Module 11: Informational Books

Module 11/SLIS5420

Titanic: Voices from the Disaster

By  Deborah Hopkinson

Summary:

Titanic: Voices from the Disaster is an informational chapter book with a unique perspective on the events leading up to the sinking of the Titanic.  It follows unique historical accounts of different passengers that were on the Titanic when it sunk, including upper class, lower class, servants, and boat employees.  All given in a chronological manner that allows the reader to follow the timeline of what happened to the Titanic

Citation:

Hopkinson, D., & Scholastic Press. (2012). Titanic: Voices from the disaster. New York: Scholastic Press

Beyond and Between:

This was an amazing informational book. From the bat I would suggest this book for older readers 5^th to 7^th because it had fewer pictures and maps that younger grades are drawn towards.  However, this book is a real informational resource with proper indexes, statistics, timeline of events appendix, and a list of research resources so the reader can do their own research.  Also, due to the fictionalized style of writing, along with the historical accounts, the book is an easier read then compared to a lot of informational books that I’ve read in the past.  It was easy to follow the storyline and yet get accurate information at the same time.

Reviews:

Booklist

(1) 4-6 Hopkinson provides young readers with a basic introduction to the event without overdramatizing, drawing unwarranted conclusions, or prolonging the ordeal. Her "characters," real survivors whose voices relay many of the subsequent events, include crew members as well as travelers in first, second, and third class. Chapter notes, sources, archival photos, a timeline, short biographies of those mentioned, and more are included. Bib., glos., ind. Review 3/12. bc

HISTORY. (2012, Fall). The Horn Book Guide to Children's and Young Adult Books, 23, 179-185. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1111788652?accountid=7113

School Library Journal

Gr 6 Up-Hopkinson offers a thorough account (Scholastic, 2012) of the April 15, 1912 sinking of the Titanic. Background information is interspersed with stories of survivors and witnesses, including primary source quotes. The author weaves together the voices of children, passengers in all classes, the captain, and crew members to provide a unique account of the tragedy. What makes this chronicle of events unique is the direct quotes from survivors which are seamlessly inserted throughout and successfully handled by talented voice actors Mark Bramhall, Peter Altschuler, and others. Listeners will be enthralled by the effective use of personal details. Have the print version available so listeners can peruse the photos, art work, diagrams, and maps.

Medinsky, M. (2012). Titanic: Voices from the Disaster. School Library Journal, 58(12), 77.

Suggested Uses:

I would love to use this book as a tie in to current events.  For example, that boat that crashed this last month in South Korea.  Having a current events webpage/ mini display in the non-fiction including similar events in the past.  In this case using the Titanic information books, with other books about ship sinkings, including the current sinking of the passenger boat in Korea.  This would help bring the present and the past together and hopefully bridge a gap between books that students don’t identify with present events that they do connect to.