Benoit, Peter. The Titanic.

Benoit, Peter.  The Titanic.  Scholastic/Childrens Press    2013 64p  $30.00  ISBN 978-0-531-23607-9      ms   series: Cornerstones of Freedom  E-BNS     

This title is part of a series that describes some of the most dramatic and defining moments in history.  It offers a look at the sinking of the great ship Titanic.  Beginning with a discussion of the race between the rival shipping companies Cunard and White Star to be the biggest at the turn of the twentieth century, the author goes into great detail about the actual construction of the Titanic, the work of the Irish shipbuilding company that designed and built her, the ship’s impact with the iceberg, and the appalling loss of life due to the lack of proper safety measures.  There is also a compelling description of the problems with the radio communications between vessels and the lack of communication between radio officers and the ship’s captain.

The book is written in a clear, concise manner and is enhanced by primary source information and black-and-white photographs and period illustrations.  There are interesting and informative tidbits found in sidebars in each chapter that present additional information on relevant topics.  The book is library-bound and ends with a list of influential individuals, a time line, a living history link to primary sources, a glossary, a bibliography of books and web sites, and an index.  This will be a excellent source for reports requiring more than just basic information.

This title is part of an ever-growing series that discusses dramatic and defining moments in history.  Primary source material, crisp photographs of people and events, and timelines provide the student researcher with an overview of the topic. Gr 4-8.   

Titanic                                                           --Susan Ogintz