Iceberg

Blending historical details with a compelling story makes writing historical fiction a unique challenge. You need enough details to put the reader into the time and place so they can understand what's happening, but you don't want so much detail that readers get bogged down or lose interest. Jennifer Nielsen's newest historical fiction story takes on a well-known, popular topic and interweaves a fresh, intriguing story with it.Hazel Rothbury stows away on the Titanic after discovering she doesn't have enough money to buy a ticket the way she planned. Full of questions, Hazel hopes to be a journalist one day, but as she is traveling to the US to work in a factory to support her family, her dream seems impossible. But with the help of a young porter, the guidance of a former governess, a new friend in first class, and her own determination it might just be possible. But many things stand in her way. A couple that Hazel overhears plotting to steal something valuable. A grumpy, suspicious governess. And a gut feeling that things are quite right on the Titanic. From the moment Hazel discovers the ship set sail with a fire raging down below, her instincts trigger a great deal of worry.Even though most readers will know what happened to the Titanic the author creates a great deal of tension through Hazel's story as she wrestles with the circumstances she finds herself facing. It's also brilliant the way the details about the ship and the mistakes and decisions that led to her sinking blend with Hazel's story. Hazel's curiosity leads her to investigate different aspects of the ship and her situation (as a stowaway) gets her into areas of the ship that most passengers wouldn't go.Every time I read a story about the Titanic, somehow I hope the story will end differently, but of course it doesn't, despite that knowledge, the story that Nielsen has created rings with hope and courage in the face of great difficulty. I thoroughly enjoyed this newest historical book from one of my favorite authors. She's written another fabulous book that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Fascinating story with such great details. Even though I know what was going to happen it kept me engaged the whole time. The twists and turns were amazing.

Very interesting and accurate to the titanic and it's history but I do wish it mora information about her life after the sinking

I loved reading this book and will be incorporating it into my curriculum for the Titanic unit that is already in the curriculum! Such an interesting story, I didn’t want it to end!!

Hazel is traveling to New York to work at a garment factory with her aunt. Her mother is sending her there to help earn money for the family. She’s in awe of the decadence and size of the Titanic and she has many questions that she wants to answer, so she can write about the ship when she arrives at her destination. Hazel dreams of becoming a journalist and the more she learns about the Titanic, the more questions she has. She makes friends, learns about her own priorities and also discovers a theft in progress.Likes/dislikes: Excellent Titanic story. I enjoyed the insight into life and social classes of 1912. The book departs many wise anecdotes throughout the telling of the story. Hazel has a lot of curiosity and asks intelligent, interesting and helpful questions. The mystery and suspense make the book even better.Mature content: GLanguage: G for no swears and no f-words.Violence: PG for bullying.Ethnicity: mixed.

I am speechless! This book was so good it should be a movie! I learned about icebergs and a lot about the Titanic and all the human flaws that went with it. It will be a book that I will not forget! Great Job Jennifer!

Amazing 🤩. Loooovvveeeddd this book!

I loved reading this book about the Titanic, such an unfathomable true story! I loved learning about all the people on board, as well as the elegance of the ship, and the delicious food that was served, the dedication to excellence and customer service of the crew, and their commitment to the safety of the women and children especially. Though it ended tragically, the lessons learned, and the selflessness of the heroes involved are priceless.Themes our Book club will discuss from it:. Class distinction, Emergency preparedness, cowardice versus heroism, icebergs, the American dream, wealth versus industry and self reliance, survival, how children used to help support their families, the safety industry, the friendship between Hazel and the other main characters and also how she unraveled the mysteries around her by asking questions, and trusting her gut. I also loved how she kept reflecting on lessons learned from her parents, and from history.Bravo to Jennifer Nielsen for another brilliant Book!!