Historical Fiction

I survived the Sinking of the Titanic

by Laura Tarshis



Summary 

The books within the I Survived series combine historical moments with fast paced storytelling, and this book is no exception. Readers will be emersed in the emotions and thoughts of the main character throughout the historical sinking of the Titanic.  The fictional telling of the sinking involves the main character George and his sister. While on the Titanic, George learns that there is a mummy aboard the boat and goes looking for it in the cargo area. As he is looking for the mummy, the ship its an iceburg. The noise from the collision causes George to flee to the top deck where he finds his sister has gone missing. George now faces the struggle of finding his sister before the ship sinks. 

Personal Reflection

I feel as though the way the story is told is very intriguing and will have young readers excited to read what happens next. The fictional telling of this story adds an element of mystery and surprise for readers who already know the true details of the historical moment. 

Literary Elements

There are many uses of figurative language throughout the book such as idioms, simile, and personification. Such use of figurative language communicates abstract information to the reader. Language used throughout the text uses informal diction to connect with a younger audience. 

Illustrations

The illustrations throughout the book are in black and white with heavy shading. The shading in the illustrations gives a sense emotion, perhaps to foreshadow the loneliness that is to come. The black and white tones of the illustration 'create drama or movement and an absence of contrast creates a quiet or solemn mood' (Galda, 2015).

Activities

Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the main character by creating a mind map. Students will record 6 adjectives to desribe George. Students will then support these adjectives with information found in the text and cite it below the adjective. This allows students to build on their text evidence skills and demonstrate understanding of how to analyze text. 

Other Works by the Author 



References

Tarshis, L. (2020). I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic. Thorndike Striving Reader.

Galda, L., Liang, L. A., & Cullinan, B. E. (2015). Literature and the Child (9th ed., pp. 70).

Cengage Learning.

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