I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912: The Graphic Novel by Lauren Tarshis - ESSENTIAL

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912: The Graphic Novel by Lauren Tarshis, illustrated by Haus Studio, 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Graphix (Scholastic), 2020. $25. 9781338120912

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Told through the point of view of a 10yo boy, Georgie, this is the story of one family’s experience the night the Titanic hit the iceberg. Georgie has a sister and an aunt with him and they make friends with a man and his son. Each survives in different ways - some in lifeboats, and some in the water. The story is woven in with the superstitious idea that a mummy on board was bad luck. 

Students are already drawn to the “I Survived” series and the new graphic novels will engage even more readers. There was a good balance of words to images, providing plenty of opportunities for readers to practice their skills. I found the illustrations tasteful, given it is built around a tragedy, and they made it come alive without making it too scary to be accessible for a wide audience.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher