Nightmare on the Titanic

Children's Literature - Peg Glisson

On the night of April 14, 1912, the Titanic collided with an iceberg and sunk in less than three hours. This "Code Red" book covers the building of the ship (including efforts to make it "unsinkable" as well as luxurious), inappropriate safety measures that were taken and breakdowns in rescue efforts. Failures are objectively discussed, as are possible solutions specific to the Titanic and changes made for future routes of passenger ships. Caper's simple, brief text is accessible to middle elementary readers, yet it will not seem babyish to older, struggling readers who might choose the book because of the subject and easily-accessible information. The series' well laid out double page spreads which include text, fact boxes, quotes, and captioned illustrations, will draw researchers and casual browsers in. A simple map shows the route of the ill-fated ship. Causes of the disaster are objectively handled without a hint of sensationalism. Higher-level thinking is encouraged by a "What If" page. A glossary, an index, a list of suggested reading and websites, and profiles of four people who were connected to the disaster complete this well-done book. Reviewer: Peg Glisson