Lifeboat Heroes


Book Description

This is the fictionalised story of the rescue of seamen trapped on a Polish ship off the mouth of the River Tees, Teeside.




Heroes of the RNLI


Book Description

This maritime history recounts dramatic tales of rescue at sea by the brave members of the 200-year-old Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Whenever vessels have foundered off the coasts of Britain, there have been brave individuals willing to give their all to save those in peril. But in 1823, Sir William Hillary decided that this impromptu approach was not enough. He believed that many more lives could be saved by the establishment of a national, organized rescue service. His idea was realized the following year with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. From the days of oar-powered open boats to modern, hi-tech vessels, rescuers have battled storms and unimaginable conditions, risking – and sometimes forfeiting – their own lives in efforts to save others. The most outstanding of these operations led to the awarding of gold medals for gallantry, the RNLI version of the Victoria Cross. Drawn from archives, contemporary newspaper accounts and genealogical records, this book looks not just at the details of the rescues, but into the people behind them.




Lifeboat 12


Book Description

“This page-turning true-life adventure is filled with rich and riveting details and a timeless understanding of the things that matter most.”—Dashka Slater, author of The 57 Bus “Brilliantly told in verse, readers will love Ken Sparks.” —Patricia Reilly Giff, two-time Newbery Honor winner “Lyrical, terrifying, and even at times funny. A richly detailed account of a little-known event in World War II.” —Kirkus Reviews “Middle grade Titanic fans, here’s your next read.” —BCCB “An edge-of-your seat survival tale.” —School Library Journal (starred review) A Junior Library Guild Selection The 2019 Golden Kite Middle Grade Fiction Award Winner A 2019 ALSC Notable Children’s Book The 2019–2020 Lectio Book Award Winner The 2020–2021 Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award List The 2020 Oklahoma Library Association’s Children’s Sequoyah Book Award Winner The Connecticut Book Award Winner In the tradition of The War That Saved My Life and Stella By Starlight, this poignant novel in verse based on true events tells the story of a boy’s harrowing experience on a lifeboat after surviving a torpedo attack during World War II. With Nazis bombing London every night, it’s time for thirteen-year-old Ken to escape. He suspects his stepmother is glad to see him go, but his dad says he’s one of the lucky ones—one of ninety boys and girls to ship out aboard the SS City of Benares to safety in Canada. Life aboard the luxury ship is grand—nine-course meals, new friends, and a life far from the bombs, rations, and his stepmum’s glare. And after five days at sea, the ship’s officers announce that they’re out of danger. They’re wrong. Late that night, an explosion hurls Ken from his bunk. They’ve been hit. Torpedoed! The Benares is sinking fast. Terrified, Ken scrambles aboard Lifeboat 12 with five other boys. Will they get away? Will they survive? Award-winning author Susan Hood brings this little-known World War II story to life in a riveting novel of courage, hope, and compassion. Based on true events and real people, Lifeboat 12 is about believing in one another, knowing that only by banding together will we have any chance to survive.




Titanic


Book Description

Voices from Titanic's Darkest Hours Immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey through the most infamous maritime disaster in history with "Titanic: Lived to Tell". Through the blending of harrowing first-hand accounts and meticulous research, this book offers a unique perspective on the tragedy that has captivated the world for over a century. From the opulent decks of the "unsinkable" ship to the desperate cries in the night, this narrative will transport you back to that fateful night in 1912. Witness the collision with the iceberg through the eyes of those who lived it. Feel the palpable tension as the chaos unfolds, the lifeboats are lowered, and hard decisions are made. Chapter 2: The Night of Terror and Chapter 3: Into the Lifeboats place you on the deck, amongst the confusion and fear, making the experience all but real. Uncover the stories of sacrifice, heroism, and survival that emerged in the darkest hours. But the journey doesn't end at sunrise. The Carpathia's Embrace offers a glimpse into the aftermath and the emotions that washed over survivors as they were pulled from the lifeboats. As they land in New York, the world reacts, and the survivors face the daunting task of moving forward in Chapters 5 and 6. Ventures into the inquiry, survivor guilt, and the rebuilding of lives present a comprehensive look into the human spirit's resilience in the face of loss. This book not only serves as a historical recollection but also stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit. Dive into the depths of The Men of Titanic, Women of Titanic, and Children of the Titanic for personal tales of bravery, sacrifice, and the quest for survival. Uncover the lessons learned and the legacy preserved in these personal tales, and how the Titanic continues to influence our culture and understanding of tragedy. Whether you are a history buff, a lover of gripping survival stories, or someone who seeks to understand the depth of human resilience, "Titanic: Lived to Tell" is an essential addition to your collection. Let this book be your passage back in time as we navigate through the legacy of the Titanic, understanding the disaster beyond the statistics and headlines, through the eyes of those who lived, survived, and remembered.




Heroes Among Us


Book Description

We live in a world where rock superstars, athletes, celebrities, and successful business people are paraded across the big screen and featured on the news as though beauty and fame and money and power made them modern-day heroes. We seem to have lost sight of what a real hero is. Yet America needs true heroes now more than ever. Not Supermen with super hero powers, but real men and women of character who will stand up and with conviction, make right and often hard choices in every circumstance. People who show us what it is to be good, to be brave, to be guided by conscience and character. Men and women who are examples, whose courage shows us the way we should go. Congressman Jim Ryun has provided a wealth of stories of quiet historical heroes who have, for the most part, been ignored by popular culture and nearly lost in the mist of the past. This book is not about popular heroes or cultural icons such as George Washington or Abraham Lincoln. These heroes were common people who stood firm in the face of tyranny, to give their lives for others, and to right the wrongs of social injustice. Their stories will inspire you to rise up to slay the dragons of your world.




Heroes of the Goodwin Sands


Book Description




The Forgotten Heroes


Book Description

The United States Merchant Marine has a tradition of being in the forefront of every American military action and has served with distinction in every conflict. New York Times bestselling author Brian Herbert chronicles the amazing exploits of these gallant seamen, assembling a fascinating array of data from historical documents, government records, diaries, and interviews with surviving veterans. This brilliant history details the heroism, self-sacrifice and grim determination that have always been the hallmark of the United States Merchant Marine. Herbert also reveals one of the great injustices of American history. The civilian fighters of the Merchant Marine performed feats of extraordinary bravery during World War II; they were the lifeline of the entire Allied war effort, delivering troops, materiel, food, fuel, and every essential needed for victory over the Axis. In doing so, the Merchant Marine suffered losses so high that the casualty rates were kept secret. At war's end, the men and women of every other service branch were honored by parades and given medical and educational benefits--but the members of the Merchant Marine, who were so vital to our victory, have received neither the benefits nor the recognition they deserved. Herbert is part of a growing movement across the United States to right the wrong. The Forgotten Heroes is a history of these unsung heroes and a plea for justice.







The Lifeboat that Saved the World


Book Description

The original account of a great flood— forgotten for thousands of years until it was recently rediscovered and deciphered—is now retold for children Four thousand years ago, long before the story of Noah’s Ark was written down in the Hebrew Bible, the Sumerians and Babylonians of Ancient Mesopotamia knew the story of the flood and the special boat that rescued all the animals. Its ancient Babylonian hero, Atra-hasis, was— just like Noah— ordered by his god to build a lifeboat to keep his family and all the animals safe until the flood was over. Unlike Noah, Atra-hasis was asked to build a round coracle boat the size of a soccer field—and given very precise instructions to follow. Told from the perspective both of the central hero, Atra-hasis, and of his youngest son, Very-quick, this remarkable story is supplemented with asides that give fascinating insights into daily life in Ancient Mesopotamia as well as the historical sources for the story. A tale of destruction on an unthinkable scale and survival against the odds, The Lifeboat that Saved the World is a story that has truly stood the test of time. The narrative is complemented by historically accurate detail and insights into how people lived all those years ago.




One Crew: The RNLI's Official 200-Year History


Book Description

This book takes a fresh look at the creation of the Institution, and its early founders and examines how it has responded over 200 years.