Lifeboat 12 by Susan Hood is based on a true story of survival at sea. In 1940, 13-year-old Kenneth Sparks is sent away from bomb-threatened London to stay with his aunt in Canada. At first, the luxurious ocean liner he’s traveling on, the City of Benares, makes the journey seem like a fun adventure. But, when the ship is hit by German torpedoes, Ken, a handful of other passengers, and a group of sailors are stranded in a lifeboat at sea. The novel is told in verse, which is an unusual choice, but the writing’s propulsive, staccato rhythm, the built-in suspense, and Ken’s compelling voice as a narrator make this a wonderful read. (Chapter Book)