The Sinking of the Vasa: A Shipwreck of Titanic Proportions

Low's digital illustrations are sumptuous and stunning, and they could pass for traditional paintings.

This winning combination of engrossing narrative and evocative illustration should appeal to fans of shipwreck stories, history, and undersea archaeology.

This picture book retelling of the failed 1628 maiden voyage of the Swedish warship Vasa is another accessible, historical account by the late Freedman (Lincoln: A Photobiography). "Designed to terrify enemies and dazzle everyone who saw her, the Vasa was almost as long as a city block." A vivid narrative chronicles the elaborate wooden ship's construction; its extremely brief first--and last--sail in Stockholm's harbor (the Vasa traveled less than a mile before wind gusts toppled it); and the remarkable 20th-century salvage operation that raised it from the salty waters and preserved much of its hull. Full-color artwork by Low (Daytime Nighttime) depicts the action, especially the underwater recovery efforts. Light-infused scenes bathed in aquamarine hues, including a clever gatefold of the ship's remains being lifted toward the surface, are remarkably lifelike in perspective and scale, and realistic moments (glinting fish scales, the bulky folds of a diver's suit) complement the detailed storytelling. The author ends with the meaningful observation that this restored former weapon of war, cannons still unfired, sits in its home country, also the birthplace of Nobel Peace Prize creator Alfred Nobel. Ages 5-9. (Aug.)

Gr 3-6--In August 1628, the Vasa, a massive, opulently decorated Swedish navy warship, was ready to launch. Commissioned by Sweden's king and having taken more than two years to build, she was loaded with weaponry and crafted to strike fear into all enemies. Anticipation over the inaugural sailing was high, with observers waving offshore and the ship's crew and their families on board. Shockingly, after traveling less than a mile, the Vasa was struck by wind, capsized, and sank, taking many lives. The ensuing investigation suggested poor design was to blame. Whatever the cause, no charges were ever brought. More than three centuries passed before the great hulk was raised from Stockholm's harbor in the late 1950s. Years of painstaking repair and restoration followed and today, the Vasa is proudly displayed in a museum. Freedman did impeccable research to recount this little-known event, and his clipped sentences convey appropriate drama and suspense. Low's wonderful digital paintings perfectly capture the historical settings and prodigious breadth and size of the ship. Underwater scenes depict exciting salvage efforts and include a breathtaking gatefold of the Vasa being lifted to the surface. There are a number of curriculum connections to be made with this text; for journalism and history units, elicit oral or written "you-were-there" interviews from the perspectives of the sinking ship's observers or survivors. Students can also compare and contrast the events surrounding the sinking of the Titanic and the Vasa. VERDICT A richly crafted work of history for upper elementary schoolers.--Carol Goldman, formerly at Queens Library, NY

A highly readable and well-documented overview of a fascinating aspect of World War II. —School Library Journal, starred review, on We Will Not Be Silent

Among the wealth of good Holocaust literature available, Freedman's volume stands out for its focus and concision, effectively placing the White Rose in its historical context, telling the story of Nazi Germany without losing the focus on the White Rose, and doing so in just over 100 pages. —Kirkus Reviews, starred review on We Will Not Be Silent

Thoroughly researched, with numerous archival photos, this well-told story of the White Rose opposition unfolds chronologically and with building suspense. —Publishers Weekly, starred review on We Will Not Be Silent