Titanic: death on the water by Tom and Tony Bradman

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A and C Black, 2012. ISBN 9781408155813.
(Age: 12+) At the age of thirteen, Billy is forced to join his father in Belfast constructing the 'unsinkable' Titanic. Billy finds the ship yards and the men employed there very intimidating, especially after a work accident claims his father's life. He decides that working as a bellboy on the big ship will be a much safer place for him than the construction yards.
At sea, Billy has to adapt to life away from his family and learn how to stand up for himself. His job involves looking after the first class passengers but he is also concerned with the welfare of less fortunate travellers.
2012 is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and this has rekindled public interest in the catastrophic event. Although this is a fictional account by a father and son team, it is based on research held in the UK National Archives. It is a well written story and an exciting introduction to the Titanic story for the younger reader.
Tina Cain

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