True Rescue 6: Rescue of the Bounty (Young Readers Edition)
#6 of 6 in True Rescue (Young Readers Editions) Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Book six in the True Rescue series for young readers, this pulse-pounding account of disaster and survival at sea follows the HMS Bounty whose fateful course through Superstorm Sandy would lead to one of the most heroic Coast Guard rescue missions ever. On October 23, 2012, with Superstorm Sandy fast approaching, Captain Robin Walbridge made the fateful decision to sail the HMS Bounty from New London, Connecticut to St. Petersburg, Florida, believing the wooden ship, a replica of the original, famous Bounty, would fare better at sea than at port. He told the crew that anyone who did not want to come on the voyage could leave the ship and there would be no hard feelings. No one took the captain up on his offer, and this decision would have fatal consequences. Four days into the voyage, Superstorm Sandy made an almost direct hit on the Bounty ―sending the crew tumbling into the ocean filled with crashing thirty-foot waves. Some were swept far from the ship, others found themselves tangled in the rigging, while others were trapped below the surface by the masts and spreaders. What ensued was one of the most complex, dangerous, and massive Coast Guard rescue missions in history. Rescue of the Bounty from authors Michael J. Tougias and Douglas Campbell is a gripping, inspiring, and unforgettable account―the perfect choice for young adventure-seekers, as well as fans of I Survived, Torpedoed, and Grenade.
Character compass
Robin Walbridge
John Svendsen
Claudene Christian
Discussion points
How did the crew members demonstrate teamwork during the rescue? What can we learn from their collaboration?
What emotions do you think you would feel if you were aboard the Bounty during the storm?
What strategies did the crew use to stay safe? Can you think of ways we can apply these strategies to our daily challenges?
How do you think the captain's decisions impacted the crew and the outcome of the event?
What does this story teach us about responsibility and making tough choices under pressure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy reading environment that mimics being on a ship to make the scenario more relatable.
Discuss the real events which inspired the book before diving into the discussion, providing a factual grounding that enhances the emotional connection.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the teamwork in the story and their experiences of teamwork at school or in sports.
Use a globe or map to locate the Bounty's journey, integrating a visual and interactive element to your discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The crew of the Bounty must work together to face the daunting challenges presented by Hurricane Sandy. Their survival depends on each member's contributions and collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or with friends, learning to cooperate and value each member’s input to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and decision-making
Explanation: The captain and crew are faced with critical decisions that test their responsibility towards themselves and each other. These decisions impact their survival and safety.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being responsible and making thoughtful choices, skills that are applicable in situations at school, at home, or in making personal decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter severe setbacks due to the hurricane but continue to strive for survival. Their resilience is a testament to their strength and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn that perseverance and a positive attitude can help them overcome difficulties, whether in completing a challenging task or dealing with personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: As the storm escalates, the crew faces their fears to carry out necessary actions for survival, showcasing the courage needed to confront and manage fear.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of facing their fears, whether it’s speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The story provides instances where decisions did not have the intended outcome, teaching the crew to adapt and learn from these mistakes.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures, encouraging a growth mindset and adaptability in various aspects of life.