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LIFEBOAT 5

Name: LIFEBOAT 5
Author: Susan Hood
ISBN: 9781665943246

by Susan Hood ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 8, 2024

A hopeful story about devastating events written in clear, accessible verse.

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Nazi bombs are falling on London.

Trapped in the shelter, 15-year-old Bess feels under attack from bombers on the outside and bullies on the inside. She convinces her parents to apply for a program that will evacuate children to Canada, and she and little brother Louis are accepted. They set off on the SS City of Benares accompanied by a convoy of armed ships. Their escorts and the crew are kind, but the life jackets and lifeboat drills are reminders that danger is always lurking. Bess befriends fellow passenger Beth, and when a German torpedo strikes and the ship sinks, they help one another to safety but feel overwhelmed by stormy weather, loss, and despair. Is there any hope of finding Louis? Bess narrates her tale in free verse that uses short, staccato lines to describe the unfolding events in sharp detail. Hood intersperses verses narrated by the sea, and others that follow Louis’ experiences. Bess’ stream-of-consciousness style expresses all her doubts, fears, and hopes, bringing readers along on her torturous adventure. The girls are ultimately rescued by the HMS Hurricane and find Louis, but only a few of the other children survive. This verse novel is inspired by unforgettable real events that will leave a lasting impression on readers.

A hopeful story about devastating events written in clear, accessible verse. (author’s note, Lifeboat 5 facts, poetry notes, sources, appendix, photographs) (Verse historical fiction. 10-14)

Pub Date: Oct. 8, 2024

ISBN: 9781665943246

Page Count: 272

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES | CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION | CHILDREN'S POETRY

- BOOK REVIEW
HARBORING HOPE
by Susan Hood

- BOOK REVIEW
BROTHERS IN ARMS
by Susan Hood ; illustrated by Jamie Green

- BOOK REVIEW
ALIAS ANNA
by Susan Hood with Greg Dawson

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ALL THE BLUES IN THE SKY

by Renée Watson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 4, 2025

A heartfelt portrait of the complexities of grief and the indomitable human spirit.

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In the Newbery Honor–winning author’s latest, a Harlem teen copes with overwhelming pain while learning how to open up.

Sage’s 13th birthday was the worst day of her life; it was the day her best friend, Angel, was killed after a hit-and-run. In the wake of Angel’s death, Sage takes part in grief counseling with four other students; she connects with Ebony and DD, whose losses were sudden as well. Sage grapples with conflicting emotions, but the person who could help her sort them out is gone forever, leaving her convinced it was her fault. She wishes her life had concrete answers, like the math problems she enjoys. Instead, new friendships and a possible romance raise more questions. Finally, all her pent-up anger and sadness spill over, and Sage can longer hold in her feelings. Much to her surprise, speaking honestly helps lift the veil of sadness and sets her on a path toward healing. Watson has crafted an achingly beautiful novel that masterfully captures the realities of loss—the constant reminders of what life used to be like, the guilt that haunts Sage, and the anguish of “talking about someone you love in past tense.” Sage’s voice, rendered in a mix of prose and free verse, is visceral and wholly authentic, while the supporting characters are also richly and fully realized. Characters are cued Black.

A heartfelt portrait of the complexities of grief and the indomitable human spirit. (author’s note, resources) (Verse fiction. 10-14)