Nazis have begun bombing London, and Ken Sparks, along with 89 other children, aged five to fifteen have the chance to escape to Canada. Based on true events and real people, Lifeboat 12 is about believing in one another, knowing that only by banding together will we have any chance to survive. Lifeboat 12 is a beautiful window to the past. Hood bases her verse novel on the actual experiences of Ken Sparks, whom she interviewed, along with other survivors. Will they get away? Will they survive?Īward-winning author Susan Hood brings this little-known World War II story to life in a riveting novel of courage, hope, and compassion. Running back to his cabin for his prized overcoat, Ken misses his assigned lifeboat and is crammed into Number 12, a chance action that sends him to drift for days in the open sea but ultimately saves his life. Terrified, Ken scrambles aboard Lifeboat 12 with five other boys. Late that night, an explosion hurls Ken from his bunk. And after five days at sea, the ship’s officers announce that they’re out of danger. Life aboard the luxury ship is grand-nine-course meals, new friends, and a life far from the bombs, rations, and his stepmum’s glare. He suspects his stepmother is glad to see him go, but his dad says he’s one of the lucky ones-one of ninety boys and girls to ship out aboard the SS City of Benares to safety in Canada. With Nazis bombing London every night, it’s time for thirteen-year-old Ken to escape. In the tradition of The War That Saved My Life and Stella By Starlight, this poignant novel in verse based on true events tells the story of a boy’s harrowing experience on a lifeboat after surviving a torpedo attack during World War II. The 2020 Oklahoma Library Association’s Children’s Sequoyah Book Award Winner The 2020–2021 Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award List The 2019 Golden Kite Middle Grade Fiction Award Winner “An edge-of-your seat survival tale.” - School Library Journal (starred review)

“Middle grade Titanic fans, here’s your next read.” - BCCB A richly detailed account of a little-known event in World War II.” - Kirkus Reviews A watch with the inscription: Presented to Kenneth Sparks By his neighbors in admiration Of his dauntless courage When torpedoed in SS City of Benares. “Lyrical, terrifying, and even at times funny. “Brilliantly told in verse, readers will love Ken Sparks.” -Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery Honor winner I would recommend this book to all World War II enthusiasts.“This page-turning true-life adventure is filled with rich and riveting details and a timeless understanding of the things that matter most.”-Dashka Slater, author of The 57 Bus Telegram: Courtesy of Kathleen Gill, Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade Photos of Ken and his family: Courtesy of Ken Sparks Billy and Peter Short: Courtesy. I liked the fact that it is written in verse which gives the book a whole new feeling. 'This page-turning true-life adventure is filled with rich and riveting details and a timeless understanding of the things that matter most.'Dashka Slater, author of The 57 Bus 'Brilliantly told in verse, readers will love Ken Sparks.' Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery Honor winn. It captures all the emotions of people during times of a crisis beautifully. Susan Hood’s Lifeboat 12 is a super quick read and an inspiring book. Its 1940, the beginning of the Blitz, and 13-year-old Kenneth Sparks is selected to. With water for only a week and limited food, will Ken and his companions make it to safety? Will someone come to rescue them? Read this book to find out. Terrified, Ken scrambles aboard Lifeboat 12 with five other boys. Ken got into Lifeboat 12 and with the 40 other people on board started his journey of surprise and adventure. Everyone rushes to their lifeboats following the standard drill they had practised in case of an emergency. However, they are torpedoed at night by a German U-boat. That night Ken sleeps peacefully without any bad dreams or nightmares. Their destroyer ship leaves and they are alone with their convoy, all headed for Canada. After around a sennight of travel, they are told that they are in a safe zone where they won’t be torpedoed by any German U-boat. Aboard the SS City of Benares there are delicious nine-course meals, a play area, a nursery and a lot more facilities which Ken would never have dreamed of in England. His ship is part of a convoy of 18 ships accompanied by a destroyer ship. Ken makes many friends while on his journey to Canada. It is from the point of view of a young boy named Ken Sparks, aged 13 who is one of the 90 children to be chosen to leave on the luxury cruise, SS City of Benares to reach the safety of Canada away from the Nazi bombs.

It talks about how England was during the times of World War II. Lifeboat 12 is a fantastic book by Susan Hood.

Ken sparks lifeboat 12