What This Book Is About
Everyone knows the story of the Titanic. But almost nobody knows the story of the ship that came to rescue its survivors. On the night of April 14, 1912, the RMS Carpathia received a distress call from the sinking Titanic. What followed was one of the most extraordinary rescue operations in maritime history. Captain Arthur Rostron immediately turned his ship around, ordered every spare drop of steam into the engines, and raced through an ice field in the dark—risking his own ship and 1,700 passengers to save strangers.
Flora Delargy tells this incredible true story through breathtaking full-page illustrations that capture the scale of the Atlantic, the danger of the ice, and the desperate hope of the survivors. The book follows the Carpathia's crew hour by hour as they prepared blankets, soup, and medical supplies while navigating icebergs at maximum speed. It's a story about ordinary people making extraordinary choices—about the kind of quiet bravery that doesn't make headlines but changes everything. With maps, timelines, and factual sidebars woven throughout, this is non-fiction at its most compelling: history that reads like a thriller.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why We Recommend This Book
For A2-level readers (Grade 3), Rescuing Titanic is an outstanding choice for three reasons.
First, it's non-fiction that feels like an adventure story. Many young readers shy away from non-fiction, but this book's dramatic narrative and stunning illustrations pull them in before they realize they're learning real history. Building comfort with non-fiction early is essential for international school success.
Second, the book reframes a famous tragedy as a story of heroism and compassion. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, it celebrates what went right—ordinary people choosing to help strangers at great personal risk. This aligns perfectly with UWC's values of service and courage.
Third, the visual storytelling supports A2 readers beautifully. The illustrations carry much of the narrative weight, allowing children to understand complex events even when some vocabulary is new, making it an ideal bridge between picture books and text-heavy non-fiction.
Reading Level Guide
Building toward this book. The illustrations help, but some vocabulary may be challenging. Try with a parent first.
Perfect difficulty. The illustrations support the text beautifully, making the history accessible and exciting.
A comfortable read. Enjoy the stunning artwork, then explore longer non-fiction for more depth.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.