Stories of Survival

When the Titanic sank in April 1912, people around the world clamored to read news of the disaster and its survivors. Few could have predicted that more than a century later, books about the Titanic would remain among the most popular nonfiction choices in library collections for young people. Eason’s account, based on “true stories of survivors,” shines a spotlight on individuals who spent hours in a lifeboat waiting for rescuers or leapt into the cold Atlantic and survived to tell their exciting tales. Even after the Carpathia heard the Titanic’s distress signal and arrived to rescue survivors, many had to face the fact that family members had not survived. In format and illustrations, the book looks like a graphic novel, which is sure to boost its appeal among young readers. The fast-paced narrative is dramatic, the writing is compelling, and the lively art is particularly well done. With titles such as Building the Ship of Dreams and Disaster Strikes, books in the Tragedy! Tales from the Titanic series (6 titles) will easily find their audience.