The Titanic

January 1, 2008
Gr 3-6-These adventures abound with historical facts as readers decide which way the story will progress. In "Pirates", options include joining the dreaded Blackbeard or being marooned on a desert island. In "Titanic", however, no matter which route is chosen, the ship still sinks, though in some cases "you" are saved, whereas in others, you die. The language used throughout each book will be clear to readers as young as third grade, but even sixth graders will be taken in by the interactive format. "Pirates" is peppered with myriad color drawings; "Titanic" displays mostly period photographs. In both texts, a final chapter, outside the interactive section, offers further historical details."Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2008
Using a Choose Your Own Adventure format, this book takes readers inside the doomed ship from three perspectives: a first- and third-class passenger and a crew member. Though the information is limited, the text packs in many historical details, supported by archival reproductions. The active-learning approach will engage students while demonstrating how individuals' choices or social status made the difference between life and death. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)