kindness and the capability of other human beings to surprise us. My seven-year-old son is anxious about natural disasters and he loves these books.
March 4, 2018
Read this with my students but I’m definitely counting it!
Amazing examples to help teach:
- Symbolism
- Historical Fiction
- Foreshadowing
- Conflict
And Flashback!
(Among others!)
Highly recommend this series for any elementary and middle school classroom!
Amazing examples to help teach:
- Symbolism
- Historical Fiction
- Foreshadowing
- Conflict
And Flashback!
(Among others!)
Highly recommend this series for any elementary and middle school classroom!
April 12, 2021
A book my grandson gave me to read. He is eight and I can't wait to learn what he has to say about this story.
February 26, 2013
I read this book on my Kindle, and here is my review:
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912, is the first in a series of historical fiction chapter books written for upper elementary readers. The author, Lauren Tarshis, notes that the facts about the Titanic are true, but the characters are fictional. Tarshis tells a gripping tale of how George (a ten-year-old boy) and his family survived the tragic loss of the “unsinkable” Titanic on April 15, 1912. The story begins with a “flash-forward” to the dramatic moments when the Titanic slips into the ocean. Opening with such a heart-pounding scene is an effective way to hook the reader. The remaining chapters follow in sequential order over a period of about twenty-four hours. The story is told from George’s perspective. Although the story is fiction, Tarshis’ description of the characters, setting, plot and themes are authentic and universal. The book features themes of survival, overcoming adversity, extraordinary bravery and devasting loss. I was captivated by the actions and emotions of the characters. Tarshis drew me into the story immediately and made me feel as if I was living the experience with George.
The “I Survived” series covers a wide range of topics and time periods like Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the San Francisco earthquake, 9/11, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Although, the books are written at a second or third-grade reading level, the content of the stories may not be appropriate for young readers, as the events are quite terrifying and feature disasters that were out of people’s control. I would recommend that an adult read the book first and plan how they might use it as a shared reading experience with a younger reader.
I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912, is the first in a series of historical fiction chapter books written for upper elementary readers. The author, Lauren Tarshis, notes that the facts about the Titanic are true, but the characters are fictional. Tarshis tells a gripping tale of how George (a ten-year-old boy) and his family survived the tragic loss of the “unsinkable” Titanic on April 15, 1912. The story begins with a “flash-forward” to the dramatic moments when the Titanic slips into the ocean. Opening with such a heart-pounding scene is an effective way to hook the reader. The remaining chapters follow in sequential order over a period of about twenty-four hours. The story is told from George’s perspective. Although the story is fiction, Tarshis’ description of the characters, setting, plot and themes are authentic and universal. The book features themes of survival, overcoming adversity, extraordinary bravery and devasting loss. I was captivated by the actions and emotions of the characters. Tarshis drew me into the story immediately and made me feel as if I was living the experience with George.
The “I Survived” series covers a wide range of topics and time periods like Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the San Francisco earthquake, 9/11, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Although, the books are written at a second or third-grade reading level, the content of the stories may not be appropriate for young readers, as the events are quite terrifying and feature disasters that were out of people’s control. I would recommend that an adult read the book first and plan how they might use it as a shared reading experience with a younger reader.
May 19, 2019
The story of the Titanic has always fascinated me...there are many stories all sad...including this one in many ways.
I like that the interaction between George and his sister. All of George's mischief gets him into lots of trouble and this time his exploration of the ship saves their lives. The unsinkable ship is sinking and they get trapped below deck and need to find a way out. Lots of suspense from escaping from a stowaway with a knife, being caught behind locked doors, told he couldn't get on the lifeboat, and surviving in the cold deep ocean until being rescued.
It was a very tragic picture of the poor passengers being locked below deck as the ship is taking on water. Also an engineering tragedy as there were not enough lifeboats to take care of all the people aboard the ship.
Even though George and his family and new found friends survive, the memory of the tragedy stays with him and makes him very quiet and reflective which actually brings him to a closer relationship with his father.
The book does have a few illustrations and only 102 pages which makes it appealing to reluctant readers. This is the first title in a new series called "I SURVIVED". The next title also includes something that has always fascinated me -- sharks.
At the end of the book is more information about the real Titanic along with the notes about how the story came about.
I like that the interaction between George and his sister. All of George's mischief gets him into lots of trouble and this time his exploration of the ship saves their lives. The unsinkable ship is sinking and they get trapped below deck and need to find a way out. Lots of suspense from escaping from a stowaway with a knife, being caught behind locked doors, told he couldn't get on the lifeboat, and surviving in the cold deep ocean until being rescued.
It was a very tragic picture of the poor passengers being locked below deck as the ship is taking on water. Also an engineering tragedy as there were not enough lifeboats to take care of all the people aboard the ship.
Even though George and his family and new found friends survive, the memory of the tragedy stays with him and makes him very quiet and reflective which actually brings him to a closer relationship with his father.
The book does have a few illustrations and only 102 pages which makes it appealing to reluctant readers. This is the first title in a new series called "I SURVIVED". The next title also includes something that has always fascinated me -- sharks.
At the end of the book is more information about the real Titanic along with the notes about how the story came about.
April 12, 2018
The first in a series, I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 is a rather poorly written adventure book. The story follows a 10-year old boy named George, who’s traveling on the Titanic with his sister and aunt, as he explores the ship and ends up fighting for survival when it hits an iceberg. The characters aren’t all that interesting, some in fact are quite annoying. And it seems to avoid including any historical figures or specific events of the sinking. It’s almost as if the Titanic setting is only incidental, as it isn’t used to explore any greater theme or lesson. Generic and uninspired, I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 is pretty forgettable.
May 26, 2020
I saw one of my friends reading this, and was immediately intrigued. I’m obsessed with the Titanic, and will pretty much read any book that even mentions it.
I’m obviously not the target age for this book, so I won’t complain about the simplistic writing. I think it did a good job of describing the disaster overall, but it was very light on details. It’s a kid’s book so I get it, but it didn’t even talk about the ship breaking in two, which I thought was odd. I did like the inclusion of the mummy rumor, however, since I only learned about that myself just a few years ago.
A quick glance at the other titles in this series look really interesting, so I’m pretty tempted to read more of these now.
I’m obviously not the target age for this book, so I won’t complain about the simplistic writing. I think it did a good job of describing the disaster overall, but it was very light on details. It’s a kid’s book so I get it, but it didn’t even talk about the ship breaking in two, which I thought was odd. I did like the inclusion of the mummy rumor, however, since I only learned about that myself just a few years ago.
A quick glance at the other titles in this series look really interesting, so I’m pretty tempted to read more of these now.
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