I never would’ve expected that such a complex story could be packed into this short of a book but author, Sarah Jane, accomplished said task in Maiden Voyage. Whenever reading historical fiction, particularly stories about an event that ended badly, I can’t help but internally shout, “Don’t go!” Although I did know the awful outcome of the Titanic, there were plenty of unexpected things along the way; details were given about the event and the unprecedently stunning ship with which I was unfamiliar. Beautifully developed characters, both terrific and villainous, have you at the edge of your seat to see who is among the survivors. A brief yet sweet romance is slipped in the cracks that will yet again give you cause to rush to the ending. If you enjoy historical fiction, especially Titanic stories, you need to pick up Maiden Voyage.

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Scholastic Press (A Scholastic Imprint)

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Several (15) brief incidents including gun shot in the air; verbal threat; character jumps into the ocean; second-hand report that character is sick from working in a mine; reference to characters’ parents being dead; reference to boys having to crush bones and fighting over food; second-hand report of character getting killed; attempted kidnapping; character hopes another is dead; adult male character slapped teenage female character; child kicks and bites adult; punching; character kicked and tried to punch another; people dying when ship sank.

Sex/Nudity:  A few (10) brief incidents including flirting; kissing; girl looking for a boyfriend; girl getting teased about looking at a boy; hugging; innuendo.

Mature Subject Matter:

Gambling, death, character drugging another.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Character poisoning another; characters drink flask in an attempt to stay warm; adults drinking.