Why this book?
The story of the Titantic is always
intriguing. I was drawn to the idea of a stowaway aboard the ship--and what an
interesting character she turned out to be! Hazel’s dream of being a journalist
was a great way to bring in bits of the history of what happened to the
Titantic. There was also a storyline of Hazel collecting information to solve a
mystery about some swindlers she came across on board. The friends Hazel makes
give us different perspectives on life at the time of the Titantic. From a
writer’s perspective, I think this would be a great read for anyone writing
historical fiction. It’s a wonderful example of how to incorporate history into
a compelling story!
Connections: mysteries, the Titantic, journalism, adventure, icebergs
Activity Ideas:
Literacy: What are
some of the clues Hazel collected about what was going to happen to the Titantic?
Discussion: Consider
Mrs. Abelman’s statement: “We must live the best we can until we gracefully
accept our fate.” Do you think Hazel had any regrets about any of her actions
on the Titantic? Was there something she could have done differently?
STEM: Look up Morse
Code and try to write a coded message to a friend. Tap it out and see if your
friend can decode your message.
STEAM: Create a piece
of art using a collage technique that contains a coded message.
STEM: Make a list of
the things Hazel learned about icebergs. Write three question you have about
icebergs. Do some research to see if you can find out the answers. Or research
the question: What are some ways ships can avoid or be protected from colliding
with icebergs?
Additional Resources:
Also by Jennifer A. Nielsen and still one of my favourites is The False Prince (click here for my thoughts)
Hazel Rothbury is traveling all alone from her home in England aboard the celebrated ship Titanic. Following the untimely death of her father, Hazel's mother is sending her to the US to work in a factory, so that she might send money back home to help her family make ends meet.
But Hazel harbors a secret dream: She wants to be a
journalist, and she just knows that if she can write and sell a story about
the Titanic's maiden voyage, she could earn enough money to
support her family and not have to go to a sweatshop. When Hazel discovers that
mother didn't send her with enough money for a ticket, she decides she must
stow away onboard the storied ship.
With the help of a porter named Charlie and a sweet
first-class passenger named Sylvia, Hazel explores the opulent ship in secret,
but a haunting mystery quickly finds her. The danger only intensifies when
calamity strikes, and readers will be caught up in the terror and suspense
alongside Hazel as she fights to save her friends and herself.
Iceberg, written
by Jennifer A. Nielsen was published by Scholastic Press in 2023.
To find more middle grade books to read,
check out Marvelous
Middle Grade Monday, organized by Greg Pattridge
over at his
blog.
