Iceberg

07/07/2023

Iceberg written by Jennifer Nielsen

Hazel is twelve years old. Her father has died, and her family is struggling to make ends meet. Her mother decides to send Hazel to America to work in a factory with her aunt who lives there. Hazel’s income will help provide for her mother and siblings back home in England. Hazel’s mother gives her money for a ticket on the Titanic.

Hazel does not want to work in a factory for long days and very little pay. Her dream is to become a journalist. She feels this could be her chance, if she can write about her journey on board Titanic then maybe someone will print it, maybe she has a chance at something better than a factory job.

Unfortunately, Hazel’s mother has not sent enough money for her ticket, now she must hurry and make a choice. Go back home and miss her chance or stow-away? She chooses to stow away by hiding in a large trunk.

Lucky for Hazel, she befriends a young porter, Charlie who finds her a place to sleep. She befriends a young first-class passenger named Sylvia. Hazel is on a mission to find out as much as possible about the Titanic, the ocean, and icebergs for her article. However, she uncovers a hunting mystery.

This historical fiction title, Iceberg, by Jennifer Nielsen will appeal to young readers. There is enough tension and mystery to keep readers turning the pages. The overarching problem, the famous sinking of the Titanic, will keep readers engaged. Who will survive?

Jennifer Nielsen is a master of historical fiction for middle readers. She has written many engrossing books for kids such as Words on Fire, Resistance, Rescue, Lines of Courage, and a Divided Night. Each book takes a moment in time and tells the story from a kid’s point of view. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.

Pick up your copy of Iceberg here today!

Check out the book trailer for Iceberg video (courtesy of Scholastic).

Reviewed by Nancy Stetzinger, Penworthy’s Product Manager

 

Q& A with Jennifer Nielsen

Q1: What was your favorite book to read as a child? Or favorite genre?

A1: Jennifer’s favorite book to read as a child was The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. It was the first time [Jennifer] understood that [she] could be a regular person from a regular place and choose to be an author.

Q2: If you could have dinner with any writer living or dead, who would it be?

A1: If Jennifer could have dinner with any writer living or dead, she would choose Joan Aiken (Wolves of Willoughby Chase). [Jennifer] would want Joan to know that her books changed who [she] is. Her brave, good character made [Jennifer] want to be more brave, more good.

Q3: What did you want to be when growing up? Did you dream of being a writer?

A3: When [Jennifer] was in first grade, [she] wanted to be an explorer. [Jennifer] remembers her teacher showing her the globe, like, “See? We filled in all the parts!” [Jennifer] was so disappointed – [she] was 500 years too late. Then in fifth grade, [she] wanted to be a detective. [Jennifer] was an odd kid – [she] secretly fingerprinted her whole class, just in case there was a crime. When [Jennifer] got older, [she] wanted to be a teacher. Now as an author, [she] gets to build worlds, then explore them. [She] gets to create the mysteries, then solve them. And all her books teach something. [Jennifer] is right now everything [she] ever wanted to be, simply by being an author.

Q4: What was your favorite subject in school? Do you use it in your books to relate to kids?

A4: Jennifer’s favorite subject in school was theater, which taught [her] so much about writing, ind. dialogue, characterization, and 3 act structure.

Q5: What do you want kids to take away from your book? What message?

A5: [Jennifer] wants kids to read. They will pull from the book whatever they need most. [She] doesn’t need to send a message in her books. [Jennifer] needs to write the story and trust kids to draw from it.