Book Review: Lifeboat 12

My library set specific categories for the winter reading challenge. Normally, I despise such dictates, but when prizes are involved, I'm more willing to play at their game (didn't win though, 😢). Thus, in searching for "a book based upon a true story," I discovered this children's book available in audio form (yay - I'm always looking for clean audio reads).

In Lifeboat 12, we meet thirteen-year-old Ken, a boy from Wembley who learns he is being shipped off to Canada to avoid the London bombing of WWII. He doesn't want to leave his dad, but figures his step-mother considers it a way to get rid of him. He boards the SS City of Benares, bound for Canada. His opinion of the banishment changes when he makes friends onboard, eats glorious meals, and flees war dangers. The crew claims they have made it to safe waters. Then the enemy torpedoes the ship. As the boat sinks, Ken feels he must go back for the expensive wool coat his step-mother warned him not to lose.

The cover illustration and back cover copy seem misleading. They imply Ken is alone with five other boys. The story explains there are other crewmen, a Catholic Father, and a female chaperone. During the perilous days drifting at sea, Auntie Mary keeps their spirits and anticipation high by regaling them with a story. Leaving them each day with a cliff-hanger, Mary strengthens their will to survive. This recounting of a true tale is worth sharing with children (suggested ages 8-13) who may one day struggle to survive.