Violet Jessop’s story is remarkable in that she survived not only the sinking of Titanic but, four years later, the sinking of Titanic’s identical twin, Britannic, which went to the bottom in 55 minutes, its watertight compartments proving to be no more watertight than the Titanic’s. But at least Britannic had an excuse – she had been requisitioned as a hospital ship and hit a mine ferrying wounded soldiers home from the war in Europe.

Meet the many passengers of the Titanic and the features of such a magnificent ship in this fun illustrated read. This story offers a great variety of characters and ways to engage with this moment of history.

Picture Books

Feeling very hard done by, Clara’s actions inadvertently set in motion a series of events culminating in her stowing away aboard Harold’s ship with no one knowing where she is. With a large, shaggy, and lovable companion called Rigel, Clara finds herself in the middle of the mission to rescue survivors from the doomed maiden voyage of the ‘unsinkable’ Titanic. This book is a dry read, devoid of drama and stripped of humanity, but tells more about the disaster than a hundred other books combined. Even Walter Lord’s book, depending substantially as it does, on the account of witnesses forty years after the event, their stories changing with every re-telling of the drama, can’t beat this for hard facts. Titanic Sinks: Experience the Titanic’s Doomed Voyage in this Unique Presentation of Fact and Fiction By Barry Denenberg To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, Barry Denenberg has created high-concept book that’s a unique combination of fiction and nonfiction. He uses a fictional framework to present the true story of the building and launching of the ship and to give a “you are there” feeling as it goes down. Designed with authentic period photographs and illustrations, Titanic Sinks! immerses you in the era and tells why it’s still a cultural touchstone a hundred years after its demise. 9-12 years This beautifully illustrated book is the story of a boy, his bear, and their escape from the sinking of the Titanic. This telling of the collision is an easy way for young readers to understand these historical events.

Clara Scott is very excited! Her cousin, Harold Cottam, is coming for a short visit and she’ll get to hear all about his latest adventures as the telegraph operator aboard the RMS Carpathia. Unfortunately, living on the family ranch means there are chores to be done first and when the wilful twelve-year-old doesn’t follow instructions the whole visit is spoiled. If You Were a Kid Aboard the Titanic By Josh Gregory, Illustrated by Sebastia Serra Alice Carver is traveling aboard the incredible Titanic with her mother to make a new home in the United States. Meanwhile, William Alexander III is aboard as part of a vacation with his wealthy family. Readers will explore the Titanic’s many features with these characters as they meet on the ill-fated ship. 7-9 years This children’s book is ideal for: cross-curricular activities abound as historical facts about the Titanic are merged with both fictional and fantasy elements.This story of the Titanic introduces children to the tragic events an a comprehendible and interesting way. This book of great visuals offers so many little known facts about the great ship. Read along as George experiences what he thought was the greatest journey of is life thus far, but is face with tragedy in this thrilling account of the night the titanic sunk. This is a great way for kids to get the full story from a familiar perspective. There is also a graphic novel version. Violet had been a stewardess on board the Titanic and had volunteered for service as a nurse when war broke out. Understandably, she was somewhat disconcerted to discover she was being posted to a ship which, in every respect, was the same as Titanic. She consoled herself with the thought that lightning never strikes twice.