Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood: Middle Grade Reviews from a Parent and Writer’s Perspective

 

Synopsis:

Ken Sparks, a thirteen-year-old English boy is selected to be evacuated from London to Canada during the Nazi’s horrific bombing campaign in the summer of 1940. He is among the ninety evacuee boys and girls considered “the lucky ones” by their parents and neighbors. During their fifth day at sea, the officers of their ship, The City of Benares, tell the children they have been saved. But events prove them wrong. Will Ken and his friends survive after a U-boat attack sets them adrift on a crowded lifeboat?

 

Author: Susan Hood
Published: 2019
Age Range: 10-13+

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Evocative, figurative language is effectively used by author Susan Hood in the telling of the story and in the characterization of Ken, the thirteen-year-old protagonist.

The type setting of the text is laid out like a poetry book. The positioning, size and shape of the text changes to reflect the book’s mood and action. The effects are not as radical as you might imagine. Rather, the technique is used judiciously and to good effect, helping the story flow and adding a dynamic, active element to the words on the page.

A less poetic example of this would be “The Wimpy Kid Font” that is used in “The Wimpy Kid” series where the text looks like handwriting and reflects the attitude of the storyteller, and along with the cartoons, is a visual reflection of the action described on the page.

It’s a good introduction to poetic and figurative language for young readers. The writing is at an incrementally higher reading level than “gateway” books for reluctant readers.

This story is historical fiction with interesting background facts woven into the tale. We learn about a time period that contrasts sharply with the lifestyle and societal demands of today.

Strong emotional payoff and sentimental nostalgia from the true story and fictional elements in the book.

Cons:

Perhaps too much poetic language and war time conflict for readers just interested in enjoying an adventure sea story.

The emotional and dramatic ending may be too much for some younger readers and might be better handled when they are more emotionally mature.

Potentially Offensive Content:
Wartime WWII bombing is described. A sailor dies from drowning after jumping off Lifeboat 12, driven to madness after drinking too much saltwater. We learn in the historical background information that other passengers and crew were killed during the ship’s sinking or died in the hospital after being rescued.

A Worthwhile Read?

Absolutely! Lifeboat 12 is a highly engaging, emotionally evocative book by renowned author Susan Hood that will thrill and entertain young readers interested in fact-based adventure stories.

Also, I think Ken Spark’s story could be made into a worthwhile and entertaining movie for both children and adults.

 Reviewed by:

Christopher Sartorius