I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
By Lauren Tarshis
Adapted/Retold by Georgia Ball
Illustrated by Gervasio and Jok
Publisher: Graphix (Scholastic, Inc.) Copyright Year: 2020 ISBN/ISSN: 9781338120929
Review
With the same exciting plot as the chapter book, Lauren Tarshis's I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 (Scholastic 2010) is redone here as a full-color graphic novel. George Calder is ten-years-old and a first-class passenger on the Titanic. He is traveling with his sister and aunt to New York. George loves to explore the ship but has a knack for getting into trouble. We see the tragic events of the Titanic through George's eyes as he goes off to explore the cargo hold on that ill-fated night. His unfortunate sister follows him and gets trapped down below in third class. This graphic novel adaptation keeps the plot fast-paced and exciting as it combines swift action with historical facts. An appendix also includes both color and black-and-white historical photos and facts about the Titanic. Due to the fast-paced plot and vivid full-color pictures, this novel is an excellent way to engage struggling or disinterested readers. The title could easily be paired with the traditional chapter book as a differentiation strategy as the plot of both novels is exactly the same. In fact, it could be an advantage in your classroom to study both books side-by-side to discuss the advantages of text versus graphics and how the illustrator chose to visually depict certain scenes. I would highly recommend this book for all elementary school or children's library collections.
Reviewer: Michelle Bridges, Media Specialist, Sugar Creek Elementary School, Fort Mill, SC
Rating: Highly Recommended
Grade (as stated by Reviewer/SLC): 3-5
Review Date: January 1, 2020
Ten-year-old George Calder can't wait to explore every inch of the Titanic, even if his little sister, Phoebe, has to tag along. But when George sneaks away without her and ventures into the first class baggage room, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever...
Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I Survived series takes on vivid new life in full-color graphic novel editions. Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series, these graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep any reader turning the pages.
Series Title I Survived Graphic Novels (Book 1)
Media Type Book, eBook
Binding HC
# Pages 160
Price 24.99
Grade (as stated by publisher) 3-7
Grade (as stated by Reviewer/SLC) 3-5
Genre Fiction
Sub-Genre Comic & Graphic Novels
Content Subject 1 American History
Content Subject 2 Wilderness & Survival
Time Period 20th century
Region North America
Story: Action Packed
Characters/Characterization: Familiar/Realistic/Lifelike
Language: Dialogue-rich
Tone/Mood Suspenseful
Pace: Lively/Fast
Setting: Historical
Entry ID: 2225545