Torpedoed - by Deborah Heiligman

Book Synopsis

From award-winning author Deborah Heiligman comes Torpedoed, a true account of the attack and sinking of the passenger ship SS City of Benares, which was evacuating children from England during WWII.

Amid the constant rain of German bombs and the escalating violence of World War II, British parents by the thousands chose to send their children out of the country: the wealthy, independently; the poor, through a government relocation program called CORB. In September 1940, passenger liner SS City of Benares set sail for Canada with one hundred children on board.

When the war ships escorting the Benares departed, a German submarine torpedoed what became known as the Children's Ship. Out of tragedy, ordinary people became heroes. This is their story.

This title has Common Core connections.

Review Quotes

YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award finalist
Golden Kite Award winner
Hornbook Fanfare selection
Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year

"An exceptionally well-researched and impressively crafted tale of desperation, tragedy, and survival." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"
"Extensively documented accounts tell of harrowing escapes, incredible heroism, tragic accidents, eventual rescues, and the gruesome aftermath . . . the real-time unfolding of events is compelling, and young audiences will relate to these stories about students their own age." --Booklist, starred review, on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

"Heiligman tells a story of bravery, courage, and despair . . . a must-read for all, and a beautiful memorial for those who perished in this tragic event."--School Library Journal, starred review, on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

"Nonfiction maestro Heiligman here tells a riveting wartime story. . . . Heiligman builds and maintains suspense while remaining scrupulously faithful to the historical record." --Horn Book, starred review, on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

"[A] harrowing yet inspiring look at a little-covered historical event" --Publishers Weekly on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

"[R]iveting accounts of terror, death, heroism, and sacrifice, and foreshadowings of either doom or rescue give the pace a breathless urgency . . . a fascinating look at the intersections of "fate, human, error, accident, and bad luck" that so often bring about tragedy." --The Bulletin on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

"Heiligman explores a harrowing moment in history with clear, insightful prose." --Shelf Awareness on Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of "The Children's Ship"

About the Author

Deborah Heiligman has written many books for children, including Printz Honor, YALSA Nonfiction Award Winner, and Boston Globe - Horn Book Award Winner Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers, National Book Award Finalist Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith, and The Boy Who Loved Math. She lives with her family in New York City.