Attacked at Sea: A True World War II Story of a Family's Fight for Survival (True Rescue: Young Readers Edition)
by Michael J Tougias (Author)
A riveting WWII account of survival at sea--Book 4 in the middle grade True Rescue series from Michael J. Tougias, the author of the New York Times bestseller The Finest Hours.
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year!
On May 19, 1942, during WWII, a U-boat in the Gulf of Mexico stalked its prey fifty miles from New Orleans. The submarine set its sights on the freighter Heredia. Most onboard were merchant seamen, but there were also civilians, including the Downs family: Ray and Ina, and their two children. Fast asleep in their berths, the Downs family had no idea that two torpedoes were heading their way. When the ship exploded, chaos ensued--and each family member had to find their own path to survival.
This inspiring historical narrative tells the story of the Downs family as they struggle against sharks, hypothermia, blinding oil, drowning, and dehydration in their effort to survive the aftermath of this deadly attack off the American coast.
Christy Ottaviano Books
New York Times bestselling author Michael J. Tougias adapts his histories of real life stories for young readers in his True Rescue Series, capturing the heroism and humanity of people on life-saving missions during maritime disasters.
Illustrated Chapter Books for ages 6-9:
True Rescue: The Finest Hours
True Rescue: A Storm Too Soon
Young Readers Adaptations, for ages 9-14:
The Finest Hours (Young Readers Edition)
A Storm Too Soon (Young Readers Edition)
Into the Blizzard (Young Readers Edition)
Attacked at Sea (Young Readers Edition)
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School Library Journal
Gr 5 Up--The latest installment in the "True Rescue" series will capture the interest of reluctant readers and adventure fans alike. In May 1942, the Downs family boarded an old freighter boat called the SS Heredia to catch a ride back to their home state of Texas from Costa Rica. Ray Downs Sr., a white American, had been employed by the United Fruit Company in South America, but after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was determined to move his family back home so he could join the U.S. Marines. The family boarded the freighter with a few other passengers and a full crew of sailors. One day before their arrival in New Orleans, the Heredia was hit with a torpedo from a German U-boat and sank. The family was separated and spent a harrowing 24 hours at sea, clinging to debris and avoiding attacks from circling sharks. Eventually, they were spotted by a plane and rescued by shrimp boats. Tougias and O'Leary provide a remarkably exciting blow-by-blow account of the family's ordeal. Their tale of the days on the ship before the attack builds tension and is interspersed with stories from aboard the two German U-boats that were patrolling the Gulf of Mexico and sinking any ship they encountered. Readers learn about life inside a stifling submarine and the crew's techniques for hunting and taking down ships. VERDICT This exciting, highly readable story of survival deserves a place on most library shelves. Perfect for young history buffs and older fans of the "I Survived" series.--Kristy Pasquariello, Westwood P.L., MA
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Michael J. Tougias is the author of many award-winning true rescue stories, including the New York Times bestseller The Finest Hours, A Storm Too Soon, Into the Blizzard, and Attacked at Sea, as well as the young reader's adaptation of In Harm's Way by Doug Stanton. A frequent lecturer, Tougias splits his time between Massachusetts and Florida.
Alison O'Leary is an award-winning journalist based in New England. She is a former correspondent for the Boston Globe and the co-author with Michael Tougias of Attacked at Sea.JNF025130 - Juvenile Nonfiction | History | Military & Wars
JNF007000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | General
JNF057020 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Transportation | Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft
World War, 1939-1945
Naval operations
Submarine
Survival at sea
Mexico, Gulf of
Shipwreck survival
Naval operations, German
Downs family
Downs, Raymond
Heredia (Ship)
U-506 (Submarine)
