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Escaping Titanic: A Young Girl's True Story of Survival
Commemorate the Titanic's disastrous voyage with this harrowing tale of survival. Follow the true story of young Ruth Elizabeth Becker as her awe of the mighty Titanic turns into horror when she is separated from her mother and siblings.
32 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 31, 2019
This picture book is based on the experience of Ruth Becker when she was just twelve years old.
Ages: 6 - 12
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Ages: 6 - 12
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!
Visit my website!
February 5, 2012
Escaping Titanic
Four stars: A great intro book for young readers on the ever fascinating Titanic.
What is about the story of the ill fated Titanic's maiden voyage a hundred years ago that still captivates and fascinates the world today? In the book, Escaping Titanic, another generation is introduced to the doomed ship. Follow Ruth Becker, a capable and brave twelve year old girl, who along with her mother and young siblings set sail on the majestic, unsinkable ship. The book relates Ruth harrowing ordeal as she accidentally becomes separated from her mother when their life boat launches leaving her alone on the deck of the sinking ship. The courageous heroine luckily finds a seat in one of the last remaining life boats. As her life boat is lowered into the water another hangs precariously over the top of Ruth's life boat, threatening to squash them. As Ruth and the others barely escape, the are faced with the horror of watching thousands of souls succumb to the icy waters as Titanic plunges to the bottom of the ocean. Ruth remains brave in the face of the horrific tragedy. She shares her blankets, offers comfort to other passengers and even binds the bleeding hand of an oarsman with the cherished handkerchief her father gave her. At last they are rescued and Ruth is reunited with her family. For Ruth it is a happy ending, her family is safe, including her father, who never boarded the Titanic. But for many others it is tragic end. Ruth refuses to tell anyone of her experience on the great ocean liner, until her later years when she finally tells her tale.
If you are looking for a great introductory book for grade school readers I would highly recommend Escaping Titanic. This book relates the tragic circumstances of the Titanic in an appropriate manner for young readers. This book has beautifully, colored illustrations that are sure to please picture enthusiasts (myself included). Ruth is an admirable young lady and the best part is that this is a true story. I was delighted to read Ruth's bio at the end of the book, I had no idea it was based on an eye witness account.
My only complaint regarding this book was that I would have liked the author to discuss the class segregation and the poor loading of the lifeboats. I would also like more information on the life of Ruth after the Titanic.
Escaping Titanic, is a perfect introduction for young, curious minds interested to learn more about the deathly, first voyage of the unsinkable Titanic.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Four stars: A great intro book for young readers on the ever fascinating Titanic.
What is about the story of the ill fated Titanic's maiden voyage a hundred years ago that still captivates and fascinates the world today? In the book, Escaping Titanic, another generation is introduced to the doomed ship. Follow Ruth Becker, a capable and brave twelve year old girl, who along with her mother and young siblings set sail on the majestic, unsinkable ship. The book relates Ruth harrowing ordeal as she accidentally becomes separated from her mother when their life boat launches leaving her alone on the deck of the sinking ship. The courageous heroine luckily finds a seat in one of the last remaining life boats. As her life boat is lowered into the water another hangs precariously over the top of Ruth's life boat, threatening to squash them. As Ruth and the others barely escape, the are faced with the horror of watching thousands of souls succumb to the icy waters as Titanic plunges to the bottom of the ocean. Ruth remains brave in the face of the horrific tragedy. She shares her blankets, offers comfort to other passengers and even binds the bleeding hand of an oarsman with the cherished handkerchief her father gave her. At last they are rescued and Ruth is reunited with her family. For Ruth it is a happy ending, her family is safe, including her father, who never boarded the Titanic. But for many others it is tragic end. Ruth refuses to tell anyone of her experience on the great ocean liner, until her later years when she finally tells her tale.
If you are looking for a great introductory book for grade school readers I would highly recommend Escaping Titanic. This book relates the tragic circumstances of the Titanic in an appropriate manner for young readers. This book has beautifully, colored illustrations that are sure to please picture enthusiasts (myself included). Ruth is an admirable young lady and the best part is that this is a true story. I was delighted to read Ruth's bio at the end of the book, I had no idea it was based on an eye witness account.
My only complaint regarding this book was that I would have liked the author to discuss the class segregation and the poor loading of the lifeboats. I would also like more information on the life of Ruth after the Titanic.
Escaping Titanic, is a perfect introduction for young, curious minds interested to learn more about the deathly, first voyage of the unsinkable Titanic.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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March 4, 2012I liked the art, and the fact that it was a true story, but at times the story didn't fit with the simplistic writing style. The story doesn't get gruesome, but it does mention that boys as young as 12 or so were being considered men and turned away from life boats, people falling from the tilted ship, people grasping at the lifeboats so they might capsize and the boats having to paddle away and watch them die. That was very much at odds with the very simple and young writing. However, it does mean that it could be useful for older students who aren't reading at grade level, or for use in a classroom as a read aloud beginning to other projects. I could definitely see a Library teacher using this as a beginning point to looking Ruth up on Wikipedia and then finding other sources about her life, or other Titanic survivors.
My end recommendation is that it would be useful in a classroom setting for older students, but I would be a bit wary of recommending it wholeheartedly to a child for reading on his/her own.
My end recommendation is that it would be useful in a classroom setting for older students, but I would be a bit wary of recommending it wholeheartedly to a child for reading on his/her own.
September 23, 2023
Creative non-fiction about young Ruth Becker's experience on board the Titanic as a 2nd class passenger with her mother and 2 younger siblings.
October 6, 2017
Jennifer B.
10
Review:
Ruth loved her father, but she did not always see him he was back in India. Ruth her mother, sister and her brother on the Titanic. Ruth`s mother graved a steward and said I don’t like this ship it his first time on the the steward answer It going to be okay we got everything in control. She saw pretty young woman and young man flirting and the older young couple. A young gentle man asked Ruth is everything okay Ruth answer yes thank you. Ruth saw people exploring new places like the fancy dining rooms,the library and the decks. Everyone they met seem so happy to be on the titanic. Everyone asked if they can explore new places.
I liked that Ruth is nice to other people and that now she is a teacher. I did not like that Ruth said the silent from all the floating bodies. I liked this book so much.
I would recommend this to third grade to other people that love the Titanic. I would not recommend it to people that don`t like the old days.
10
Review:
Ruth loved her father, but she did not always see him he was back in India. Ruth her mother, sister and her brother on the Titanic. Ruth`s mother graved a steward and said I don’t like this ship it his first time on the the steward answer It going to be okay we got everything in control. She saw pretty young woman and young man flirting and the older young couple. A young gentle man asked Ruth is everything okay Ruth answer yes thank you. Ruth saw people exploring new places like the fancy dining rooms,the library and the decks. Everyone they met seem so happy to be on the titanic. Everyone asked if they can explore new places.
I liked that Ruth is nice to other people and that now she is a teacher. I did not like that Ruth said the silent from all the floating bodies. I liked this book so much.
I would recommend this to third grade to other people that love the Titanic. I would not recommend it to people that don`t like the old days.
April 21, 2019
First of all, I liked that sources and dates for the events in the story were given at the end. It was really interesting to learn that Ruth was an actual passenger aboard the Titanic, not just a character created for the story.
This book did an excellent job of telling an unfortunate story. The wording was simple and the numerous illustrations helped convey the feeling of the story. The ending made me happy for Ruth and her family.
This book did an excellent job of telling an unfortunate story. The wording was simple and the numerous illustrations helped convey the feeling of the story. The ending made me happy for Ruth and her family.
December 20, 2022
Short and to the point. My favorite part was not even part of the story, but the informational page at the end. For an adult, this really didn't add much to my knowledge of Titanic, but it could be a nice intro for kids.
April 10, 2019
I love non fiction picture books. This one takes you on an emotional journey back in time. I highly recommend it!
June 24, 2021
Have good memories of it. Think I enjoyed reading it
February 19, 2022
It’s beautifully illustrated, but I wish there was more to the story.
May 7, 2025
A different Titanic story and worthy of a spot in your collection.
January 24, 2012
I think I've reviewed all of two picture books in my three years of blogging so forgive me if this comes across as a little too short. I just don't know what to say about it!
Well, I loved the illustrations. At times they were both beautiful and goofy, capturing the majesty of the Titanic along with the people sailing on it. But I couldn't help but think that for a story that really is so serious, the expressions on some of the faces were a little too cartoony and goofy. One panel showed one of the stewards coming into the room and telling everyone to get their lifebelts on. But instead of a serious face, he looks a bit cross-eyed. Yeah it makes the scene lighter and I know it's a picture book but still . . . it almost seemed . . . inappropriate. I don't know if this is something typical of a picture book, to lighten up a more dramatic scene with untoward facial expressions so as not to frighten the children reading it but it felt a little off.
The story itself was succinct. It would be a bit morbid to think that the girl was doing anything but surviving the end of the story so you knew it was coming but that doesn't mean there wasn't a tense moment where she was left on a ship as she watched the rest of her family get lowered in a lifeboat. And then when the lifeboats are rescued you wonder if she's going to find her family. For about half a second. The story is really in the illustrations, the words acting merely as captions to supplement the visuals. It's not that they're bad; there's just more to be garnered from the drawings.
As a childless 28-year-old female reading a picture book, I've come across better. The story's a little dry and the illustrations are a bit bipolar but it was still enjoyable to this Titanic nut. From the POV of a child reading this, I can definitely see how they would really enjoy the pictures and how the small story itself would suck them right in, how they would hinge on every word and wonder if the girl was going to make it out okay. Damn jadedness. Personally I was more interested in the information about Ruth at the end of the story. How she never told anyone that she was a Titanic survivor until 1982 when the wreckage started getting poked at and she came forward about it. That's a long time to sit on something like that.
So really, there's something for everyone. A great story for the kids and a little bit of extra information for the adults reading it to them. Plus some great pictures for all.
Well, I loved the illustrations. At times they were both beautiful and goofy, capturing the majesty of the Titanic along with the people sailing on it. But I couldn't help but think that for a story that really is so serious, the expressions on some of the faces were a little too cartoony and goofy. One panel showed one of the stewards coming into the room and telling everyone to get their lifebelts on. But instead of a serious face, he looks a bit cross-eyed. Yeah it makes the scene lighter and I know it's a picture book but still . . . it almost seemed . . . inappropriate. I don't know if this is something typical of a picture book, to lighten up a more dramatic scene with untoward facial expressions so as not to frighten the children reading it but it felt a little off.
The story itself was succinct. It would be a bit morbid to think that the girl was doing anything but surviving the end of the story so you knew it was coming but that doesn't mean there wasn't a tense moment where she was left on a ship as she watched the rest of her family get lowered in a lifeboat. And then when the lifeboats are rescued you wonder if she's going to find her family. For about half a second. The story is really in the illustrations, the words acting merely as captions to supplement the visuals. It's not that they're bad; there's just more to be garnered from the drawings.
As a childless 28-year-old female reading a picture book, I've come across better. The story's a little dry and the illustrations are a bit bipolar but it was still enjoyable to this Titanic nut. From the POV of a child reading this, I can definitely see how they would really enjoy the pictures and how the small story itself would suck them right in, how they would hinge on every word and wonder if the girl was going to make it out okay. Damn jadedness. Personally I was more interested in the information about Ruth at the end of the story. How she never told anyone that she was a Titanic survivor until 1982 when the wreckage started getting poked at and she came forward about it. That's a long time to sit on something like that.
So really, there's something for everyone. A great story for the kids and a little bit of extra information for the adults reading it to them. Plus some great pictures for all.
June 3, 2012
[This review contains excerpts found on Andi's Kids Books on Blogger.]
With the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic this year, numerous books were published to commemorate the tragedy. This picture book relates the story of one of the young survivors, 12 year-old Ruth Becker. Her father was a missionary and the family had been in India. Ruth, her mother, her four year-old sister, Marion, and the baby named Richard were all heading back to the States on the Titanic while their father stayed behind. Mother was very nervous about the trip; but, everyone kept reassuring her that everything would be okay.
The first part of this picture book shows some of the things that the girls did to pass their time. When it comes to the day of sinking, the date and time appears at the top of each page, to denote the timelines of events. Some suspense kicks in when Ruth gets separated from her family. Will she make it to a lifeboat and will all of them survive?
The book gives enough detail about the sinking to provide children with an understanding of what happened. It does not get into the gory, horrific details about all of the people freezing to death in the water, though it acknowledges that part of the tragedy.
I appreciate that this book is a true story, instead of a fictional account based on the sinking. It definitely lends more credibility to the story. While I enjoy fiction, I would prefer to use an real survivor story when teaching children about the tragedy.
The illustrations in this book, though, remind me more of a computer-generated cartoon movie. They almost look like stills from an animated show. This is not my favorite type of illustration, especially as it seems to detract a bit from the "true story" being told. The people are more cartoon-y than the pictures of the Titanic, which seem more realistic.
At the end of the book, there is a real picture of Ruth, as well as a page telling about the rest of her life and how it was affected by being a Titanic survivor. There is also a brief timelines of the sinking of the Titanic and an Internet resource via FactHound for kids to do more research. I would definitely include this book in an elementary unit on the Titanic. I think it is more appropriate for those in the younger grades, because it does not overwhelm them with the horror.
I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
With the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic this year, numerous books were published to commemorate the tragedy. This picture book relates the story of one of the young survivors, 12 year-old Ruth Becker. Her father was a missionary and the family had been in India. Ruth, her mother, her four year-old sister, Marion, and the baby named Richard were all heading back to the States on the Titanic while their father stayed behind. Mother was very nervous about the trip; but, everyone kept reassuring her that everything would be okay.
The first part of this picture book shows some of the things that the girls did to pass their time. When it comes to the day of sinking, the date and time appears at the top of each page, to denote the timelines of events. Some suspense kicks in when Ruth gets separated from her family. Will she make it to a lifeboat and will all of them survive?
The book gives enough detail about the sinking to provide children with an understanding of what happened. It does not get into the gory, horrific details about all of the people freezing to death in the water, though it acknowledges that part of the tragedy.
I appreciate that this book is a true story, instead of a fictional account based on the sinking. It definitely lends more credibility to the story. While I enjoy fiction, I would prefer to use an real survivor story when teaching children about the tragedy.
The illustrations in this book, though, remind me more of a computer-generated cartoon movie. They almost look like stills from an animated show. This is not my favorite type of illustration, especially as it seems to detract a bit from the "true story" being told. The people are more cartoon-y than the pictures of the Titanic, which seem more realistic.
At the end of the book, there is a real picture of Ruth, as well as a page telling about the rest of her life and how it was affected by being a Titanic survivor. There is also a brief timelines of the sinking of the Titanic and an Internet resource via FactHound for kids to do more research. I would definitely include this book in an elementary unit on the Titanic. I think it is more appropriate for those in the younger grades, because it does not overwhelm them with the horror.
I received an eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2011
Based on Ruth Becker's true story of survival on the Titanic, Marybeth Lorbiecki tells how one girl and her family escaped the tragedy of the Titanic.
There are things I liked and didn't like about this book. I did enjoy the style of illustrations as they reminded me of a Disney movie. I also liked how the illustrations went from being in neat squares to rushed circles as the tragedy ensued. However, sometimes I felt that the illustrations did not connect with the text. For example, the text talks of men grabbing at the oars while the illustration shows peacefulness sin the sea. In this same sense, sometimes I found that the dialogue was lacking. For example, when Ruth's mother gets on a lifeboat and leaves Ruth on the ship alone, the dialogue has her going up to a steward saying, "May I please get in this one?" and the steward responding, "Sure." I just didn't find that realistic for the situation. I did really like that Lorbiecki included time stamps during the story to show the timeline of the sinking. Also included is the sequence of events during the tragedy, a link to sites that connect to the book and an afterword about Ruth's life. Lastly, in the description for this picture book is says ages 5-10 but I think some of the descriptions of the dying are too extreme for 5 year olds- I would say ages 8-10.
**Thank you to Netgalley and Picture Window Books (Capstone) for allowing me to view this e-galley**
There are things I liked and didn't like about this book. I did enjoy the style of illustrations as they reminded me of a Disney movie. I also liked how the illustrations went from being in neat squares to rushed circles as the tragedy ensued. However, sometimes I felt that the illustrations did not connect with the text. For example, the text talks of men grabbing at the oars while the illustration shows peacefulness sin the sea. In this same sense, sometimes I found that the dialogue was lacking. For example, when Ruth's mother gets on a lifeboat and leaves Ruth on the ship alone, the dialogue has her going up to a steward saying, "May I please get in this one?" and the steward responding, "Sure." I just didn't find that realistic for the situation. I did really like that Lorbiecki included time stamps during the story to show the timeline of the sinking. Also included is the sequence of events during the tragedy, a link to sites that connect to the book and an afterword about Ruth's life. Lastly, in the description for this picture book is says ages 5-10 but I think some of the descriptions of the dying are too extreme for 5 year olds- I would say ages 8-10.
**Thank you to Netgalley and Picture Window Books (Capstone) for allowing me to view this e-galley**
October 27, 2016
I loved the cover it is both eye catching and immediately tell's you what the book is about. Also the girl on the cover is highlighted so you actually have an image of the very person you are reading about. Would this cover make me pick this book up from a bookstore shelf? Definitely, it is the type of book I would have bought my daughter when she was younger, or would buy today for a friend or relatives child.
Though I didn't get to actually download this book, (It was a download only title which I couldn't read via my kindle) I have since seen a copy of it, a relative bought and to be honest I would have to say though I love the majority of things "Titanic" related but this one is definitely aimed at children and gives the basics of what happened on that awful night that claimed so many lives. I really like that the book is based on a true survivors story. . .and hope anyone purchasing this book for a child explains this to them and reads the book with them.
I think it would be a great discussion starter at school. Something about our own history (UK) children should be taught about. I think there is something for everyone within the story of the Titanic.
Did I enjoy the book? Yes, from a parents point of view.
Would I recommend the book? Yes
Would I read any other books by this publisher? Yes, I think its a gorgeous book.
Though I didn't get to actually download this book, (It was a download only title which I couldn't read via my kindle) I have since seen a copy of it, a relative bought and to be honest I would have to say though I love the majority of things "Titanic" related but this one is definitely aimed at children and gives the basics of what happened on that awful night that claimed so many lives. I really like that the book is based on a true survivors story. . .and hope anyone purchasing this book for a child explains this to them and reads the book with them.
I think it would be a great discussion starter at school. Something about our own history (UK) children should be taught about. I think there is something for everyone within the story of the Titanic.
Did I enjoy the book? Yes, from a parents point of view.
Would I recommend the book? Yes
Would I read any other books by this publisher? Yes, I think its a gorgeous book.
December 7, 2011
Ruth, a twelve-year-old girl, is excited about going on the new cruise ship, the Titanic. But on one terrible night, her excitement vanishes. As the ship is breaking, her mother and siblings are safe on a lifeboat. But she is still on deck. Will she get to safety? Will she be left on the boat?
This true story is very inspiring for me. The young girl faces a terribly hard night when her siblings and mother have to leave her on the Titanic. But she has faith. She prays and asks God to help her. The story’s moral is that you have to have faith in God and he will help you through trials and hard times.
Escaping Titanic is written for children, and the colorful artwork will keep their attention. The author has won many awards for the children’s and biographical books she’s written. The illustrator who did such a great job at capturing the excitement of this story is Kory S. Heinzen.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
This true story is very inspiring for me. The young girl faces a terribly hard night when her siblings and mother have to leave her on the Titanic. But she has faith. She prays and asks God to help her. The story’s moral is that you have to have faith in God and he will help you through trials and hard times.
Escaping Titanic is written for children, and the colorful artwork will keep their attention. The author has won many awards for the children’s and biographical books she’s written. The illustrator who did such a great job at capturing the excitement of this story is Kory S. Heinzen.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the netGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
December 30, 2014
I received this for review from NetGalley. Everyone is well aware of the stories told about the Titanic. This particular point of view is from a young girl Ruth Becker. Whom was aboard the luxurious ship with her mother,little brother and sister. Ruth is enchanted by the beauty of the Titanic. She loves dinning room, the cabin she and her family are in and the library as well. Everyone on aboard is lovely towards her.
I love anything on Titanic.This particular story is just amazing. Because this is a real person that was on the ship. Whom had walked around the decks, had eaten in the dinning hall. Something I've only dreamed about. Ruth never told anyone about her time aboard the ship until its 70th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.
For all those Titanic buffs out there should get this book. Yes its for a younger audience. But the pictures are wonderful. At the end of the book is more information on Ruth after her life on the Titanic.
I love anything on Titanic.This particular story is just amazing. Because this is a real person that was on the ship. Whom had walked around the decks, had eaten in the dinning hall. Something I've only dreamed about. Ruth never told anyone about her time aboard the ship until its 70th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.
For all those Titanic buffs out there should get this book. Yes its for a younger audience. But the pictures are wonderful. At the end of the book is more information on Ruth after her life on the Titanic.
December 27, 2016
I read this book to my kids who haven't heard of the Titanic - my 5 year old said it was "awesome" and wants to read it again tomorrow. My son is really interested in reading right now and I thought the story was very well-written for younger kids. It wasn't too graphic and he seemed to remember some of the stuff that I read to him - like how the boat sank in April.
I like how the story isn't a made up one - they took an actual survivor and made it into a story. For as long as I can remember, I liked to soak up any and all facts and information about the Titanic. I've always found it fascinating. I really appreciated the Afterword that talked more about the survivor Ruth Becker and told of her remaining life after escaping Titanic.
The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book!
I like how the story isn't a made up one - they took an actual survivor and made it into a story. For as long as I can remember, I liked to soak up any and all facts and information about the Titanic. I've always found it fascinating. I really appreciated the Afterword that talked more about the survivor Ruth Becker and told of her remaining life after escaping Titanic.
The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you to Capstone and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book!
July 11, 2012
Students can get enough of the Titanic. With the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic this year, students will enjoy this true story of one survivor, 12 year-old Ruth Becker. Her father was a missionary in India. Ruth, her mother, her four year-old sister and her baby brother were all heading back to the States on the Titanic, while their father stayed behind.
At the end of the book, a picture of Ruth Becker, as well as a page telling about the rest of her life. Ruth Becker, a high school teacher, never talked about her experience with her students or even her three children. No one knew she had been on the Titanic! Not until 1982 at the 70th anniversary did she tell her story. Ruth Becker died at the age of 90. Her wish was to spread her ashes over the sea, right over the Titanic.
At the end of the book, a picture of Ruth Becker, as well as a page telling about the rest of her life. Ruth Becker, a high school teacher, never talked about her experience with her students or even her three children. No one knew she had been on the Titanic! Not until 1982 at the 70th anniversary did she tell her story. Ruth Becker died at the age of 90. Her wish was to spread her ashes over the sea, right over the Titanic.
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February 3, 2017This book would be for 1st-3rd graders as the difficulty level fits well for these ages. This book would be historical non-fiction, and is about a young girl who went on the Titanic with her family. It describes how Ruth, the young girl, was able to survive once the ship began to sink. I paired this with "Titanicat" because both are about the event of the Titanic sinking, but through different perspectives. "Titanicat" is a historical fiction book as it still uses facts about the sinking of the Titanic but with fictional characters. Both are great resources for understanding the historical event.
January 13, 2012
This year is the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, and I think this is just one of many books that will be put out on the subject. The illustrations make me think of an animated film, and the story is for the most part a simple and easy to understand one, though perhaps a little bit gruesome for the intended audience. As I read the afterword, my one thought was that the young lady profiled would have hated this book. She never talked about her time on the titanic and only spoke out at the end over her fear that people would desecrate the place where so many people died.
February 5, 2012
This little book presents the true story of one little girl's experience on the Titanic and how she was able to escape. In just 34 pages, it succinctly gives the reader a short story with all the relevant facts about how grand the ship was and how events unfolded from the perspective of a child. It manages to give just enough information to be informative for its target audience of young readers without being too much for them to handle. A great introduction to the tragedy of the Titanic for younger readers.
February 15, 2012
Escaping Titanic is the true story of Ruth Becker who sailed on the Titanic as a young girl. The story begins with the sailing of the Titanic and moves quickly to the sinking of the ship. There is just enough suspense to wonder if Ruth and her family survives to keep the reader interested, even if they are already familiar with the Titanic. The story is suitable for second and third graders. The end of the story includes a brief timeline of Ruth's time on the ship and an author's note about her life after the Titanic.
March 21, 2012
This book is based off the true story of Ruth Becker's voyage on the Titanic and how her family was able to survive, escaping on the lifeboats. I am doing a unit on the Titanic with my 4th graders right now and used this picture book today and you could have heard a pin drop when I was reading it. Great introductory book to this fascinating topic. Be sure to read the Afterword which mentions how Ruth never even talked about being on the Titanic until 1982. Her own children didn't even know until then that she was a passenger!
October 8, 2012
My favorite part of this book is the very brief afterword which includes a photograph of the real Ruth Becker (the fictionalized main character in this book). The text and illustrations didn’t seem to match up to me - the artwork is very obviously digitized and somewhat exaggerated, which seems weird alongside a text that takes place well in the past.
Despite my reservations about this title, I have no doubt that many kids will enjoy it - interest in the Titanic never seems to go out of style!
Despite my reservations about this title, I have no doubt that many kids will enjoy it - interest in the Titanic never seems to go out of style!
February 24, 2012
Quite a sombre story for a picture book for young readers. I imagine very young ones (and maybe the not so young as well) would be left feeling frightened. The protagonists of this true story survived, but much is said about those who didn't. It is successful in that it leaves you with the same haunting memory of those who were lost as the girl in the story lived with her whole life, but you'd need to consider whether that's a helpful outcome for a young reader. www.GoodReadingGuide.com
December 8, 2011
I was able to read this book thanks to the website NetGalley. I read it all in one sitting. I enjoyed the illustrations as well as the story line. The characters made the story come to life. I think this is the perfect book to use if you plan to teach younger children about the sinking of the Titanic.
December 16, 2011
the pictures were beautiful. This is a good book for children to get an idea of what the Titanic was and the people affected by it. The sinking is a bit sad, but the ending makes up for it. I read it in 1 sitting. I have an interest in the Titanic, so my opinion may be biased, but if I had kids, I would read this to them.
April 18, 2013
There's a lot to like about this true story of survival. The afterword, about Ruth, is particularly valuable. I felt that the illustrations were a bit too "Disneyish" or "cartoonlike" for this tragic and true story. Even though it's a picture book, the material is quite intense, so review it before sharing with younger children.
April 11, 2014
This book is a true story about a young girl named Ruth who travels on the Titanic with her mother and two siblings. When the life boats are being loaded, Ruth is separated from her family, and has to find them on the Carpathia after they are rescued. I chose to pair it with Whit Star by Marty Crisp. This book is about a boy on the Titanic and a dog named White Star. White Star rescued the boy.
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