Ten-year-old George Calder can't believe his luck—he and his little sister, Phoebe, are on the famous Titanic, crossing the ocean with their Aunt Daisy. The ship is full of exciting places to explore, but when George ventures into the first class storage cabin, a terrible boom shakes the entire boat. Suddenly, water is everywhere, and George's life changes forever.
Did You Know...Fun facts about the Titanic
- The Titanic was 882 feet, 8 inches long (the length of four city blocks), and 92 feet, 6 inches wide (almost the length of a football field).
- The massive ship could carry up to 3,547 people, and had 2,224 passengers on board for its first—and final—trip. However, it only had enough lifeboats to carry 1,178 people.
- On Sunday, April 14, 1912, at 11:40 p.m., the Titanic struck the iceberg that would cause it to sink. It sank 2 hours, 40 minutes later at 2:20 a.m. on Monday, April 15.
- When the Titanic sent out distress signals, the ship the Californian was just 6 miles away. Its radio operator had gone to bed just ten minutes before. Even though the Titanic fired distress flares also, people on the Californian thought they were just having a party.
- The sinking of the Titanic inspired better safety regulations on major shipping vessels. Now, all ships must carry enough lifeboats for every passenger on board. Ships’ radios are manned 24 hours a day. Regular lifeboat drills are held, and speed is reduced in ice, fog, or any other dangerous weather conditions.
