⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Gripping Introduction to a Historic Discovery

'Finding the Titanic' by Dalton Rains is a compelling and accessible account of one of the most captivating maritime discoveries of the 20th century. This seems like a retelling of "Finding the Titanic by Robert D. Ballard" with few latest updates. The book does an excellent job of drawing readers, especially younger audiences, into the mystery and eventual discovery of the Titanic wreck. Author presents the facts with clarity and emotion, creating a sense of wonder around the deep-sea exploration.

The illustrations and narrative pacing are well-crafted, making it easy to follow along even for the once without prior knowledge of the Titanic’s story. The book successfully captures the spirit of adventure and the determination of the people involved in the search, specially Robert D. Ballard.

However, one star is deducted due to a noticeable lack of depth in the coverage of the various expeditions that led to the Titanic's discovery. Including more details about the different teams, technologies and setbacks encountered during the search would have added significant value and insight for curious readers wanting more than just the surface story. With that, it could have been a very good coffee-table book.

Overall, it's a strong and engaging read that sparks interest, but leaves one hoping for a slightly deeper dive.

One of a set of eight almost pamphlet-sized books about key experiences in man's exploration of the world, this barely touches the surface of why the Titanic is so famous, where it is, what it is like now and so on. But at least we have the narrative of it being refound, making this a decent and quick non-fiction read for young audiences, especially those reluctant to find themselves doing such a thing.

Finding the Titanic was a fun children’s educational book and the perfect prep for my daughter and I as we are traveling to Belfast, Ireland later this year and plan to visit the Titanic museum.

The book focuses on the discovery of the Titanic and I learned a lot about that expedition and search that I didn’t know. The book uses real photos and key interesting facts that didn’t overwhelm me and I thought it was a good amount of content!

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher North Star Editions. All thoughts are mine and not impacted by receiving an arc.

Growing up, I was obsessed with the Titanic. I think most ship enthusiasts are. I remember buying books like Exploring the Titanic and 882 1/2 Amazing Answers to Your Questions About the Titanic at the Scholastic Book Fair or ordering from the Scholastic Book Club and pouring over them for hours. There’s certainly something to be said for hooking kids early—and that’s what Dalton Rains does in Finding the Titanic.

Many thanks to NetGalley and North Star Editions for providing an advance copy of this book to read and review.

Book Summary

Finding the Titanic tells the story of Titanic’s discovery on September 1, 1985. Using advanced underwater technology, Dr. Robert Ballard and his French-American team found the elusive wreck. The book talks about how the Titanic expedition was a cover for the US Navy to find two missing submarines—USS Scorpion and USS Thresher—during the Cold War. Finding the Titanic also gently discusses the tragic Titan implosion in June 2023 and highlights the dangers associated with visiting the wreck.

My Thoughts

Finding the Titanic is a great book for kids. I can see it hooking a new generation of Titanic fans and ship enthusiasts.

This book introduces young readers to the Titanic. Finding the Titanic is short at just 32 pages, and written at the 2nd to 3rd Grade level. The text is easy to read and has short paragraphs. A glossary introduces young readers to terms like “debris” and “sonar” in clear language. Then, of course, there are plenty of awesome photographs to captivate children’s imagination (like they did mine all those years ago).

However, there’s little on the actual sinking of the Titanic. Finding the Titanic is almost entirely about finding and exploring the wreck. But of course, this is for young readers so I understand why this might be the case. Those hooked by this book will learn the story soon enough.

Conclusion

I definitely recommend Finding the Titanic for younger readers. Older kids and parents might also enjoy it too. Its short, concise prose makes it a quick read and I think it’ll pique children’s interest—especially if they’re already showing an interest in ships or underwater exploration. Parents and teachers should absolutely consider this book for younger readers.

This is a very good informational text for readers who are not quite ready for longer chapter books on the subject. Ideal for 3rd-5th graders, the focus is on the modern day efforts and technology to locate the sunken ship, and ways that museums and archivists document the aftermath.

I especially like the comprehension questions and glossary that are included. I recommend this for homeschoolers, schools and libraries.

While there wasn't much new here for me, a long time avid follower of the discovery, it serves as a nice, concise summation of the true Titanic story for the intended audience, grades 2-3. I do think it'll be of interest to older children and, yes, even adults like me who have maybe forgotten a few details. It's illustrated with both color and b/w photos with Fast Facts and information in side-bars throughout. It's clearly up-to-date, too, in its reminder of the dangers involved, citing the explosion of a manned-sub focused on a visual tour of the deteriorating vessel.

Lost for some 70 years before being located by the team lead by Robert Ballard, the Titanic has had an unending hold on our imaginations. The book cites basics, it's size, number of passengers, and the various craft used in its discovery and initial investigation. One thing I'd forgotten was that the Navy, while claiming to be looking for the wreck, was using it as a cover story for another mission. Or, did I even know that? I'm honestly uncertain. In any case, not telling, but this story allows the book to utilize a strength, its glossary. While quite succinct, the definitions are simple and easy to understand, with the word "cover" getting space as in "cover story", so to speak, for the Navy's plan. There's also a Table of Contents, glossary, as noted, index, and list of both print and internet resources to use for more information. Scattered throughout are various sidebars with quick bits of added info, and "Fast Facts" that seem to appear in circles. Finally, at the end, there's also a list of questions to help check comprehension that seemed quite well done to this former teacher.

Bottom line, a short and sweet guide and source for young Titanic fans to utilize both at their leisure and as a guided study. The photos at the end of everyday items retrieved from the doomed ship add an air of sadness, I must admit, reminding readers of the human lives involved in this tragedy. Thanks #NorthStarEditions - #Apex for sharing this peek at this resource with me. I'll be sharing it with teacher friends and parents.

This was a great little book on the Titanic. Finding the Titanic includes facts about how the wreckage was discovered and then comprehension questions in the back. I can see this being a great book to use for classrooms, or in a book club for children. I highly recommend it!