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LIFEBOAT 5
Based on a True Story
Jacket Illustration by Mike Heath
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781665943246 (hardcover)
A companion book to the award-winning Lifeboat 12
Teachers’ and Reading Group Guide
When Nazi bombs begin to destroy Bess Walder’s hometown of East London, Bess convinces her parents to evacuate her and her younger brother, Louis, to Canada aboard the SS City of Benares. On the journey, she meets another evacuee, Beth Cummings. Bess and Beth have a lot in common—both strong and athletic, both named for Queen Elizabeth, both among the older kids on the ship, and both excited about life in Canada.
On the fifth day at sea, everyone starts to relax, but trouble is right behind them. That night, a Nazi U-boat torpedoes the Benares. As their luxury liner starts to sink, Bess and Beth rush to abandon ship aboard their assigned lifeboat.
This stand-alone companion book to Lifeboat 12 tells the flip side of the SS City of Benares story. Unlike Lifeboat 12 which floated quickly away from the torpedoed ship, Lifeboat 5 swamped and capsized. This story centers on two very real girls, best friends, who held hands over the top of the overturned lifeboat for nearly nineteen hours in the frigid Atlantic Ocean, waiting for rescue.
Based on true events and real people, Lifeboat 5 is about two young girls with the courage to persevere against the odds and the strength to forgive.
Praise for LIFEBOAT 5
School Library Journal in a STARRED review
“This novel-in-verse evokes the raw emotions of a teenager, her curious brother, and the relentless sea all struggling to find peace and safety in this lesser-known tragic World War II nautical event. Extensive research, notes, and photographs offer readers a closer look at understanding the sinking of the Benares and the effects it had on the war effort and survivors. A highly recommended purchase for all libraries who cherished Lifeboat 12 and seek another inspiring true story of a young girl’s extraordinary resilience.”
Kirkus
“This verse novel is inspired by unforgettable real events that will leave a lasting impression on readers. A hopeful story about devastating events written in clear, accessible verse.”
Publishers Weekly
“Beth and Bess—who are based on real-life survivors of the same name, …would forever credit their unshakable friendship for saving their lives. In this gripping, harrowing novel by the author of Lifeboat 12, Hood uses thrilling first-person verse to entrance young readers and deliver a tale of perseverance, fortitude, hope, and companionship.”
Colby Sharp
“Lifeboat 5 is every bit as captivating as its companion Lifeboat 12. I can’t wait to share it with my 5th grade readers. This story is phenomenal. I was falling so hard for these characters. An absolute must-read novel-in-verse. It is so stinking good!”
Author Blurbs
“A thrilling you-are-there survival story of wartime bravery and the unbreakable friendship between two heroic girls. Readers will be riveted from page one.” —Barbara Dee, author of Maybe He Just Likes You and Unstuck
“This poetic rendering captures how love and hope, friendship and the will to survive can conquer all. Susan Hood’s Lifeboat 5 defines the force of the human spirit in one historic moment.” —Lesa Cline-Ransome, author of the Scott O'Dell Winner for Historic Fiction, Finding Langston
“A gripping and meticulously researched WWII escape story of two girls' and their harrowing journey aboard the torpedoed SS City of Benares. Told in heartfelt, fast-paced verse, Lifeboat 5 is an excellent way for young readers to learn about this inspiring historical event." —Veera Hiranandani, author of Amil and The After and Newbery Honoree The Night Diary
"A true story of hope, resilience, and the bonds that save us. In Lifeboat 5, author Susan Hood shines a light on the darkness of war, reminding the reader that friendship is life’s real hero in this powerful telling. An absolute must-read!" —Elly Swartz, author of Hidden Truths
“A captivating read that will engage all kinds of readers with a thrilling adventure story that shows the power of friendship, hope, and forgiveness.” —Lauren Tarshis, author of the I Survived series