Iceberg

Blending historical details with a compelling story makes writing historical fiction a unique challenge. You need enough details to put the reader into the time and place so they can understand what's happening, but you don't want so much detail that readers get bogged down or lose interest. Jennifer Nielsen's newest historical fiction story takes on a well-known, popular topic and interweaves a fresh, intriguing story with it.Hazel Rothbury stows away on the Titanic after discovering she doesn't have enough money to buy a ticket the way she planned. Full of questions, Hazel hopes to be a journalist one day, but as she is traveling to the US to work in a factory to support her family, her dream seems impossible. But with the help of a young porter, the guidance of a former governess, a new friend in first class, and her own determination it might just be possible. But many things stand in her way. A couple that Hazel overhears plotting to steal something valuable. A grumpy, suspicious governess. And a gut feeling that things are quite right on the Titanic. From the moment Hazel discovers the ship set sail with a fire raging down below, her instincts trigger a great deal of worry.Even though most readers will know what happened to the Titanic the author creates a great deal of tension through Hazel's story as she wrestles with the circumstances she finds herself facing. It's also brilliant the way the details about the ship and the mistakes and decisions that led to her sinking blend with Hazel's story. Hazel's curiosity leads her to investigate different aspects of the ship and her situation (as a stowaway) gets her into areas of the ship that most passengers wouldn't go.Every time I read a story about the Titanic, somehow I hope the story will end differently, but of course it doesn't, despite that knowledge, the story that Nielsen has created rings with hope and courage in the face of great difficulty. I thoroughly enjoyed this newest historical book from one of my favorite authors. She's written another fabulous book that I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Lots of books have been written about the Titanic, and this is one of the best. Great for teens and adults. Good characters with several plot twists. Definitely one to read again in a year or so.

I can’t figure out why books about the Titanic have always intrigued me. There’s just something about that story that’s always worth reading about; the backstories of the passengers, and their reasons for being on the ship are fascinating.“Iceberg” was no exception; I really got into it (even though yes, I already knew the ship sank!) Besides the usual details of the Titanic, and its tragic end, the mystery sub-plot really made this a page-turner.If this book had been around when I was in middle-school, I would have read and re-read it. It also would have made me want to know more about Titanic, so I would have sought out non-fiction books, also. I hope teachers of middle-grade readers will have this one in their classrooms for that very reason.

I loved reading this book about the Titanic, such an unfathomable true story! I loved learning about all the people on board, as well as the elegance of the ship, and the delicious food that was served, the dedication to excellence and customer service of the crew, and their commitment to the safety of the women and children especially. Though it ended tragically, the lessons learned, and the selflessness of the heroes involved are priceless.Themes our Book club will discuss from it:. Class distinction, Emergency preparedness, cowardice versus heroism, icebergs, the American dream, wealth versus industry and self reliance, survival, how children used to help support their families, the safety industry, the friendship between Hazel and the other main characters and also how she unraveled the mysteries around her by asking questions, and trusting her gut. I also loved how she kept reflecting on lessons learned from her parents, and from history.Bravo to Jennifer Nielsen for another brilliant Book!!

My sister loves this author, she’s in middle school and really enjoys her books!