Maiden Voyage: A Titanic Story

Gr 6–9—Isabella, Abby, and Lucy, each from various social classes, find themselves bound together as they sail to New York on the Titanic. Despite their different hopes in America, they must first survive the journey—a complicated feat. Lucy's affluent father is acting suspiciously as the ship leaves the dock, but Lucy is optimistic that this vacation will aid in her sick mother's recovery. While Abby is supposed to be serving Lucy, she is struggling with the sudden loss of her own mother and is consumed with fear that her stowaway brother will be discovered. Isabella did not expect to be aboard and is having difficulty understanding why her parents would send her on this trip alone. This captivating tale is filled with intrigue. Written from the point of view of each of the young women, the chapters begin with the time and date of the entry. Readers are brought ever closer to the historical event and yet, the unlikely connections among the protagonists will draw teens' attention away from the impending tragedy. The rich description of the passengers on the ship from the manual laborers to the first class guests, as well as the distinct challenges that Isabella, Abby, and Lucy face, make this title an excellent choice for learning about the early 1900s. The gentle description of the sinking of the ship is appropriate for younger readers, though some may be dissatisfied with the neat—and highly improbable—ending.