FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.

“Bernie recalled the Coast Guard’s official motto: Semper Paratus, Latin for ‘Always Ready.’ However, it was the unofficial Coast Guard motto that now weighed heavily in his mind: ‘You have to go out, but you do not have to come back.’”

Spectacular version of the Pendleton rescue account. Wonderful to read with children and teens. I loved that the heroes were humble even after fame knocked on their doors. True heroism is about the hard work, and that was showcased here.

Content: one profanity

True Rescue: The Finest Hours is an adventure all on its own. One of the finest and most daring rescues in New England history. When two ships are stricken in winter seas after their ships split into two, there are two teams who head out to rescue them. Only one was called in, the other, the radio was dead, and no distress call could go out.

The crew that headed out to rescue the men trapped were all volunteers, and none of them were sure that they were going to return safely, if at all. But they were not going to leave the men trapped on the ship to the sea.

I absolutely loved this story! It was not one that I had heard before, but it is one that I look forward to sharing with my boys! This book was engaging and one that will resonate with younger readers.

First sentence: February 18, 1952 Captain John Fitzgerald could barely stay on his feet aboard his rocking ship, the 503-foot-long oil tanker named Pendleton. Fitzgerald had been in bad weather before, but nothing like the winter storm that was now raging off Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Premise/plot: The Finest Hours is an early chapter book adaptation of a young readers adaptation of an adult nonfiction title. It is part of a series of true survivor stories. The intensity of the action is HIGH. And the books highlight the courage, determination, grit shown, and to some degree miraculous nature of events.

In this one, an oil tanker splits in two, the bow and stern separate--of course--and it's unclear to those on board if help will ever come....

By chance another oil tanker splits in two and is able to send out a message....but it is the Pendleton that is found...

The narrative shifts between those on board the tanker AND those of the Coast Guard sent to save them...

My thoughts: Very intense. Action-packed. Quick read. I liked it.

Would you risk your life battling sixty foot waves to save crew members of an T2 oil tanker off the Atlantic Ocean, in winter, knowing that your chances of surviving your mission were nearly impossible? This true story draws the reader into the very emotions of Bernie Webber and his crew as they risk everything to save the crew members of the Pendleton. The thoughts and actions of those on the Pendleton waiting hours for maybe the hope that someone would rescue them is captured with such honesty. This book is for anyone who loves true stories, that capture the human spirit of grit, courage and strength. It opens the readers eyes to the Coast Guard and how vitally important they are and how true they are to their motto Semper Paratus, always ready. The added illustrations and photos at the end of the book help in engaging the reader.

True Rescue: The Finest Hours was a read that my students would find appealing and engaging. It is difficult to find books for this grade level that aren't dry, especially non-fiction reads, but this fits the bill.

Although the true life story behind this title is very interesting, the book seemed rushed which made for a less engaging read. It may be fine for younger readers, but I’m not sure it will hold the attention of older middle-grade kids.

High accessibly nonfiction for middle grade students. I can't wait to order this for my library for students to enjoy--it's going to be very popular with them!

my son really loves true stories and he has so enjoyed reading about the sea rescue story! hoping to find other titles like this!

A wonderful book for young readers ages 6-10. Older readers will enjoy it also. This is a chapter book that is part of a series. A true story about 4 men in the Coast Guard who brave a savage storm to rescue the crew of an oil tanker breaking up off shore in New England. This story is available on film for older readers. I have been a part of the Coast Guard family for over 30 years and it's nice to see them get good publicity for a younger reader. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This high interest-low level book is perfect for my middle school classroom! It features an unknown - but true - story of Coast Guard rescuers and the night two oil tankers both needed rescuing at the same time. There is action, adventure, intrigue, and history all wrapped up in a fast-paced story that will keep students reading to see how it ends. The illustrations help with story visualization, and there are photos and historic text at the end that introduce the reader to these real-life heroes.

While being drilled as middle grade, I found this to be too young for my 6-8th grade readers. I wish publishers could find better terms for middle grade and middle school materials.