School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8-With innumerable books, movies, documentaries, novels, and biographies all telling versions of the Titanic story, it would seem that there is little more to learn, yet by providing more details and some of the most up-to-date research, McPherson's compelling, thoughtful narrative proves otherwise. Organized chronologically, the volume begins with the inspiration for the construction of the Titanic, giving a brief overview of transatlantic travel at the time, thereby setting the stage for the tragic events to follow. Weaving together quotes from interviews, newspaper accounts, and other primary-source material, the author lays out what happened on April 14, 1912, taking readers all over the ship, from first class to steerage, from the depths of the boiler rooms to the heights of the crow's nest lookout. She doesn't shy away from areas of controversy, using research to show where mistakes were made or misinformation was given. The layout includes plenty of period photographs, diagrams, artwork, and sidebars with interesting tangential tidbits, making for a thorough resource. McPherson closes with the Titanic's legacy in maritime safety regulations, the salvaging laws of shipwrecks, and, of course, the timeless story of heroism and tragic loss. A comprehensive, well-written, thoroughly researched title.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Titanic tragedy coming up in April 2012, this engaging overview retells the powerful story and its aftermath. McPherson opens effectively, with the crucial scene when the iceberg was spotted "right ahead," noting that the lookout binoculars had been missing for days, and gives a brief recap of the sinking. The narrative then goes back through a brief history of steamships and the business reasons for building huge ones, followed by a more detailed account of the trip and its terrible end, the survivors' arrival in New York and the quickly convened Senate hearings about the disaster. Final chapters report on finding and excavating the ship in recent years. The smooth writing uses many quotes from the time, deftly incorporates facts and conveys the terror and heartbreak of the sinking, in which more than 1,500 died, and the rescue of about 700. A graceful design with a wide format features many historical photographs and illustrations, and sidebars on a host of topics such as significant people and statistics. Although the source notes and index are inadequate, McPherson provides a timeline, glossary, bibliography and thoughtful list for finding more information. An attractive, solid entry on a disaster that continues to fascinate. (Nonfiction. 11-15)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
The story opens on the fateful night of April 14, 1912, when a lookout on the Titanic calls the bridge to report, Iceberg, right ahead! A few hours later, the ship rests at the bottom of the ocean and about two-thirds of those aboard have died. Hugely informative, this large-format volume discusses matters such as the planning and building of the enormous ship, the fanfare surrounding its maiden voyage, ice in the North Atlantic, communications with other ships, and the reactions of passengers and crew during and after the catastrophe. Sidebars spotlight individuals on board and carry information related to the story. The final chapters look at later explorations of the sunken ship as well as representations of the event in art, literature, and film. Back matter includes a time line, a glossary, source notes, a selected bibliography, and lists of recommended books, websites, and DVDs. Illustrated mainly with period photos, this handsome, clearly written book is a solid resource for the learning about the Titanic 100 years later.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist
