Luck of the Titanic
on Goodreads (8,594)
What’s inside...
Valora Luck is determined to leave England and pursue her dream as a circus performer in New York. She boards the biggest ocean liner, only to find out that Chinese people aren't allowed into America. As a stowaway, she needs to find her twin brother, audition for a circus owner, and convince him to help them enter America. But her plans are derailed when a catastrophe strikes the ship, forcing Val to focus on survival.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the different backgrounds and dreams of the characters impact their choices and actions aboard the Titanic?
What does the story teach us about bravery and resilience in the face of adversity?
How do the relationships between the characters evolve throughout the story, and what factors influence these changes?
What role does hope play in the story, and how does it affect the characters' ability to cope with challenging situations?
If you were on the Titanic, which character would you want to be friends with and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, have a brief discussion about what your child knows about the Titanic. This pre-reading chat can set the stage for deeper engagement with the book's themes.
Encourage your child to reflect on how the characters' decisions and actions might feel in real life, promoting empathy and understanding.
After each reading session, ask your child to predict what might happen next and why. This encourages critical thinking and makes the reading experience more interactive.
Discuss the outcomes for different characters and ask your child how they might have written the story differently. This helps nurture creative thinking and perspective-taking.
Highlight real historical facts from the book and encourage your child to research more about the Titanic, blending reading with educational exploration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates resilience as they navigate the challenges posed by the ill-fated Titanic voyage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain a positive attitude and keep trying even when faced with difficult situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and sibling bonds
Explanation: The strong bond between the siblings in the story highlights the importance of family support during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can value and nurture their relationships with their siblings and family members, understanding the strength these bonds provide.
Example Lesson: Social class and inequality
Explanation: The book provides a look into how people from different social classes were treated differently on the Titanic, offering a historical perspective on inequality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and think critically about social inequality in their surroundings and consider how to treat everyone with fairness and respect.
Example Lesson: Courage and ethical decision-making
Explanation: Characters in the book face moral dilemmas and must make difficult decisions, showcasing the role of personal ethics.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of making choices that align with their values, even when it's not easy.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: Set against the backdrop of a significant historical event, the book educates about the Titanic and its impact.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an interest in history and learn about the consequences of past events on current society.