- ninth book in a historical fiction series with a time traveling dog
- readers get a unique glimpse into the Titanic catastrophe in the early 1900s
- convo: main character’s dad died before the book, many other deaths mentioned during the sinking of the ship
- great Author’s Note and further resources suggested in back
Type: chapter book
Ages: 9-12
Author: Kate Messner
Illustrator: Kelley McMorris
Whew! There’s something about this story (Titanic as a whole) that always gets me. I tried to read and review based on this particular book alone, but we all have bias, knowledge, and past experience, right? Just saying—the age minimum might be okay to lower, depending on your child. 🙂 The recommendation is a safe one.
Messner’s method of storytelling is perfect for this age group. Each book in the series has done a great job at introducing a new generation to real historical events. She gives just enough detail for an appropriate level of intensity without horrifying kid readers. Additionally, McMorris’s illustrations help soften things, too.
For example, the terror of being a 3rd class passenger and being locked up on the lower decks was touched on, but the illustration for that scene had a half-height little gate to the hallway. The people behind it look concerned but aren’t frantically pushing and trying to get upstairs as was more likely the case.
Sensitive readers might be bothered by the behavior of people already safe in lifeboats. With all the chaos, screaming, visions of a giant ship sinking, and everything in between, people panicked and wouldn’t let those floating in the dark, icy water into their boats (which had plenty of room). This may be something a parent would want to touch on.
If you search this site, there are published reviews of the prior 8 books. When I finish the series (3 more to go!), I’ll get them all linked down below. Happy historical fiction reading!