Iceberg
Recommended Ages: 9-14
“’All of the men know,” Charlie said. “But there are times in life when we each must live for something greater than ourselves’” (297).
Nielsen does it again with another great historical fiction that is adventurous and wholesome for your young reader. A deviation from her typical WWI and WWI historical fiction, Nielsen takes on another iconic event: the sinking of the Titanic.
Hazel Rothbury, the main character, is essentially forced from home as her mother sends to America to live and work with her aunt in a garment factory. Since the heroic death of Hazel’s father, the means to survive has been difficult to come by and the extra money Hazel can earn and send home is much needed. However, from the start, Hazel’s journey is not easy. After traveling by foot to the dock, she discovers that the money her mother managed to get together to send her on the Titanic is not enough. Knowing she can’t go back and disappoint her mother, Hazel stows away on the infamous Titanic. Thus begins an adventurous tale.
While Hazel is on her way to America to work in a factory, that is not her dream nor desire. She is a curious young girl with lots of questions and a goal of becoming a journalist. Her ambition is to write a first hand account of the Titanic, to find out what secrets lay inside this majestic titan of industry. Maybe this story will set her on a new path of success?
A young first-class passenger named Sylvia befriends Hazel. Hazel doesn’t have much experience with friends, so this is an element of growth for her as a character as she confronts her own ambition and desire and what it means to help a friend and to selflessly consider others. In addition to Sylvia, Charlie, a porter, befriends Hazel despite the detriment to his own career and standing within the ship.
Hazel’s character development as she interacts with others her same age and a wise and humble woman, Mrs. Ableman, offer messages and themes you would want your reader encountering. Some great quotes from the novel include:
“’Well, it’s true! My point is that you have nothing to be ashamed of. People are the same everywhere. Either they’ll accept you as you are or they won’t, but if they don’t, that says more about them as snobs than you as comin’ from poverty’” (67-68).
“’All of the men know,” Charlie said. “But there are times in life when we each must live for something greater than ourselves’” (297).
Hazel is trying to convince Charlie to get on a lifeboat with her (he is young like she is). She says to him, “’Your mother needs you, Charlie. Your family needs you to stay alive.’
‘But not like that!’ he nearly shouted. ‘Look at how many people are still on this ship! I will not save myself at their expense. But I will save you’” (308).
Without giving too much away, there are secrets on this ship and Hazel uncovers many that put her own life in danger, as well as that of Sylvia and Charlie. Your reader will not only enjoy the intrigue, but also the historical connections that Nielsen weaves in. Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end on what was Fact versus what was Fiction. She did take some creative license, but many of the historical figures are portrayed with accuracy. Lastly, you will not find any profanity or questionable scenes within this novel.
