Lifeboat 12 (Lifeboat Series) Survival hinges on a single, overcrowded boat in the middle of the freezing Atlantic.
Susan Hood introduces readers to a harrowing true story from World War II in “Lifeboat 12”. This is the first installment in a three-book series. We follow thirteen-year-old Ken Sparks as he tries to escape the London Blitz. He boards a ship bound for Canada, but a German torpedo changes everything. Ken and a small group of survivors must endure days at sea on a tiny lifeboat. They battle hunger, thirst, and the elements while waiting for a rescue that might never come.
This series works well for English language learners because it uses free verse poetry. The short lines and ample white space make the pages feel manageable and fast. Students needn’t feel buried under dense paragraphs of text. S.D. Schindler’s illustrations, including maps and diagrams, provide clear and interesting visual support to help explain the setting and the ship’s layout. Since the series maintains a consistent tone and art style, readers can gain confidence as they move forward. They can grow familiar with the historical period and the survival themes., a familiarity which can turn a difficult task into a success for students who usually avoid reading.
**Total Books in Series:** 3
**Best Starting Point:** Lifeboat 12
