This review for the SLJ was written by Jody Kopple of Shady Hill School, Cambrige MA/
Tags: comics, I Survived, Lauren Tarshis, Scholastic2-6–Like many other popular series, “I Survived” is being adapted into graphic novel format.Tarshis’s tale of terror in the middle of the Atlantic hews closely to the source material. In 1912,10-year-old George is traveling with his little sister and his aunt aboard the Titanic. Restless and a bit mischievous, George finds excitement and meets friends above and below deck. Tension builds as the ship collides with an iceberg and begins to sink. George, his family, and his friends
escape the rising water on the lower levels and make their way to the upper decks, which leads to separation, icy waters, and, ultimately, rescue by the Carpathia. Dark, subdued, inky art sets a
somber tone, while a parade of mostly small panels builds suspense and promises to engage readers. As George explores the ship, the illustrations highlight the enormity of the Titanic, from
George and his family’s lavish first-class quarters to the boiler room to the mail sorting room to the baggage hold. Appended facts about the Titanic and information on real-life passengers let
readers make connections between this fictional story and the actual events. VERDICT This title will be in high demand where the original series circulates well.–Jody Kopple, Shady Hill
School, Cambridge, MA