Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults

Hopkinson, D. (2012). Titanic: Voices from the disaster. New York: Scholastic Press.  Though most of us know the story of the Titanic, what we truly know are the main and factual details.  However, this book allows the reader to take a deeper dive into the depth of characteristics that went into the Titanic.  Furthermore, this book provides numerous quotes, photos, unknown (never before heard of) people, that clearly portray more than what we have learned or watched in the movie.  For example, the author included the exquisite style of the ship that even people in bottom class received-from the jewels in the first class dinner table to the decor surrounding the ship.  The book also includes other information that was never seen before: tickets, transcripts, and ship records.  In conclusion, this book is a must read for everyone!  Even elementary students can learn a lot from this book.  Teachers can definitely incorporate this book into a lesson for social studies.  After all, it is one of the most important historical events that have occurred.  Furthermore, teachers can also include this book to provide a compare and contrast activity with other Titanic books, while being able to emphasize the characteristics of a nonfiction book.  Criteria: The book expands on our knowledge on the minute details of the Titanic, everything the author provided in the book is a true reflection of real life.  Her style was not just providing information, but substantial evidence that make this book even more thrilling.