Marvelous Middle Grade Monday #MMGM Book Review: Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood

The Nazis have started dropping bombs every night in London. Thirteen-year-old Ken Sparks is scared when he goes to the bomb shelter with his father, stepmother, and little sister. But he knows he’ll be leaving soon. He’s going to be traveling to Canada on a large ship because he was one of the ninety kids between ages five and fifteen whose number was selected during the random lottery. Although Ken is sad to leave his little sister and father, he’s sure his stepmom is happy to have him gone. Ken doesn’t know how long he’ll be away from his family, but he tries to think of it like an adventure in one of the stories he loves to read. Ken has never experienced anything similar to the boat before. Between the seven course meals, the new toys for the kids to play with, and all the fine details, he feels like he’s in a dream. Then, one night the unexpected happens and a torpedo hits the ship. After he has to run back for a forgotten item, Ken ends up in Lifeboat 12 instead of the boat he was assigned.  Now he and the other members of Lifeboat 12 will need to try to survive until help comes along. But will they be able to ration the food and water in the boat? Where are the other lifeboats? Is anyone coming to save them? You’ll have to read this historical fiction book to find out.

Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood was a fast and interesting read. When the author came to visit my school and talked about the research she did for this book, I knew I had to read it. She interviewed someone who had firsthand knowledge about the events! How cool is that? I enjoyed this book and it was told in verse, which I think made the story flow. Ken was a great character and one that was easy to relate to because he cared about his family, but he also liked to goof off and have fun. Reading about Ken’s experiences in England, on the boat to Canada, and in the lifeboat help get a glimpse of life during this time period. Susan Hood has written many books, but this is her first middle grade book, and it's fabulous! I highly recommend it to kids and adults in third grade and up who love to dive into history and find scenes that will surprise them.

Has anyone else read Lifeboat 12? Or have you read another book by Susan Hood? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading!
~ L

Answer to Fairday's Ridde: We'll All Float On...

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! Time to sail away. Tune in Monday to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ~ F

I'm over and under; wet and dry. You'll get where you're going, but not on the fly.

What am I? Answer: Boat!

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations

Fairday's Riddle: Above and Below...

Hello, Riddlers! Can you guess our theme? It's important to stay afloat! ~ F

I'm over and under; wet and dry. You'll get where you're going, but not on the fly.

What am I? Stop by Friday for answer!

I gave you a clue!

Margo's Musings: Will Alfie Ever Make it Back?

This winter we’ve barely had typical weather. There have been cold days and a little snow, but there have been many unseasonably warm days too. I think that’s why my whole family has been thinking about spring. Maybe that’s why Margo picked out this delightful book about turtles when we were at the library. Or maybe it’s just that turtles are so cute, she can’t resist them.  

Alfie the Turtle Who Disappeared by Thyra Heder is a picture told from a little girl’s point of view, and then from her pet turtle’s point of view. I love the dual POVs, as that is where the magic comes in. Nia gets Alfie on her sixth birthday, and he is six too. He is a good turtle, if a little quiet.  Nia taught him all kinds of tricks and kept him entertained with stories.  But on her seventh birthday Alfie disappears.  From here the story switches to Alfie’s side of the story and we see where he went and what he is doing.  I loved this part and was curious how it would all end. I thought the last page of this book was genius, and it’s important that readers look very carefully so all the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place. I don’t want to ruin it for you- but I know Margo missed it the first time.

Ever since we finished reading the book Margo has been on the lookout for turtles. There is a pond not far from our house- but so far- no turtles. Maybe in a few more weeks.  Until then we will be reading about them and I am sure she'll be doing her turtle impression whenever she can!

Has anyone else read Alfie the Turtle Who Disappeared? Or have you read another book by Thyra Heder? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!

~F

Answer to Fairday's Riddle: Turtle Adventure!

Excellent guessing, Riddlers! We're going swimming with turtles. Tune in Monday to find out how the answer ties into the story. See you all around the book block. ~ F

The wily hare believed me beat, but my win was his defeat. Though I live in a shell, I move about slow and well. 

What am I? Answer: Turtle!

Fairday's Riddles: Volume I 

Make time to riddle and rhyme!

62 original riddles and illustrations