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Actual Times
All Stations! Distress!: April 15, 1912: The Day the Titanic Sank
THE "UNSINKABLE" MEETS THE UNTHINKABLE -- A gripping account of the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic. It took 4,000 men to build it, 23 tons of animal grease to slide it into the ocean, 100,000 people to wave bon voyage, but only one wrong move to tear the Titanic apart, sinking it into the pages of history. On a cold moonless night in April of 1912, 2,000 passengers--both the uber-rich enjoying a luxury cruise and the dirt-poor hoping to find a new life in America--struggled to survive. Only 700 succeeded. Lifeboats were launched half-full; women were forced to leave their husbands and sons behind; and even those who made it out alive were forever haunted, constantly wondering "why me?" Told through captivating prose and chilling first-hand accounts, Don Brown take the pieces of the broken Titanic and gives it such a vivid shape that you'd swear you've never heard the story before.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published December 9, 2008
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November 12, 2020
On the night of April 15th, 1912, the Titanic, a new ocean-liner thought to be unsinkable, struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and sunk, taking more than 1500 people down with it. Author/illustrator Don Brown chronicles that terrible night in this advanced picture-book history, incorporating the testimony of survivors, and giving a brief description of what happened to some of them, after their traumatic experiences on the sea...
All Stations! Distress!: April 15, 1912, The Day the Titanic Sank was published in 2008, and was the first of Brown's Actual Times series, intended to highlight important days in American and world history. Despite being the first, it is the last of the five books in the series that I have read. I found it both informative and engrossing, and was moved to tears on more than one occasion. There are so many disturbing aspects to the Titanic story, from the arrogance and misjudgment of those who built and sailed her, to the fact that most of the inadequate number of lifeboats on board were launched less than half full. One thing that has always particularly appalled me, in a list of appalling things, is that the passengers in second and third class had such trouble getting above decks, something that prevented many of them from being saved. Granted, it was chaos on deck, but given the policy of putting women and children into the lifeboats first, the fact that many lower class passengers came up too late meant that fifty-nine children were denied a seat in one of those boats - a seat that was empty! I understand that the idea that lower class passengers were locked in down below has been disproven, but the fact remains that the lifeboats that were meant to be on their own decks were never put on board, and that they faced significant obstacles getting up to the top decks. Whether they were deliberately targeted or not, class prejudice definitely played a role in their deaths, something Brown addresses in his narrative. His accompanying artwork, done in watercolor I believe, is expressive, and captures the drama of that night. Recommended to anyone looking for a children's introduction to the sinking of the Titanic. This is a text-heavy picture-book, so I'd say it was best for upper primary and middle-grade readers.
All Stations! Distress!: April 15, 1912, The Day the Titanic Sank was published in 2008, and was the first of Brown's Actual Times series, intended to highlight important days in American and world history. Despite being the first, it is the last of the five books in the series that I have read. I found it both informative and engrossing, and was moved to tears on more than one occasion. There are so many disturbing aspects to the Titanic story, from the arrogance and misjudgment of those who built and sailed her, to the fact that most of the inadequate number of lifeboats on board were launched less than half full. One thing that has always particularly appalled me, in a list of appalling things, is that the passengers in second and third class had such trouble getting above decks, something that prevented many of them from being saved. Granted, it was chaos on deck, but given the policy of putting women and children into the lifeboats first, the fact that many lower class passengers came up too late meant that fifty-nine children were denied a seat in one of those boats - a seat that was empty! I understand that the idea that lower class passengers were locked in down below has been disproven, but the fact remains that the lifeboats that were meant to be on their own decks were never put on board, and that they faced significant obstacles getting up to the top decks. Whether they were deliberately targeted or not, class prejudice definitely played a role in their deaths, something Brown addresses in his narrative. His accompanying artwork, done in watercolor I believe, is expressive, and captures the drama of that night. Recommended to anyone looking for a children's introduction to the sinking of the Titanic. This is a text-heavy picture-book, so I'd say it was best for upper primary and middle-grade readers.
September 19, 2013
Everybody has heard about the Titanic. Most have probably seen the famous movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. But without reading this book, I can bet that few people have heard the first-person accounts of the sinking of the enormous Titanic. In Don Brown’s well-written story of the Titanic, he introduces us to the rich, the famous, the poor, the young, and the old who traveled on the Titanic from England heading to New York in April of 1912. Brown’s artistic talent shines throughout the story. Watercolor illustrations provide the reader with images of everything from the rich passengers adorned in elegant outfits to a woman falling overboard. The story begins at 11 PM while the Titanic’s 2,200 passengers sleep soundly in their beds. As the ship begins to sink, the illustrations begin to show the panic regarding the situation and the desperation on the faces of many people awoken suddenly by the “rumbling, scraping noise” as the ship seemed to go “over a thousand marbles.” while the danger of the situation is apparent in Brown’s use of dark colors, which swallow up pages for a very dramatic effect.
As the story continues, we learn about many smaller incidences that are occurring at the time of the ships descent into the frigid ocean. A couple’s powerful bond to each other prevents them from separating, fearful goodbyes are cried between husbands and wives as the men and women are dispersed among lifeboats, and fights break out between passengers over life belts. The story is well told. It explains things and introduces us to people whose viewpoints we haven’t heard. It takes the reader on the journey among the thousands of people fighting to stay aboard as the ship slowly sinks.
I think this story evokes many emotions in the reader. I was shocked to find out that another ship, the Californian, was close enough to possibly help the Titanic and its doomed passengers, but chose not to. Brown states, “Captain Lord’s inaction of the Californian sparked a controversy: Was his behavior derelict or reasonable? This argument goes on to this day.” This quote could be a great springboard for conversations among students as young as 4th grade. Imagine you are the captain of the Titanic, or maybe captain of the Californian. What would you do? How would you react to knowing your family may never be together again? The topics included in the story make for great discussion and allow students to learn about a piece of history from a new viewpoint, one which provides a more detailed account of the night of April 14, 1912. Unable to put this book down, I think it would find itself read over and over again in any intermediate to middle school classroom.
As the story continues, we learn about many smaller incidences that are occurring at the time of the ships descent into the frigid ocean. A couple’s powerful bond to each other prevents them from separating, fearful goodbyes are cried between husbands and wives as the men and women are dispersed among lifeboats, and fights break out between passengers over life belts. The story is well told. It explains things and introduces us to people whose viewpoints we haven’t heard. It takes the reader on the journey among the thousands of people fighting to stay aboard as the ship slowly sinks.
I think this story evokes many emotions in the reader. I was shocked to find out that another ship, the Californian, was close enough to possibly help the Titanic and its doomed passengers, but chose not to. Brown states, “Captain Lord’s inaction of the Californian sparked a controversy: Was his behavior derelict or reasonable? This argument goes on to this day.” This quote could be a great springboard for conversations among students as young as 4th grade. Imagine you are the captain of the Titanic, or maybe captain of the Californian. What would you do? How would you react to knowing your family may never be together again? The topics included in the story make for great discussion and allow students to learn about a piece of history from a new viewpoint, one which provides a more detailed account of the night of April 14, 1912. Unable to put this book down, I think it would find itself read over and over again in any intermediate to middle school classroom.
January 22, 2019
I've read quite a few books about the Titanic. I often wonder what it is about this mighty ship that so fascinates America? (Perhaps the world, I don't really know what other countries think.) It's very tragic and brings me to tears everytime.
I thought this picture book was well done. It's focused completely on the night the Titanic sank and what happened after they hit the iceberg. I think my students will really enjoy this one. It's not heavy on text and is told in more a story format. I enjoyed the illustrations.
I thought this picture book was well done. It's focused completely on the night the Titanic sank and what happened after they hit the iceberg. I think my students will really enjoy this one. It's not heavy on text and is told in more a story format. I enjoyed the illustrations.
May 26, 2012
All Stations Distress is the true account of the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 2012. The “ship that couldn’t sink” set sail from England, bound for New York City on April 9, 2012. This book is filled with many interesting facts not found in all accounts of the Titanic. For example, did you know it took 23 tons of animal fat, soap, oil, and grease to get Titanic off the slide and into the water? The enormous ship hit an iceberg around 11pm on the night of the April 14th and sunk in the early morning hours of the 15th. There were only enough lifeboats aboard to save half of the passengers, if filled, though many were not.
Crewmembers of the Titanic sent out flares and distress signals to alert nearby ships. These were most likely seen by a nearby boat called the Californian but it’s said that the crew and captain chose to ignore these calls and avoid going into iceberg ridden waters.
One woman lucky enough to get a spot in the lifeboat was a Molly Brown, a wealthy socialite. She apparently became so fed up with the crewmember commanding her lifeboat that she threatened to throw him overboard and decided to take control herself. This book has direct quotes from survivors of the tragedy, and updates on what became of the more well-known ones. One man, Charles Lightoller, survived another sinking during military service in World War I.
Crewmembers of the Titanic sent out flares and distress signals to alert nearby ships. These were most likely seen by a nearby boat called the Californian but it’s said that the crew and captain chose to ignore these calls and avoid going into iceberg ridden waters.
One woman lucky enough to get a spot in the lifeboat was a Molly Brown, a wealthy socialite. She apparently became so fed up with the crewmember commanding her lifeboat that she threatened to throw him overboard and decided to take control herself. This book has direct quotes from survivors of the tragedy, and updates on what became of the more well-known ones. One man, Charles Lightoller, survived another sinking during military service in World War I.
March 23, 2022
These graphic novels were created for kids in the 8-12 age range, which is a much younger audience than I normally shop for. However, I was looking for books for grandkids with upcoming birthdays as well as books for a colleague looking to update his in-class library when I stumbled upon this collection by an author with whom I am familiar. There are more nonfiction works focusing on the Revolutionary War, the Gold Rush, and Abraham Lincoln’s assassination as well as others that are focused on science–viruses, space, geology.
All Stations! Distress! is about the Titanic. It talks about the building of the ship, the makeup of the maiden voyage–particularly the disparity between the first class passengers and those in steerage. Of course it talks about the ship striking the iceberg and the poor decision-making that occurred when abandoning the ship. And he talks about the rescue of the survivors and what happened afterward.
America is Under Attack is about 9/11, but it is different from another of the author’s books, In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers in that it’s focused on what happened on the morning of 9/11 with less about the rescue effort. Some of the images are haunting as they reminded me of those we watched on the television of those massive towers coming down and people running through the clouds of debris pouring from the avalanche.
As he normally does, Don Brown provides the names of the famous and the infamous who were involved, the names of the heroes (some who lived and others who died) and the villains. He also includes information that is not commonly known like the Titanic’s baker climbing the railing like a ladder at the rear of the ship and riding it down, hopping off at the water’s surface. And on 9/11, a police officer was literally blown out of her shoes by the wind created by South Tower’s collapse. 4
All Stations! Distress! is about the Titanic. It talks about the building of the ship, the makeup of the maiden voyage–particularly the disparity between the first class passengers and those in steerage. Of course it talks about the ship striking the iceberg and the poor decision-making that occurred when abandoning the ship. And he talks about the rescue of the survivors and what happened afterward.
America is Under Attack is about 9/11, but it is different from another of the author’s books, In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers in that it’s focused on what happened on the morning of 9/11 with less about the rescue effort. Some of the images are haunting as they reminded me of those we watched on the television of those massive towers coming down and people running through the clouds of debris pouring from the avalanche.
As he normally does, Don Brown provides the names of the famous and the infamous who were involved, the names of the heroes (some who lived and others who died) and the villains. He also includes information that is not commonly known like the Titanic’s baker climbing the railing like a ladder at the rear of the ship and riding it down, hopping off at the water’s surface. And on 9/11, a police officer was literally blown out of her shoes by the wind created by South Tower’s collapse. 4
February 5, 2017
I liked Brown's recount of Hurricane Katrina and wanted to explore more of his work. Even though the outcome was obvious, the writing did create such tension that I barely noticed the art. But when I went back, I noticed that while the art was well done, it wasn't very evocative. Not one person on the sinking ship looked afraid for his or her life. The most emotion shown was a look best resembling a cranky customer in s long store line. Maybe it would have been too traumatic for a children's book? In retrospect, the writing was also lacking in that it felt unfinished. For example, the description of the baker's escape is not well explained as is Ismay's. There are names bandied about but everyone looks the same so it's easy to forget who is who. This book probably creates confusion more than it explains anything.
December 6, 2024
Anything Don Brown touches turns to gold and this "Actual Times" series is going to be one I'll likely read through even though it's older because like any brief, focused series book (and of course anything Brown illustrates and writes about) is sure to have facts I didn't know or presented in a way that is thoughtful to history that I'd want to know.
For instance, the distress call of "all stations! distress!" before the SOS was new. And while I knew the Carpathia was the one to come to the aid, I think I probably knew the California didn't respond, it was reinforcement of an ethical question about whether it was too dangerous to respond or whether it was simply ignored and whether there was culpability.
A worthwhile read with classic Brown illustrations.
For instance, the distress call of "all stations! distress!" before the SOS was new. And while I knew the Carpathia was the one to come to the aid, I think I probably knew the California didn't respond, it was reinforcement of an ethical question about whether it was too dangerous to respond or whether it was simply ignored and whether there was culpability.
A worthwhile read with classic Brown illustrations.
January 27, 2018
Well, I thought this book was a graphic novel, such as The Great Dust Bowl by the same author. It's a picture book directed to younger readers instead.
For kids, I'd say it's extremely interesting. It presents the story of Titanic since it was being built in the shipyard. It tells the story of the sinking and it interweaves real witnesses into the accounts.
The illustrations are good. I mean, I prefer the people-less illustrations because I don't think the author did a good job with depicting people.
I'm not sure I'll read other book by Don Brown. If it's a graphic novel I may read it, but I'm not that interested in picture books.
For kids, I'd say it's extremely interesting. It presents the story of Titanic since it was being built in the shipyard. It tells the story of the sinking and it interweaves real witnesses into the accounts.
The illustrations are good. I mean, I prefer the people-less illustrations because I don't think the author did a good job with depicting people.
I'm not sure I'll read other book by Don Brown. If it's a graphic novel I may read it, but I'm not that interested in picture books.
August 31, 2023
This is a very well researched book about the Titanic and its sinking. I would say it's a good choice for about 3rd to 5th grade, although readers of any age above that could enjoy it. I did. I read many books about Titanic, and found this at the local library.
The illustrations are well done and help bring the story to life.
This is a good choice if you want your child to learn about what happened to Titanic, or if you want to refresh your own understanding of the events. I thought that many details that only someone very familiar with source materials would know were seamlessly included. Very well done.
The illustrations are well done and help bring the story to life.
This is a good choice if you want your child to learn about what happened to Titanic, or if you want to refresh your own understanding of the events. I thought that many details that only someone very familiar with source materials would know were seamlessly included. Very well done.
April 27, 2021
A LOT of words and obviously a bit gruesome. Definitely for kids on the older end of the picture book crowd (my 8 year old “liked” it, as much as you can like a book like this. But he was interested and listened to the whole thing.).
July 7, 2017
I know this is geared towards a younger audience, but it seemed a bit sparse in details, a bit unfinished.
May 19, 2018
Very simple overview of this important maritime disaster. Brought back so many memories of the movie made in the 1980's with Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
July 11, 2018
Great summary of events. Perfect for 5th Graders. Riveting!
August 13, 2018
How do you leave out where it happened?
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February 10, 20193.5
July 17, 2019
Beautiful art, focused on some stories and facts I had not read before.
January 20, 2021
My kindergartner says the Carpathia illustration has an extra smoke stack. Otherwise, very enjoyable :)
December 16, 2021
This was an excellent book. I enjoyed this as did my 6 year old. It gave facts and even words from the survivors. Well paced. Highly recommend for young elementary.
February 28, 2023
Sad thing so many passengers died, even the captain went down with the ship
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2024
A short retelling in picture book form. This captures the flavor of the story told in many other ways and forms. All the pieces are here. And its gripping and then its over.
May 4, 2018
Well written and presented like a story. However very few facts.
November 2, 2023
I read this with my almost 6 year old, and she wants to look at other books I have on the Titanic from my own childhood now (safe to say it sparked an interest). I was also fascinated by the "unsinkable ship" growing up, so sharing in her first exposure to the disaster was nostalgic for me. Overall, it was a good introduction for her age group. There's a lot of the disaster still left for her to learn, but I think this summarized it well. It maybe could have included some additional pages dedicated to describing some of the differences in upper and lower class accommodations, along with the compartment layout to see more visually how the water taken on led to the manner in which it sank. 4.75 stars
October 23, 2022
This is one of Don Brown's earlier books and is aimed at a younger audience than his most recent publications.
Using his traditional artistic style, the pictures seemed a bit young for the text itself. While accurate in terms of describing the events, I feel like this is not the best option for young readers.
Using his traditional artistic style, the pictures seemed a bit young for the text itself. While accurate in terms of describing the events, I feel like this is not the best option for young readers.
April 22, 2019
pretty good with lots of cool things to learn about titanic
February 21, 2012
The Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA) sponsored the creation of a new book award. “The Bluestem Award: Illinois’ 3-5 Children’s Choice Award”, designed for students in grades 3-5, will have an annual reading list that may contain non-fiction, timeless classics as well as current titles, biography, and other diverse and varied content titles appropriate for this age group.
This book has won the Bluestem award. In the spring of 2008, the ISLMA board approved establishing a committee to explore the possibility of a new book award that would fit between the Monarch and Rebecca Caudill Awards. The award is designed for students in grades 3-5 who are ready for longer titles than found on the Monarch list, but not quite ready for the sophistication of some of the Rebecca Caudill titles. Named in honor of Big Bluestem which is the state prairie grass, the award may include both timeless classics and current titles, as well as books that have appeared on Monarch and Rebecca Caudill lists.
This nonfiction book was very informative. The book is about the Titanic. My heart was very saddened to here how the people on the ship were treated. All of the poor patrons drowned. The richer and more established people were allowed to leave the ship on lifeboats first. Men were not allowed to leave at all. Women and children of the more established were able to depart first. How could this be I asked my self. Families were being torn apart. The author allowed me to develop emotions of the people during this time. There was one elderly couple (drawing depicted the age)who refused to be seperated from each other. The life boat left with out her. Children were being thrown in the lifeboats. This book depicted the time and lives of people during this time.
This book has won the Bluestem award. In the spring of 2008, the ISLMA board approved establishing a committee to explore the possibility of a new book award that would fit between the Monarch and Rebecca Caudill Awards. The award is designed for students in grades 3-5 who are ready for longer titles than found on the Monarch list, but not quite ready for the sophistication of some of the Rebecca Caudill titles. Named in honor of Big Bluestem which is the state prairie grass, the award may include both timeless classics and current titles, as well as books that have appeared on Monarch and Rebecca Caudill lists.
This nonfiction book was very informative. The book is about the Titanic. My heart was very saddened to here how the people on the ship were treated. All of the poor patrons drowned. The richer and more established people were allowed to leave the ship on lifeboats first. Men were not allowed to leave at all. Women and children of the more established were able to depart first. How could this be I asked my self. Families were being torn apart. The author allowed me to develop emotions of the people during this time. There was one elderly couple (drawing depicted the age)who refused to be seperated from each other. The life boat left with out her. Children were being thrown in the lifeboats. This book depicted the time and lives of people during this time.
September 13, 2013
Summary - Offers a child friendly account of the sinking of the Titanic and it's aftermath.
Curriculum Connection - One idea I had after reading this was to give students a writing prompt. They could select a passenger, either one mentioned, one the find through research, or a general status such as a third class passenger, and write a journal entry about their experience. Or it could be used to introduce an assignment on writing an informational piece. The length of the writing could adjusted from a paragraph to a page or more based on grade level. The book could also be used to connect to math concepts (how many life boats would have been needed for all 2200 people if 20 can go in each boat etc.).
Personal Reaction - I really enjoyed this book because it discussed specific passengers and gave a clear concise reader-friendly explanation of what lead to the sinking.
Visual Appeal - I liked how the illustrations went from light colors when describing the building of the ship to darker colors as the action picked up and the situation became dangerous. I also liked the use of framing, like a comic book, to depict the action of the ship hitting the iceberg.
Intended Audience - Second to fifth grade, about seven to eleven years old.
Curriculum Connection - One idea I had after reading this was to give students a writing prompt. They could select a passenger, either one mentioned, one the find through research, or a general status such as a third class passenger, and write a journal entry about their experience. Or it could be used to introduce an assignment on writing an informational piece. The length of the writing could adjusted from a paragraph to a page or more based on grade level. The book could also be used to connect to math concepts (how many life boats would have been needed for all 2200 people if 20 can go in each boat etc.).
Personal Reaction - I really enjoyed this book because it discussed specific passengers and gave a clear concise reader-friendly explanation of what lead to the sinking.
Visual Appeal - I liked how the illustrations went from light colors when describing the building of the ship to darker colors as the action picked up and the situation became dangerous. I also liked the use of framing, like a comic book, to depict the action of the ship hitting the iceberg.
Intended Audience - Second to fifth grade, about seven to eleven years old.
August 25, 2011
This book focused on what happened to the people on that fateful day the Titanic met its fate. I think this book was different in that it concentrated on specific people, however, with this book being targeted to younger students, it was hard to remember the names of the people and why they were being written about (captain, lookout man, ship designer, specific passengers, etc.). The author used some difficult vocab words (transatlantuc, astir, pronouncement and other ship-specific vocab words, hull, curled to port, starboard, staterooms). If a student is reading it independently, a teacher or parent may want to go over specific words before and during reading. Otherwise it provides a great vocabulary lesson! The book talks about the lifeboat situation (not being full, women and young children only) as well as another boat that was close by that could have come to the Titanic's rescue but didn't which would lend itself to a good conversation!
This book is a 2011-12 Bluestem nominee.
This book is a 2011-12 Bluestem nominee.
July 7, 2009
This book, with illustrations, is geared towards older grade schoolers. It's easy to read and follow, and well-organized. However, I did catch one factual error; it states that all 52 children who perished were third class. Actually, one first class child, Helen Loraine Allison, 2, died. Also, I've seen different numbers of children from different sources. The book also states that Ismay went on a lifeboat because there were plenty of seats and no one else was getting in. From what I understand, the general consensus now is that he was ordered onto one of the lifeboats. I do like how snippets are given of some of the passengers and crew.
August 26, 2010
A concise re-telling of The Titanic's disastrous journey on April 15, 1912. It begins with the massive construction of the ship and the details of its 'unsinkability'. The errors in judgment and manufacture both contributed to its demise. The watercolor illustrations portray the emotions of that fateful night without garrish or morbid fascination.
All Stations! Distress: April 15, 1912; The Day the Titanic Sank is a appropriate introduction to this tragic event for the younger reader. The facts are presented in a non-overbearing way and yet the lessons learned will stay with the reader.
All Stations! Distress: April 15, 1912; The Day the Titanic Sank is a appropriate introduction to this tragic event for the younger reader. The facts are presented in a non-overbearing way and yet the lessons learned will stay with the reader.
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October 1, 2010This book is abaut a big bout that sink with people.This book
was so sad because people dayng in the bout.That's to personal
to me.This book is non fiction becausem it happen for real.Yn that bout a were a lot of people.Y'm never going a bout like that.When people were talking the bout hit's an ice berg then
it was coming in the water,the helpers got a little bout and sent people in it to save them.This bout was big,it had a lot
of windows and people.Yt was realy big like a billding or a di-
nosau.The bout color was black and white in the bottom.The important thing is the other people were saved.
was so sad because people dayng in the bout.That's to personal
to me.This book is non fiction becausem it happen for real.Yn that bout a were a lot of people.Y'm never going a bout like that.When people were talking the bout hit's an ice berg then
it was coming in the water,the helpers got a little bout and sent people in it to save them.This bout was big,it had a lot
of windows and people.Yt was realy big like a billding or a di-
nosau.The bout color was black and white in the bottom.The important thing is the other people were saved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews