The Watch that Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic by Allan Wolf - ESSENTIAL

Wolf, Allan The Watch that Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic 480 pg. Candlewick Press, 2011. Content: PG. $21.99. Published to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, Wolf has managed to weave together history and fiction to create this utterly compelling tale. It is told from the perspective of 24 different voices, including that of the iceberg and ship rat. The voices span class and station and are both young and old, male and female. Each character has a unique voice, and there are several different writing styles used from letters to telegrams to verse; however, Wolf moves seamlessly between each character and transports the reader to that fateful April night, making it all seem real again.
Included at the back are character notes, a Morse Code key, and other miscellaneous information about the Titanic from how many survived to how many pounds of sugar were aboard. Despite the fact that the Titanic's sinking is well known, I learned things I never knew about it and utilized the extensive bibliography also included at the back. This book was well researched and completely enthralling to read. Artfully and wonderfully written- highly recommended. MS/HS - ESSENTIAL. Whitney, Library-Teacher.